Histological assessment of endometrial polyps resected by hysteroscopy

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to analyze the clinical data and pathologic aspects of endometrial polyps (EMPs) excised completely during surgical hysteroscopy and assess the connection between premalignant and malignant EMPs.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective study includes 489 participants who underwent hysteroscopy due to endometrial polyps, and the clinical features and histological findings of the resected polyps analyzed.

RESULTS

Participants with EMPs were divided into six groups according to histologic findings. The histologic finding of most cases was simple benign endometrial polyp [397 patients (81.2%)]. Malignant polyp was detected in 3 patients (0.6%). The histologic findings according to age, menopausal status, and menstrual bleeding patterns at the time of presentation to the outpatient clinic were compared; however, no significant difference was observed. 237 patients were observed to have menometrorrhagia, which was the most prevalent symptom reported. The distribution of polyp sizes observed at hysteroscopy according to histologic findings was compared, but no significant difference was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

EMPs are often benign but can include premalignant or malignant tissue changes. Hysteroscopy is used for direct observation of the uterine cervix and resection of existing polyps, considering the increasing frequency of its use as a diagnostic and treatment tool.

functional outcome in late adolescence/early adulthood of patients with autism spectrum disorder and its relationships with parental burnout and depression: A preliminary multi-center, cross-sectional study

The aim of this study is to determine the functioning of adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) diagnosed in childhood and depression and burnout levels among their parents. A total of 261 adults with ASDs and their parents were recruited for the study. Both parents completed the Beck Depression and Maslach Burnout Inventories and reported the functioning of their adult offspring with ASDs. Only 5.4 % of our sample reported "good" or "very good" outcomes. The most common psychiatric comorbidities were intellectual disabilities and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Maternal burnout and depression scores were significantly elevated compared to those of fathers. There is an undeniable urgent need for more research to identify the needs of adults and families suffering from ASD. Modifications for those with ASD may have to be made for support in workplaces, achieving driving licenses, using public transportation and attendance at tertiary education.

Depression, anxiety, and sleep quality in childhood onset systemic lupus erythematosus and relationship with brain-derived neurotrophic factor

Background

The association between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is controversial, and no study investigated the clinical associations of BDNF in patients with childhood onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE). In this study, we aimed to investigate the serum levels of BDNF in patients with cSLE and examine whether a relationship of BDNF exists among depression, anxiety, and sleep quality.

Methods

Thirty patients and age-sex matched healthy controls were included. Depression, anxiety, sleep quality and quality of life were assessed by relevant questionnaires. Disease activity was assessed according to the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) and serum BDNF level was measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method.

Results

Serum BDNF level was significantly lower in cSLE patients than healthy controls (21981 vs 29905 pg/mL, p = 0.001) and significantly decreased level was observed in active cSLE (SLEDAI >0), then those with SLEDAI = 0 (17110 vs 26852 pg/mL, p = 0.005). Although the scores of the depression, anxiety, sleep quality and quality of life questionnaires were strongly correlated with each other, no correlation was observed with serum BDNF levels.

Conclusions

In patients with cSLE, serum level of BDNF was significantly decreased compared to healthy controls. Our results suggest that serum BDNF levels were not associated with the presence of anxiety, depression and poor sleep quality and might be dictated by the pathophysiological process of SLE rather than mood disorders.

Traumatic Childhood Experiences and Psychiatric Outcomes of Adolescent Mothers in Turkey

The present study aimed to define the sociodemographic characteristics of adolescent mothers in Turkey as well as to compare their traumatic childhood experiences and their depression and anxiety levels with those of adult mothers. Sixty-eight mothers participated in this cross-sectional study. The frequency of traumatic childhood experiences and the severity of depression and anxiety symptoms among the adolescent mothers were found to be significantly lower than among the adult mothers, except for emotional neglect. The severity of anxiety symptoms was found to be significantly higher in those adolescent mothers who did not intend to become pregnant and who live with their own family or in institutional care than in those who live with their partner and/or his family. This is the first study to evaluate the traumatic childhood experiences of adolescent mothers in Turkey. Further, this cross-sectional study demonstrates that the initial psychiatric assessment of adolescent mothers who intended to become pregnant might reflect their level of psychiatric wellbeing. It is clear that additional policies concerning the prevention of adolescent pregnancy and the follow-up of adolescent mothers need to be developed in Turkey.