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Objective:   We aimed to examine both the expression levels of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) proteins in the placentas of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and control groups by immunohistochemical (IHC) method., Material and Methods:   An experimental case-control study was conducted, including 40 pregnant women complicated with GDM and 40 healthy pregnant women. Placental tissues obtained following cesarean delivery were subjected to routine tissue monitoring. The placental sections were stained with VCAM-1 and HMGB1 immunostains and subjected to IHC examination under a light microscope. H-score (HS) was used to evaluate the results of IHC staining by semi-quantitative analysis. Pathway analysis in Cytoscape software identified GDM-associated proteins within HMGB1 and VCAM-1 interaction networks, followed by GO analysis to explore associated biological processes., Results:   Placental HGMB1 expression was significantly increased in the GDM group compared to the control group (p<0.001). However, placental VCAM-1 expression was found to be statistically similar in GDM and control groups (p=0.584). The shared 19 proteins were identified between HMGB1 and GDM, and 13 between VCAM-1 and GDM, with notable GO biological process terms such as immune system activation for HMGB1 and interleukin-6 regulation for VCAM-1 associated with GDM., Conclusion:   We consider that GDM-related inflammation and oxidative stress may contribute to tissue damage and inflammation by increasing placental HMGB1 expression. The blockade of HMGB1 and its receptors might represent a promising therapeutic approach to control inflammation in GDM. Understanding the distinct roles of HMGB1 and VCAM-1 may provide valuable insights for the development of targeted therapies aimed at mitigating the inflammatory processes associated with GDM and improving maternal and fetal outcomes., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Around 70 percent of cases of Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) etiology remain unexplained. The aim of our study is to contribute to the etiology and genetic background of POI. A total of 37 POI patients and 30 women in the reproductive period were included in this prospective, case-control study between August 2020 and December 2021. The women were examined for 36 genes with next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel. Gene variations were detected in 59.5 percent of the patients in the case group. FSHR p.S680N (rs6166, c.2039 G>A) and FSHR p.A307T (rs6165, c.919 G>A) gene variants, which are most frequently located in exon 10 of the FSHR gene, were detected in both groups. Although it was not found that these gene variants were significantly different between the groups, it was also found that they were significantly different in POI patients under 30 years of age and in those with a family history of POI. Variations were detected in 12 genes in POI patients. Two gene variants ( FGFR1 [c.386A>C, rs765615419] and KISS1 [c.58 G>A, rs12998] ) were detected in both groups, and the remaining gene variants were detected only in POI patients. No differences were detected between the groups in terms of gene variations. However, the gene variations detected only in POI patients may play a role in the etiology of POI.

Background: One of the least common forms of Müllerian anomalies is Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome (HWWS), characterized by uterus didelphys, obstructed hemi-vagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis (OHVIRA). HWWS is also known as OHVIRA syndrome. Patients with OHVIRA syndrome generally present with increasing pelvic pain, dysmenorrhoea, and pelvic mass during puberty, shortly after menarche. These patients may be treated successfully with a minimally invasive method., Case Report: We present three previously asymptomatic patients with OHVIRA syndrome who presented with acute abdomen shortly after menarche. These patients were treated with a minimally invasive method., Conclusion: Patients with OHVIRA syndrome may be treated with minimally invasive method after definitive diagnosis and, laparoscopy and laparotomy should be avoided as much as possible. Minimally invasive treatment modality is not only cost-effective, but also provides symptomatic relief and preserves fertility.

Objective: The study aimed to compare patients with HELLP syndrome who require intensive care and who do not require intensive care and evaluate the factors affecting the length of stay in the intensive care unit., Methods: Patients were divided into two groups as follows: requiring intensive care (group 1) and not requiring intensive care (group 2). The data of both groups were compared in terms of demographic characteristics, transfusion amounts, length of stay in the intensive care unit, maternal complications, and mortality., Results: 14032 births in a tertiary center between 2011 and 2018 were evaluated in this study. During the study period, 342 patients were diagnosed with HELLP, and 32 (9.4%) of these were followed up in the intensive care unit. The length of stay in the intensive care unit was determined as 8.1 (7.2) days on average. Fresh frozen plasma, erythrocyte suspension, apheresis, and random thrombocyte transfusion were observed to be significantly more in group 1 patients. In the regression analysis, the most effective factor was found to be erythrocyte suspension and the length of stay in the intensive care unit was significantly longer in patients who had erythrocyte suspension transfusion. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the area under the curve value for erythrocyte transfusion was 70.6%. When the cutoff value of erythrocyte suspension was 450 (95% CI: 365-681) ml, the sensitivity was 43.8% and the specificity was 91.6%., Conclusion: We think that physicians should be careful that maternal morbidity and mortality may increase as the need for erythrocyte suspension transfusion increases in patients with HELLP syndrome. Minimum transfusion to hemodynamically stable patients can be more suitable in terms of morbidity and mortality in managing patients with HELLP syndrome requiring erythrocyte suspension transfusion. Precautions and measures should be taken in this regard., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Elif Ağaçayak et al.)

Background: Although endometrial polyps are generally benign, there are also risks of malignancy., Objectives: To determine the premalignancy and malignancy prevalence in patients diagnosed with endometrial polyps and to investigate factors affecting premalignancy and malignancy., Methods: In our retrospective study, patients who were diagnosed with endometrial polyp with endometrial samples and who underwent polypectomy by hysteroscopy or hysterectomy within one year were included., Results: Premalignant / malignant histopathological results were detected in 7 (2.8%) patients. There were no statistically significant differences in histopathological results and endometrial sampling indications between premenopausal and postmenopausal patients. Hysterectomy in patients with premalignant/ malignant results and hysteroscopy in patients with benign results were found to be significantly different. There was not a statistically significant difference between patients with benign results and those with premalignant/malignant results in menopausal status, symptoms, status of hormone replacement therapy and endometrial polyp size., Conclusion: The possibility of premalignant/ malignant results in patients diagnosed with endometrial polyps should be kept in mind. The menopausal status, symptoms, sizes of endometrial polyps and whether or not the patient is on hormone replacement therapy should be considered while making the management plan. However, these should not be the decisive factors on their own., (© 2022 Gündüz R et al.)

Background: It has still to be ascertained whether severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in pregnancy is associated with worse maternal and fetal outcomes compared to low risk gestations., Objective: This study aimed to evaluate maternal and perinatal outcomes in high- and low-risk pregnancies complicated by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection., Study Design: This was a multinational retrospective cohort study involving women with laboratory-confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection from 76 centers from 25 countries in Europe, the United States, South America, Asia, and Australia from April 4, 2020, to October 28, 2020. The primary outcome was a composite measure of maternal mortality and morbidity, including admission to the intensive care unit, use of mechanical ventilation, or death. The secondary outcome was a composite measure of adverse perinatal outcome, including miscarriage, fetal loss, neonatal and perinatal death, and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. All outcomes were assessed in high- and low-risk pregnancies. Pregnancies were considered high risk in case of either preexisting chronic medical conditions in pregnancy or obstetrical disorders occurring in pregnancy. The Fisher exact test and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data., Results: A total of 887 singleton pregnancies who tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction of nasal and pharyngeal swab specimens were included in the study. The risk of composite adverse maternal outcomes was higher in high-risk pregnancies than in low-risk pregnancies (odds ratio, 1.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-2.24; P=.035). In addition, women carrying high-risk pregnancies were at higher risk of hospital admission (odds ratio, 1.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-2.04; P=.002), presence of severe respiratory symptoms (odds ratio, 2.13; 95% confidence interval, 0.41-3.21; P=.001), admission to the intensive care unit (odds ratio, 2.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.42-4.88), and invasive mechanical ventilation (odds ratio, 2.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.19-5.94; P=.002). When exploring perinatal outcomes, high-risk pregnancies were at high risk of adverse perinatal outcomes (odds ratio, 1.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.15-2.72; P=.009). However, such association was mainly because of the higher incidence of miscarriage in high-risk pregnancies compared with that in low-risk pregnancies (5.3% vs 1.6%, P=.008); furthermore, there was no difference in other explored outcomes between the 2 study groups. At logistic regression analysis, maternal age (odds ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.22; P=.023) and high-risk pregnancy (odds ratio, 4.21; 95% confidence interval, 3.90-5.11; P<.001) were independently associated with adverse maternal outcomes., Conclusion: High-risk pregnancies complicated by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection were at higher risk of adverse maternal outcomes than low-risk pregnancies complicated by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

This study investigated patients who underwent bilateral hypogastric artery ligation (BHAL) due to postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). Patients who underwent BHAL because of PPH following a conservative treatment were included in this study. Placental abnormalities were referred to as placenta accreta. A total of 130 BHAL procedures took place at the study hospital as a result of PPH. Of these, 39 (30%) were referred to the hospital. The rate of BHAL requirement was 62 out of 10,000 births. Among the 130 patients, the most frequent indication for BHAL was placenta accreta (58.5%). Haematological parameters were poorer among the referral patients. Four of the exitus patients (80%) were referral patients. The mortality rate among the referral patients was 10.25%, whereas this rate was only 1.01% among the patients who gave birth at the hospital. PPH is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. BHAL, with its fertility-preserving features, is a good option that can be employed in all PPH patients. BHAL not only preserves patients' fertility, but it also gives them a higher chance of survival.IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? PPH is a life-threatening condition. Due to the worldwide increase in caesarean sections, placenta accreta has also increased. BHAL is a vital treatment method for PPH. What do the results of this study add? Placenta accreta is one of the most common causes of PPH. Traditional hysterectomy rates can be reduced by replacing this treatment with BHAL in this group of patients. Without early intervention in PPH, a patient's mortality risk can increase by up to 10 times. As research and surgeons' experience grows, PPH can be controlled with treatments with less complex modalities without the need for BHAL. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The need for BHAL should be kept in mind when addressing PPH, especially in cases of placenta accreta. The need for hypogastric artery ligation, which is a more aggressive treatment for the surgical correction of the pathology, can be reduced as surgeons' experience increases. Early intervention and/or referral in cases of PPH is of great importance.

Background: Evaluation of the fallopian tubes are important for infertile patients. The two most important diagnostic procedures used to evaluate tubal patency are hysterosalpingography and laparoscopy., Objectives: To asses the hysterosalpingography and laparoscopy results of patients diagnosed with infertility and investigate the diagnostic value of hysterosalpingography in patients with tubal factor infertility., Methods: The hysterosalpingography and laparoscopy results of 208 patients who presented to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic at Dicle University, Faculty of Medicine between January 2014- January 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. Hysterosalpingography and laparoscopy results were compared with regard to the investigation of the presence of tubal obstruction and of the pelvic structures that could cause tubal obstruction. The specificity, sensitivity, positive, and negative predictive values of hysterosalpingography were computed., Results: The number of patients evaluated was 208. The ratio of primary infertile patients was 57.2% and 42.8% was secondary infertile. Hysterosalpingography was found to have a specificity of 64.6%, the sensitivity of 81.3%, the positive predictive value of 56.4%, and a negative predictive value of 86% in the determination of tubal obstruction., Conclusion: Patients with suspected tubal infertility can primarily be examined using hysterosalpingography in consideration of the invasive nature and the higher complication rate of laparoscopy., (© 2021 Gündüz R et al.)

The objective of this study was to compare the rates of clinical pregnancy after the transfer of vitrified and thawed human embryos on days 3, 4 and 5 of embryonic development. In this retrospective study, the results of 148 embryo transfer cycles, using embryos frozen and thawed over the 3-year period between January 2016 and December 2018 at the Gülhane Training and Research Hospital Department of Gynecology and Obsterics Reproductive Medical Center of the University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey were examined. Following embryo transfer - including 29 dissolved embryos frozen on day 3, 80 frozen on day 4, and 39 frozen on day 5 - results were examined in terms of clinical pregnancy rates. In this study, across all three groups, no significant differences were observed in terms of patient age, the number of oocytes collected, infertility reasons, the number of embryos dissolved, transfer day, or the number of embryos transferred. According to the transfer day, the rates of clinical pregnancy and ongoing pregnancy were significantly higher for embryos frozen on day 4 and transferred on day 5. Significantly higher rates of pregnancy and live birth were determined during in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment with the freezing of human embryos on day 4 and the transfer of those embryos on day 5.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate data on early diagnosis and therapeutic management of rudimentary horn pregnancy (RHP)., Material and Methods: Patients diagnosed with RHP at a tertiary center between for two periods of 2008-2012 and 2013-2018 were analysed retrospectively. We obtained information of patients from hospital electronic archive registration system. Data on demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, gestational age at presentation, presenting symptoms, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic management were noted and analysed by descriptive statistical method. Demographic datas, the complaint of patient's admission to hospital, history of cesarean section, preliminary diagnosis and intraoperative diagnosis were compared between periods of 2008-2012 and 2013-2018., Results: A total of 14 RHP patients were included. Eight (57.1%) of these patients were diagnosed between 2008-2012 (Group 1), whereas six patients (42.9%) were diagnosed between 2013-2018 (Group 2). Rudimentary horn was non-communicating in 13 patients (92.8%). Communicated form was observed in 1 patient in group 1. RHP was diagnosed on the left side in nine patients (64.2%). Six of these patients were observed in group 1 and 3 were in group 2. The pre-rupture diagnosis was made in 10 (71.4%) patients. Six (100%) of 10 patients were in group 2. In addition, in group 1, four patients (50%) experienced intraoperative RHP rupture. RHP was diagnosed before rupture in 2 (33.3%) patients in group 2., Conclusions: It is an indication of advanced ultrasonographic technology as well as increased carefulness on the physician side and raised alertness on the patient side that today both RHP and preoperative rupture of RHP are less frequent. Still, further awareness is required among physicians of the necessity of excision of a rudimentary horn that is detected at the time of C-section.

Objective: To investigate the levels of anti-angiogenic factors, namely sFlt-1 and Netrin-4, in patients with preeclampsia (PE)., Material and Methods: Cord-blood (UC) sFlt-1 and Netrin-4 concentrations were measured in 30 patients with severe PE, 30 patients with PE and 30 control infants and their mothers (MS)., Results: Maternal sFlt-1 levels were significantly higher in the severe PE and PE groups than in the control group. There were no statistical differences among the three groups in maternal and fetal Netrin-4 levels. But Netrin-4 levels were found to be the lowest in the control group and higher in the PE and severe PE groups. The correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between maternal sFlt-1 levels and maternal Netrin-4 levels (p = 0.012, and r = 0.263), maternal sFlt-1 levels and fetal sFlt-1 levels (p = 0.012, and r = 0.263)., Conclusions: There was a positive correlation found between maternal sFlt-1 levels and maternal Netrin-4 levels. We are of the opinion that elevation in levels of Netrin-4 might be secondary to placental hypoxia occurring in PE. The present study led to the consideration of anti-angiogenic biomarkers (sFlt-1 and Netrin-4) on automated platforms for clinical use as an aid in establishing the diagnosis and prognosis of PE.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the maternal serum concentrations of copper (Cu) and ceruloplasmin (CP) in patients with mild preeclampsia, severe preeclampsia, hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome, and to determine their association with the severity of the disease. Methods: This study was carried out at the largest tertiary care health center in the southeast region in Turkey and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dicle University Hospital. A total of 179 pregnant women, including 58 healthy pregnant women and 71 mild preeclampsia, 26 severe preeclampsia, and 24 HELLP syndrome cases classified according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' 2013 guidelines were included in this prospective study. Blood samples were taken from all the pregnant women to evaluate the serum Cu and CP levels. The Cu level was determined via atomic absorption/emission spectroscopy, while the serum CP level was assessed with a nephelometric assay using an automatic image analyzer. Spearman's rank correlation tests were used to determine the correlations between the serum levels of the antioxidative markers and the preeclampsia severity. Results: The mean ± SD of the Cu was 81.2 ± 11.84 µg/dl in the mild preeclampsia cases and 160.2 ± 20.89 µg/dl in the severe preeclampsia cases ( p  < .001). The mean ± SD of the CP was 33.0 ± 4.81 mg/dl in the mild preeclampsia cases and 65.3 ± 9.17 mg/dl in the severe preeclampsia cases ( p  < .001). The Cu and CP levels were significantly higher in the patients with HELLP syndrome, which is an advanced and more severe form of severe preeclampsia, than in the mild and severe preeclampsia patients ( p  < .001 and p  < .001, respectively). Therefore, the serum Cu and CP levels were correlated with the severity of preeclampsia ( r  = 859, p  < .001 and r  = 786, p  < .001, respectively). In addition, there was a positive correlation between the serum Cu and CP levels and the systolic and diastolic blood pressure values and aspartate amino transferase levels (AST), and a negative correlation between the serum Cu and CP levels and the platelet count. Conclusion: This was the first study in which the ceruloplasmin and Cu levels were investigated in HELLP syndrome patients. When considering the results obtained in the present study, there were significant relationships between the Cu, CP levels which are the markers of oxidative stress and the preeclampsia severity.

Objective: The study aims to evaluate the maternal serum and the vaginal fluid levels of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecular (sICAM-1) in pregnant women complicated by preterm prelabour ruptures of membranes (PPROM)., Materials and Methods: The prospective case control study included 34 pregnant women with PPROM and 34 healthy pregnant women. Patients with additional diseases, a smoking habit and vaginal bleeding, as well as those using antibiotics, during the study period were not included in the study. Cervicovaginal fluid and serum samples were taken during the patients' admission. The demographic data, maternal serum and vaginal fluid sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1, C reactive protein (CRP) and leukocyte counts were noted for all pregnant women included in the study. The sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits., Results: In pregnant women with PPROM, the serum leukocyte (mean ± SD =11.41 ± 1.067 versus 9.18 ± 1.56, p < .0001), serum sVCAM-1 (median 771.20 versus 704.60 ng/ml, p < .001), sICAM-1 (mean ± SD 213.10 ± 35.59 ng/ml versus 188.11 ± 37.35 ng/ml, p = .06), vaginal sVCAM-1 (median 208.00 versus 140.20 ng/ml, p = .014) and sICAM-1 (mean ± SD 32.32 ± 6.49 ng/ml versus 24.87 ± 6.79 ng/ml, p < .001) values were found to be significantly higher in pregnant women with PPROM than in healthy pregnant women. A positive and significant correlation was observed between the leukocyte count and the vaginal sVCAM-1 level (r = 0.850; p < .001)., Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating the levels of sICAM-1 in maternal serum in pregnant women with PPROM. The maternal serum and vaginal fluid sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 levels can be used as biochemical markers supporting the PPROM diagnosis because of the increase in both maternal serum and vaginal fluid sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 levels in pregnant women with PPROM.

Objective: Habitual abortion (HA) is defined at least three consecutive pregnancy losses. One of the etiologic causes is parental chromosomal anomalies. In this study, we aimed to that investigate the effect of parental chromosomal abnormalities on HA., Methods: The cytogenetic results of patients with at least three abortions referred to our university hospital between January 2010 - March 2017 were evaluated. A total of 1154 couples with HA were analysed. Peripheral lymphocyte cultures incubated for 72 h were used for karyotype analysis via the Giemsa banding technique., Results: Of a total 1154 couples (2308 patients) 37 female (3.2%) and 17 male (1.47%) had abnormal karyotypes. Reciprocal translocation carriage (n = 26; 1.12%) was the most commonly detected structural anomaly, followed by X chromosome mosaicism (n = 16; 0.69%),Robertsoniantranslocation (n = 9; 0.38%), Chromosomal inversion (n = 6; 0.26%). Chromosomal polymorphisms, which are considered minor chromosomal changes, were detected in 221 (9.57%) individuals., Conclusion: Our study exhibits that chromosomal analysis in patient with HA is an appropriate approach to elucidate the aetiology of HA. Data from cytogenetic screening can be used in guiding couples planning future pregnancies and in prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal anomalies in the foetus., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.)

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate whether increased intra-abdominal pressure caused by pelvic inflammation and frequent use of the Valsalva maneuver increases the incidence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) among female patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS)., Methods: Thirty-nine patients diagnosed as having AS through the use of the modified New York criteria, 47 patients with chronic low-back pain (CLBP), and 38 healthy controls (HCs) were included in this study. All the patients and the HCs underwent thorough physical and gynecological examinations. Pelvic organ prolapse was graded blindly by a gynecologist. Presence or absence of cystocele (CS), rectocele (RC), and uterine prolapse (UP) was noted., Results: The incidences of CS, RC, and UD were significantly higher among the AS patients compared with the HCs (p = 0.001, 0.026, and 0002, respectively). The incidences of CS (p = 0.042) and UD (p = 0.017) were significantly higher among the AS patients compared with the CLBP patients., Conclusions: The incidence of POP is higher among patients with AS compared with normal population. These patients should be questioned about the symptoms of POP and recommended, if necessary, regular gynecological examinations, as well as specific exercises including those targeting AS.

Objectives: The study aimed to examine the predisposing factors that play a role in the development of complications in patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy., Material and Methods: This retrospective analysis was performed on data provided from 239 patients who underwent vaginal hysterectomy due to uterine prolapse at a single centre between January 2008 and August 2018. Complications were defined according to Clavien-Dindo classification of complications. The patients were divided into two groups: with and without complications. We built a model using multivariable logistic regression to examine the relationships between complications and five candidate predictors., Results: Intra/postoperative complications developed in 30 patients, and the complication rate was found to be 12.5%. 87.2% of the reported complications were classified as Grade ≤ 2 according to Clavien-Dindo system. It was found that complications were associated with factors such as intraoperative concurrent salpingo-oophorectomy [Odds ratio (OR): 1.24 (1.1-1.4)], low preoperative haemoglobin [OR: 0.96 (0.94-0.98)], uterine weight [OR: 2.69 (2.62-2.76)], and long operation time [OR: 1.04 (1.02-1.07)]. History of pelvic surgery was not found to increase complication rate [OR: 1.11 (0.96-1.27), p = 0.13]. Our multiple logistic regression model correctly classified 74% of participants within the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve., Conclusions: Preoperative anaemia, large uterus and concomitant adnexectomy were found to be factors associated with complications during and after vaginal hysterectomy for pelvic organ prolapse.

Objectives: To determine the clinical differences and factors affecting early pregnancy outcome in the first and early secondtrimester subchorionic hematoma cases., Material and Methods: This study involved with the retrospective analysis and evaluation of 81 cases diagnosed withsubchorionic hematoma. The patients were grouped according to the gestational periods, symptoms at the time of admission,ratio of surrounding hematoma to the gestational sac, and whether there was a pregnancy loss. The groups werecompared according to the clinical features and pregnancy outcomes., Results: The ratio of surrounding hematoma to the gestational sac in the group with pregnancy loss was significantly higher(p = 0.002). When the cut-off value was 35.5%, it could determine the possibility of a complication in pregnancy with 70%sensitivity and 75% specificity. Nonspecific pelvic pain were significantly higher in the pregnancy loss group than in theother group. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the effect of these two parameters on the pregnancyoutcome. Although the presence of non-specific pelvic pain is more in the group with pregnancy loss; there was no effectof on pregnancy outcome (p = 0.141). The risk of pregnancy loss increased 4.5 fold if the ratio of ScH to gestational sacwas above 35% (p = 0.027)., Conclusions: In the cases of subchorionic hematoma, we concluded that when the ratio of surrounding hematoma tothe gestational sac increased and when it was accompanied by nonspecific pelvic pain, the hospitalization period of thepatients increased and the ratio of pregnancy loss was higher.

BACKGROUND Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH), or secondary hypogonadism, results from reduced secretion of gonadotropins, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), by the pituitary gland, resulting in lack of production of sex steroids. The aim of this study was to evaluate self-reported sexual function in sexually active women with and without HH using two evaluation methods, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). MATERIAL AND METHODS The study recruited 88 women who attended an outpatient in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinic in Turkey for primary infertility, between August 2013 and August 2016. All patients were sexually active with an age that ranged from 20-41 years. Following an initial examination, including measurement of FSH and LH levels, all study participants were asked to complete the FSFI and BDI self-reporting questionnaires. Patients were divided into Group 1 (with HH) (N=42) and Group 2 (the control group) (N=46). RESULTS Analysis of the patient responses to questions regarding their sexual function in the FSFI and BDI showed that of the 42 patients in Group 1 (the HH group), 27 patients (64.28%) reported sexual dysfunction; of the 46 patients in Group 2 (the control group) 14 patients (30.34%) reported sexual dysfunction. Analysis of the FSFI lubrication scores and orgasm scores showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups (both, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Women with HH require both physical and psychological support to improve their sexual function, self-esteem, mental health, and quality of life.

BACKGROUND Thrombophilic gene polymorphism is known to be a risk factor for recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), but few studies have confirmed a possible role of thrombophilic genes polymorphism in RPL risk. This study was conducted to understand the relationship of the mutations of some thrombophilia-associated gene polymorphism (heterozygous/homozygous) with RPL. We compared patients with 2 abortions to patients with 3 or more abortions among Turkish women. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this study, patients previously diagnosed with habitual abortus at Obstetrics and Gynecology outpatient clinics in Turkey between 2012 and 2016 were included. In their peripheral blood, we detected factor V Leiden H1299R, prothrombin G20210A, MTHFR C677T, MTHFR A1298C, PAI-1 4G/5G, and PAI-1 4G/4G gene mutations. RESULTS In this study, we have observed statistically meaningful data (P<0.01) related to the relationship between RPL and thrombophilia-associated gene polymorphisms such as heterozygous factor V Leiden H1299R, heterozygous prothrombin G20210A, PAI-1 4G/5G, and PAI-1 4G/4G. CONCLUSIONS We found that diagnosis of thrombophilic genes polymorphism is useful to determine the causes of RPL, recognizing that this multifactorial disease can also be influenced by various acquired factors, including reproduction-associated risk factors and prolonged immobilization.

Objectives: The most important step in laparoscopic surgery is to safely establish the pneumoperitoneum, especially since approximately half of the complications occur during the initial entry into the abdomen. There is a distinct need to modify the available methods to reduce therate of adverse events in laparoscopic entry. In this study, a modified Veress technique (MVT) or Evsen method is introduced.The aim of this article was to present a modified Veress technique for establishing the pneumoperitoneum., Material and Methods: The study was conducted at the Dicle University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, from September 2016 to May 2017. A new laparoscopic entry technique was introduced and compared with the classical Veress technique. A total of 40 cases were included in the study. MVT and the classical Veress method were applied to 26 and 14 patients, respectively., Results: The pneumoperitoneum was established at the first attempt in 23 (88.5%) MVT patients and in 7 (50%) patients from the classical Veress method group. The number of insufflation attempts to establish a successful pneumoperitoneum was lower using MVT and the difference was statistically significant (p: 0.022). As far as time is concerned, a comparison between the groups revealed that the pneumoperitoneum was established in a statistically significantly shorter time using MVT (p < 0.00)., Conclusions: The modified Veress technique proved to be superior to the classical Veress method for establishing the pneumoperitoneum. Using the new method, the pneumoperitoneum was established after fewer attempts and in a shorter time.

Aim: The present study aimed to determine the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), and vitamins B1 and B2 in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) patients, and to evaluate if these were involved in the pathophysiology of the disease., Methods: The prospective randomized study included 35 pregnant patients who were admitted to the Gynecology and Obstetrics Polyclinic, Faculty of Medicine at Dicle University and who were diagnosed with ICP (Group 1), and 40 healthy pregnant women who were admitted in the same period and who had no systemic diseases that might complicate the pregnancy during the pregnancy follow-up (Group 2). Serum lipid levels and vitamins B1 and B2 were determined and compared, and statistical comparisons of the groups were made., Results: There was no difference between the TG levels of the two groups (P=0.631). Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and vitamin B1 and B2 levels were higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 (P=0.001, P=0.001, P=0.001, P=0.001, and P=0.032, respectively)., Conclusions: Increased levels of vitamins B1 and B2 may indicate a need for increased energy metabolism at the fetus. So we believe that new studies are required, which will be supported by the placental analyses of the pyruvate and lactate levels in maternal blood at delivery and fetal cord blood in order to develop a better understanding on the fetal effects of energy metabolism.

Aim: We aimed to measure the extent of oxidative stress experienced during labor by the neonates of pregnant women undergoing induced or spontaneous birth and to compare the effects of induced labor on fetal well-being., Methods: Sixty-four healthy pregnant women referring to the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Dicle University Medical Faculty between October 2010 and May 2011 were included in this comparative study. Pregnant women undergoing induced labor by oxytocin were group 1 and those without labor induction were group 2. Post-partum Apgar score was calculated at 1 and 5 min and measurements of weight and height of the neonates were carried out. After the fetal cord was clamped, 5 cm 3 blood was drawn into a plain tube without anticoagulant. The samples were centrifuged at 5000 r.p.m. for 5 min. Separated sera were transferred to Eppendorf tubes and were stored at -80 C° until the analysis time., Results: The complete blood counts and biochemistry results indicated that there were no statistically significant differences in regards to diseases between the two groups. Nitric oxide and asymmetrical dimethylarginine values of the two groups were not significantly different; however, there were statistically significant differences in the malondialdehyde, paraoxonase, total antioxidative status, and total oxidative status values of the two groups (respectively, P = 0.005, P = 0.006, P = 0.008, and P = 0.007)., Conclusion: We observed that oxytocin-induced labor increases stress markers but does not affect Apgar scores. Oxidative stress in pregnant women may trigger antioxidative mechanisms. Prospective studies in larger cohorts are needed to better understand the impact of oxytocin-induced labor on pregnant women and neonates., (© 2017 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.)

Background: The optimal surgical management and staging of borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) are controversial. Institutions have different surgical approaches for the treatment of BOTs. Here, we performed a retrospective review of clinical characteristics, surgical management and surgical outcomes, and sought to identify variables affecting disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with BOTs., Methods: A retrospective review of ten gynecological oncology department databases in Turkey was conducted to identify patients diagnosed with BOTs. The effects of type of surgery, age, stage, surgical staging, complete versus incomplete staging, and adjuvant chemotherapy were examined on DFS and OS., Results: In total, 733 patients with BOTs were included in the analysis. Most of the staged cases were in stage IA (70.4 %). In total, 345 patients underwent conservative surgeries. Recurrence rates were similar between the conservative and radical surgery groups (10.5 % vs. 8.7 %). Furthermore we did not find any difference between DFS (HR = 0.96; 95 % confidence interval, CI = 0.7-1.2; p = 0.576) or OS (HR = 0.9; 95 % CI = 0.8-1.1; p = 0.328) between patients who underwent conservative versus radical surgeries. There was also no difference in DFS (HR = 0.74; 95 % CI = 0.8-1.1; p = 0.080) or OS (HR = 0.8; 95 % CI = 0.7-1.0; p = 0.091) between complete, incomplete, and unstaged patients. Furthermore, receiving adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) for tumor stage ≥ IC was not an independent prognostic factor for DFS or OS., Conclusions: Patients undergoing conservative surgery did not show higher recurrence rates; furthermore, survival time was not shortened. Detailed surgical staging, including lymph node sampling or dissection, appendectomy, and hysterectomy, were not beneficial in the surgical management oF BOTs.

Objective: The purpose of the present study is twofold: (a) to investigate the etiology of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) caused by obstetrical conditions and (b) to present parameters that can be used in predicting DIC-related mortality in obstetrical patients., Material and Method: Obstetrical patients who had a delivery at or were referred (after delivery) to Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic of Dicle University between July 2006 and December 2013 were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Those patients diagnosed with DIC were included in the study., Results: Fifty-six obstetrical patients carrying the diagnosis of DIC were included in this study. The overall mortality rate was 25% among these patients. More specifically, the mortality rate was 10.7% among patients with a DIC score ≤5 and 40.7% among those with a DIC score > 5. Multiple logistic regression analysis resulted in the finding that international normalized ratio (INR) and urea were among those factors affecting mortality in obstetrical DIC [OR: 8.44 (CI: 1.9-36.8), OR: 1.05 (CI: 1.0-1.1), respectively]., Conclusion: DIC is a syndrome that might be caused by obstetrical conditions. It is associated with high mortality and morbidity rates. In obstetrical DIC, urea is the most important factor affecting mortality. In addition, we are of the opinion that DIC score might guide mortality predictions as a determinant of prognosis.

Objective: The aim of this study was to elucidate the etiology and treatment of primary ovarian insufficiency, which is of unknown cause in 95% of the cases., Materials and Methods: Thirty patients aged 18-40 years who presented to Dicle University Faculty of Medicine Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology between June 2012 and January 2014 and were diagnosed as having primary ovarian insufficiency based on their clinical and endocrinologic data, and 30 healthy controls were included in this study., Results: No significant differences were found between patients with primary ovarian insufficiency and control subjects in demographic data and lipid profile levels, thyroid- stimulating hormone, prolactin, and glucose. However, the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, and oxidative stress index were significantly higher in patients with primary ovarian insufficiency than in control subjects. In the correlation analysis, follicle-stimulating hormone exhibited a positive correlation with total oxidant status, oxidative stress index, and the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (r=0.573** p<0.001, r=0.584** p<0.001, r=0.541 p<0.001, respectively) and correlated negatively with total antioxidant status (r=-0.437** p<0.001)., Conclusion: The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, total oxidant status, and oxidative stress index levels are elevated in primary ovarian insufficiency. Therefore, anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory treatment might be administered to patients in the early stage of primary ovarian insufficiency. However, larger studies are needed to clarify whether these elevated levels are a cause or a consequence of primary ovarian insufficiency., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: No conflict of interest was declared by the authors.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to examine the positive and negative predictive value in the diagnosis of premalignant and malignant lesions of cervical colposcopy, the sensitivity and specificity of smear, and to evaluate the correlation with histopathology of abnormal cytology and colposcopy. MATERIAL AND METHODS The criteria for inclusion of patients with unhealthy cervix in the study were: Erosion, Chronic cervicitis, and Healed lacerations, Hypertrophied cervix, bleeding on touch, suspicious growth/ulcer/polyp on the cervix, and abnormal discharges from the cervix. Women with frank carcinoma cervix, pregnant females, patients with bleeding per vaginum at the time of examination, and those who had used vaginal medications, vaginal contraceptives or douches in the last 48 h of examination were excluded from the study. Demographic analysis was performed for 450 patients who were admitted to the clinic. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive values of patients to identify cervical pathologies of smear and colposcopy were histopathologically calculated. The statistical software package SPSS 15.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) and Spearman's and Chi-Square tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS Sensitivity, specificity, PPD and NDP of smear were 0.57%, 0.76%, 0.26%, 0.92% respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, PPD and NDP of colposcopy were 0.92%, 0.67%, 0.52%, 0.96% respectively. A statistically significant correlation was found between abnormal cytology and histopathology, and abnormal colposcopy finding and histopathology. CONCLUSIONS Women with clinical diagnosis of unhealthy cervix should be evaluated by cytology to detect any premalignant or malignant lesions. It was concluded that Pap smear, colposcopy and histopathology should be collectively evaluated to evaluate cervical findings in low socio-economic regions.

Objective: To evaluate the maternal and fetal demographic features and clinical aspects of twin pregnancies with single intrauterine demise., Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in Dicle University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics between January 2008 and December 2013. There were a total of 594 twin deliveries in our hospital between the given dates. Twenty-nine of these cases were referred to our hospital by another health center because of a preliminary diagnosis of single intrauterine demise. Maternal age, parity, chorionicity, week of fetal death, gestational week at delivery, mode of delivery, birth weight, Activity, pulse, grimace, appearance, respiration scores, maternal fibrinogen levels at delivery and during pregnancy, stay in the neonatal intensive care unit, and obstetric complications were explored in these 29 cases of single intrauterine demise., Results: The mean age of the 29 patients who were provided antenatal follow-up and delivery services in our hospital was 29.9±6.5 years. Thirteen (44.8%) of the patients were monochorionic, whereas 16 (55.2%) were dichorionic. Intrauterine fetal death occurred in the first trimester in 6 pateints and in the second or third trimester in 23. In addition, 20 (69%) patients underwent cesarean section, whereas 9 (31%) had spontaneous vaginal delivery. Lastly, none of the patients had a maternal coagulation disorder., Conclusion: Twin pregnancies with single intrauterine death can lead to various complications for both the surviving fetus and the mother. Close maternal and fetal monitoring, and proper care and management can minimize complications.

Objective: To compare ''vaginal hysterectomy alone'' with ''vaginal hysterectomy with prophylactic unilateral sacrospinous ligament fixation'' in terms of intraoperative complications and 1-year anatomic outcomes and symptoms in patients aged over 50 years who presented with stage 3 or 4 pelvic organ prolapse (POP)., Materials and Methods: Thirty-five patients underwent vaginal hysterectomy alone and 32 patients underwent vaginal hysterectomy with unilateral sacrospinous ligament fixation because of benign pathology between January 2012, and June 2014, were retrospectively analyzed in this study. The patients' demographic data and preoperative and intraoperative findings were obtained from the hospital records and noted. The patients were invited by phone to a follow-up visit to assess their 1-year anatomic outcomes and symptoms., Results: There was no significant demographic difference between the patients who underwent vaginal hysterectomy alone and those who had a vaginal hysterectomy with sacrospinous ligament fixation. Both length of operation and hospital stay were significantly longer in the patients who underwent vaginal hysterectomy with sacrospinous ligament fixation (p<0.001); intraoperative complications requiring blood transfusion were also significantly more frequent in these patients compared with the patients who underwent vaginal hysterectomy only (p=0.048). Recurrence of vaginal vault prolapse was significantly more frequent in the patients with vaginal hysterectomy alone compared with those who had both vaginal hysterectomy and sacrospinous ligament fixation (p=0.035)., Conclusion: Unilateral sacrospinous ligament fixation might be added to vaginal hysterectomy in patients with stage 3 or 4 POP who are predicted to have long survival times. However, further studies with a larger sample size are needed in this area of research., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: No conflict of interest was declared by the authors.

Objective: To investigate histopathological and immunohistochemical changes in the Fallopian tube structure following ovarian torsion., Study Design: Thirty fertile, female, adult Wistar albino rats, weighing 200-220 g, were randomly divided into 3 equal groups (n = 10): sham, torsion, and detorsion. In the torsion and detorsion groups, bilateral adnexal torsion (3-hour ischemia) was carried out. Bilateral adnexal detorsion (3-hour reperfusion) was performed in the detorsion group. Fallopian tube sections were stained hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, Mallory-Azan and immunohistochemically-stained desmin, α smooth actin, and CD68 antibodies., Results: In the sections of the ischemic group, degeneration of epithelium, loss of cilia, dilation of blood vessels, and hemorrhages were observed. Image analysis of the studied Fallopian section revealed a significant decrease in density of desmin in the torsion group. Moreover, strong positive cytoplasmic CD68 expression was observed in the torsion group., Conclusion: The use of effective antiinflammatory treatments may contribute to the conservative surgery in preservation of ovarian reserve and tubal structure.

Lymphangioma circumscriptum (LC) is a benign dilation of lymph channels localized to the skin and subcutaneous tissues. It is generally localized in mouth mucosa, tongue, proximal regions of arms and legs, groin, axilla, and trunk. Primary vulvar involvement is very rare. Vulvar involvement occurs in various clinical settings. Here, two uncommon cases with giant lymphangioma circumscriptum mimicking genital warts will be presented: a 55-year-old female patient with extensive lymphangiectasic lesions and genital wart-like papular lesions in the vulva secondary to diffuse scrofuloderma scars and a 60-year-old female patient with verruca-like lesions secondary to chronic inflammation.