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Introduction: This Expert Opinion covers recent updates in the use of Inositol in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and type II diabetes and gives support to researchers and clinicians., Areas Covered: This article discusses the role of Myo-Inositol (MI) and D-Chiro-Inositol (DCI) in physiological function, the use of MI in PCOS, the risks of using DCI in reproductive conditions, the 40:1 combination of MI/DCI in PCOS. Furthermore, we discuss the issues of insulin resistance and how α-lactalbumin may increase the intestinal bioavailability of MI. The paper then transitions to talk about the use of inositols in diabetes, including type II diabetes, Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), and double diabetes. Literature searches were performed with the use of PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science between July and October 2023., Expert Opinion: Inositol therapy has grown in the clinical field of PCOS, with it demonstrating an efficacy like that of metformin. The use of α-lactalbumin has further supported the use of MI, as issues with intestinal bioavailability have been largely overcome. In contrast, the effect of inositol treatment on the different PCOS phenotypes remains an outstanding question. The use of inositols in type II diabetes requires further study despite promising analogous data from GDM.

Endometrial cancer is the most common carcinoma of the female genital organs and cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. The aim of this review is to evaluate the role of laparoscopic hysterectomy in patients with endometrial and cervical cancer in this period, and analyze the outcome of hysterectomy in terms of survival. Moreover, we present the historical background, new techniques, the anatomical features, and surgical steps of radical hysterectomy. According to new evidence, minimally invasive surgery in patients with cervical cancer is associated with higher rates of recurrence and mortality compared to the open approach. Despite the numerous explanations offered for this phenomenon, the reasons for these results are unclear. Additional large trials have been launched to reevaluate the above-mentioned data. On contrary, the laparoscopic approach provides surgical outcomes and similar survival rates as open surgery in patients with early endometrial carcinoma. Furthermore, the radicality of hysterectomy does not influence local recurrence rates or overall survival in cases with complete surgical removal of the tumor. A laparoscopic radical hysterectomy is no longer an option in patients with cervical cancer. When minimally invasive surgery is offered, the patients must be counseled in detail about the current debate.

Robotic-assisted surgery has gained widespread acceptance in the surgical community and appears to be the most rapidly developing sector of minimally invasive surgery. However, robotic surgery has been viewed as a development of, or alternative to, laparoscopic surgery and not necessarily as a superior technology. The advantages of MIS over open surgery apply to robotic-assisted surgery as well. Nevertheless, conflicting data have been published about the advantages and disadvantages of robotic-assisted and laparoscopic surgery. In the last few years, robotic-assisted surgery has been used for various gynecological procedures such as hysterectomy, lymphadenectomy, myomectomy, sacrocolpopexy or endometriosis operations. In the present review, we analyze the current use of robotic-assisted surgery and its efficiency in gynecology. Patient-based outcomes, such as quality of life and outcomes in morbidly obese patients are also addressed. The potential benefits of single-port robotic-assisted surgery are discussed. Most of the studies published so far state that robotic-assisted surgery does not essentially improve the surgical outcome compared to conventional laparoscopic surgery. However, randomized studies are scarce. Ongoing technological progress over the next few years may improve robotic-assisted techniques and thus optimize the patient's treatment.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of Pipelle endometrial sampling and to explore factors influencing Pipelle success rate in the clinical settings of Kazakhstan. This prospective analysis included 87 patients who had undergone Pipelle biopsy due to medical indications for endometrial sampling. We analysed physician and patient-related factors potentially influencing the success rate of this method. Pipelle endometrial biopsy overall success rate was 82.76%. The indications for the procedure and patients' age were key factors influencing Pipelle sampling success ( p  < .001). The success rate was the highest in the group with abnormal uterine bleeding as a biopsy indication in the reproductive age group (93.19%; p  < .001).Pipelle biopsy was found to be an acceptable option for endometrial sampling in our clinical setting; at the same time, physicians should consider the potential influencing factors on its success rate like indications for the procedure, BMI and patients' age as well as their menopausal status. In order to provide precise future directions, there is a need to study a larger number of patients.IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? Compared to dilation and curettage sampling conducted in the operation room, Pipelle endometrial sampling is relatively inexpensive, associated with less morbidity, safe, accurate, and can be performed in an office setting. What do the results of this study add? This is the first prospective data analysis about Pipelle endometrial sampling in Kazakhstani population. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Enabling the timely diagnosis of current endometrial pathology, Pipelle endometrial sampling approach may have an important impact on healthcare safety and efficiency, and improve overall treatment outcomes and the quality of life of Kazakhstani population if used consistently.

We performed a retrospective cohort study, namely "Surgery and ART for Endometriomas" (SAFE) trial (Clinical Trial ID: NCT03717870), including women who underwent laparoscopic cystectomy for endometrioma before first IVF and compared their reproductive outcomes with the ones of women without endometriosis and with unexplained infertility, tubal factor or male factor infertility. We found that women who underwent previous laparoscopic cystectomy for endometrioma had higher FSH and LH levels between the 2nd and 5th day of the cycle before IVF, required higher doses of gonadotrophins for ovarian stimulation and had a lower number of retrieved oocytes compared with other types of infertility. Nevertheless, pregnancy and delivery rates remain comparable to other causes of infertility. In addition, differences in ovarian stimulation parameters between endometriosis and other types of infertility lost significance with the increase of women's age. These pieces of information can be considered useful to make adequate counselling about reproductive outcomes for infertile women with ovarian endometriomas and allow a proper decision-making approach shared with the patient.IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? Although endometriomas are common findings in infertile women, whether they should be surgically removed before an in vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a long-lasting debate, and current evidence does not offer a robust background to draw firm recommendations. What do the results of this study add? Women who underwent previous laparoscopic cystectomy for endometrioma need higher doses of gonadotrophins for ovarian stimulation and have a lower number of retrieved oocytes, compared with other types of infertility. Pregnancy and delivery rates remain comparable to other causes of infertility. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? These pieces of information can help to make adequate counselling about reproductive outcomes for infertile women with ovarian endometriomas and allow a proper decision-making approach shared with the patient.

Introduction: The use of mesh for vaginal repairs is currently problematic and as a consequence, there is increased interest in native tissue repair. We describe the follow-up data of a sub-analysis of a prospective and multi-center study focusing on the combination of pectopexy and native tissue repair. Patients were followed up for 12-18 months after surgery (+ SD: 15). Two-hundred and sixty-four patients attended the clinics for physical examination and were integrated into the follow-up. Cystocele repair was performed laparoscopically in 84 patients and vaginally in 52 patients. Posterior repair was performed vaginally in 40 patients and laparoscopically in 53 patients., Results: Clinical success rate, patient recommendations and patient satisfaction rates were similar in both groups. The laparoscopic anterior repair resulted in an 89% cure or anatomical improvement rate; this compared to 94.2% for the vaginal approach. In the posterior group, laparoscopy resulted in a 94.3% cure or improvement rate compared to 97.5% in the second group., Conclusions: The outcomes of both strategies showed satisfactory results in our study. Consequently, surgeons may choose between the two strategies according to their preference and skill. The two approaches only differed with regard to vaginal scarring. We suggest future research investigating the long-term impact of scarring.

The lymph node status of patients with endometrial cancer is known to be a crucial determinant for the prognosis of the disease. It also provides the indication for further adjuvant treatment. The staging of endometrial cancer by surgery has been a controversial issue for more than 30 years. The significant complication rate after lymphadenectomy and the development of minimally invasive surgery have led to the use of sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping. In the present review, we present the development of surgical staging procedures in patients with endometrial cancer and summarize the recently expanding body of published literature on the subject. SLN mapping is a safe and accurate technique, especially when indocyanine green is used as a tracer. SLN mapping appears to reduce complication rates as well as costs without affecting the oncologic outcome. Large prospective studies are needed to establish the effects of SLN mapping on the outcome of disease, especially in high-risk patients with endometrial cancer. Furthermore, the need for additional systematic lymphadenectomy prior to adjuvant radio-chemotherapy in patients diagnosed with isolated lymph node metastasis during SLN biopsy must be investigated further. This might pave the way for a new surgical approach in patients with endometrial cancer.

Introduction: Despite the significant advantages of morcellation, it may be associated with severe complications. We aimed to determine both direct and indirect complication rates of morcellation at gynecological laparoscopy., Material and Methods: This multicenter retrospective study included patients traced from 2008 to 2017. We identified women who underwent an operation with the use of electromechanical power morcellation (EMM) or vaginal manual morcellation during laparoscopy. Clinical records, intraoperative-postoperative outcomes were reviewed., Results: We analyzed 1795 patients who underwent laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LASH), total hysterectomy (TLH), or myomectomy (45.5%, 14.2%, and 40.3%, respectively). No severe intraoperative complications associated with morcellation or parasitic leiomyoma were observed. Patients with unexpected sarcoma were detected in five cases (0.28%). Four of them were detected after LASH and one after vaginal manual morcellation following TLH, who had an intraabdominal recurrence and died after 18 months. The patients after LASH underwent secondary laparotomy for staging; no histological dissemination of sarcoma was observed, however two had a recurrence. The five-year survival rate was 80%., Conclusions: There is a small risk of intraoperative complications or unexpected malignancy following morcellation, provided the surgeon adheres to regular surgical standards. In patients with a normal size uterus, TLH could be preferred over LASH to avoid morcellation.

Introduction: Myo-inositol (MI) and d-chiro-inositol (DCI) play a key role in ovarian physiology, as they are second messengers of insulin and gonadotropins. Ex-vivo and in-vitro experiments demonstrate that both isomers are deeply involved in steroid biosynthesis, and that reduced MI-to-DCI ratios are associated with pathological imbalance of sex hormones., Areas Covered: This expert opinion provides an overview of the physiological distribution of MI and DCI in the ovarian tissues, and a thorough insight of their involvement into ovarian steroidogenesis. Insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia dramatically reduce the MI-to-DCI ratio in the ovaries, leading to gynecological disorders characterized by hyperandrogenism, altered menstrual cycle and infertility., Expert Opinion: Available evidence indicates that MI and DCI have very specific physiological roles and, seemingly, physiological MI-to-DCI ratios in the ovaries are crucial to maintain the correct homeostasis of steroids. Inositol treatments should be evaluated on the patients' specific conditions and needs, as long-term supplementation of high doses of DCI may cause detrimental effects on the ovarian functionality. In addition, the effects of inositol therapy on the different PCOS phenotypes should be further investigated in order to better tailor the supplementation.

Hysterectomy remains one of the most commonly performed gynecological procedures. The distinction between total and subtotal (supracervical) hysterectomy has many facets. Based on anatomical structures, a distinction is made between total and subtotal hysterectomy. In the present report, various factors affecting therapy decisions are examined individually and viewed in the context of the existing published literature. The surgical steps of total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) and laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LASH) are described didactically. Medical-ethical aspects of the increasingly complex balance between the scarcity of resources on the one hand, and growing demands on the other, form the basis of our medical decisions.

Background: Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) can be defined as a failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after transfer of at least four embryos of good quality in a minimum of three fresh or frozen cycles in women under the age of 40. RIF is often a complex problem with a wide variety of etiologies and mechanisms as well as treatment options., Summary: Anatomical conditions of the uterus, thrombophilia, genetic abnormalities, or immunological factors are only a few examples which could be responsible for RIF. The recommendations for women with RIF vary depending on the source of their problem. There is not just one treatment option, but many depending on the etiology and the severity of the problem., Key Message: However, it would help to establish a set of standardized examinations and tests to use, in order to do a preliminary evaluation on each patient, which would then hopefully direct the approach of treatment for each individual couple.

Introduction: For many years hyaluronic acid (HA) was mainly used for its hydrating properties. However, new applications have recently arisen, considering the biological properties of HA and its molecular weight. Clinical application of low molecular weight HA (LMW-HA) initially was supported by specific absorption data. The identification of high molecular weight HA (HMW-HA) absorption pathways and the knowledge of its physiological role allowed to evaluate its clinical application. Based on the immunomodulatory properties of HMW-HA and its physiological involvement as signaling molecule, pregnancy represents an interesting context of application., Area Covered: This expert opinion includes in-vitro, in-vivo, ex-vivo and clinical studies on gestational models. It provides an overview of the physiological and the therapeutic role of HMW-HA in pregnancy starting from its metabolism. Indeed, HMW-HA is widely involved in several physiological processes as implantation, immune response, uterine quiescence and cervical remodeling, and therefore is an essential molecule for a successful pregnancy., Expert Opinion: Available evidence suggests that HMW-HA administration can support physiological pregnancy, favoring blastocyst adhesion and development, preventing miscarriage and pre-term birth. For this reason, supplementation in pregnancy should be evaluated.

Introduction: Many urogynecological and surgical laparoscopic interventions require access to the retropubic space, also known as the space of Retzius. Especially in patients with a history of previous surgery in this area or in general in the lower abdomen, the preparation may be complicated by adhesions and scar tissue. The necessity to combine several laparoscopic procedures in one surgical session may require consideration of the most appropriate way to approach the retropubic space., Material and Methods: We describe and discuss three different options to access the space of Retzius via laparoscopy: the medial transperitoneal, the extraperitoneal and the lateral transperitoneal approach. For all approaches, we used one umbilical trocar and two trocars in the lower abdomen., Results: An algorithm was developed to select the most appropriate access route to the retropubic space, depending on the history of previous surgeries and accompanying interventions., Conclusion: The knowledge of different access routes to the retropubic space offers the possibility of adjusting the surgical procedure to the individual constellation of the patient.

Introduction: Traditionally, a cystocele caused by a midline defect of the pelvic fascia is treated by vaginal fascia duplication, also known as anterior colporraphy. The rectocele is managed by suturing the posterior fascia and, frequently, the levator ani muscles. We developed the approach of laparoscopic anterior and posterior fascia repair by native tissue. Material and methods: The methods were based on anterior and posterior exposure of pelvic fascia similar to the preparation of an extended sacral colpopexy. The fascia was compressed and narrowed by absorbable woven sutures, size 1. Twenty-seven patients were followed up for 6-13 months. All patients received additional apical fixation by pectopexy. Results: In the examination group, 13 patients underwent anterior laparoscopic fascia repair and 23 had posterior repair. We detected one apical and one posterior relapse, and also one in the anterior repair group. The patient with the apical relapse reported pain and de novo urgency. Anatomical reconstruction was achieved in all other patients. Summary: Laparoscopic anterior and posterior native tissue repair appears to be a feasible method for the treatment of midline cystocele and rectocele. No new risks were observed. The technique leaves no scar in the vagina and is well accepted. Abbreviations: POPQ: Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System; FDA: Food and Drug Association; US: United States; Fig: Figure; ICIQ: International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire.

Background: The removal of obstacles from the surgical field is a crucial aspect of any procedure in gynecological, urological or visceral laparoscopic surgery. Reliable instruments and skilled assistance are essential for the smooth execution of procedures. Blunt forceps are commonly used to keep tissue away from the operating field. The range of existing instruments has been enhanced by the introduction of laparoscopic retractors. However, no laparoscopic retractor can be used without causing tissue damage., Material and Methods: We describe the ALKATOUT retractor, an innovative laparoscopic retractor designed for atraumatic assistance in any laparoscopic procedure including robotic surgery. The advantages of this laparoscopic instrument were evaluated in a single-center study., Results: The retractor has been used successfully in a variety of gynecological procedures and tested in laparoscopic procedures on human body donors., Conclusions: The results of a single-center questionnaire completed by 25 operating room staff (surgical nurses, residents, and specialists) confirm the advantages of the ALKATOUT retractor.

Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility of endoscopic treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids based on patient and fibroid characteristics in reproductive, pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women., Material and Methods: The medical records of women with symptomatic uterine fibroids who underwent surgical procedures from 2010 to 2015 were retrospectively reviewed., Results: A total of 819 patients, of which 710 (86.6%) underwent endoscopic procedures. The mean age of women who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) was 36.77 ± 6.54 and hysteroscopic myomectomy (HSCM) was 43.10 ± 10.26. The mean cumulative diameter of fibroids in the LM was 8.94 ± 3.1 and 3.68 ± 1.64 cm in the HSCM. Furthermore, LM and HCSM were performed when the mean diameter of the largest fibroid was up to 18.50 and 5.5 cm, respectively. The mean age of women in laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LSH) was 46.02 ± 6.13 and total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) was 47.30 ± 8.12. The mean cumulative diameter of fibroids in the LSH was greater than in the TLH, at 8.94 ± 3.1 and 7.63 ± 3.60 cm, respectively., Conclusions: Uterus-preserving procedures are feasible, even if the largest fibroid diameter is more than 10 cm in LM and equal to 5.5 cm in HSCM. For pre- and post-menopausal women, TLH is the definitive treatment modality for uterine fibroids, and LSH represents an alternative to TLH.

Background: This study addresses target group reliability and task validity for training on a laparoscopic simulator., Material and Methods: Data were collected on 64 participants prospectively at the Department of OB/GYN, University Hospitals Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel. The Simbionix LAP Mentor for laparoscopic simulation was used to test trainees. Each participant received a questionnaire to clarify his/her medical position, surgical experience, and previous virtual reality (VR) experience, including video gaming experience. Pre- and post-tests were performed. Performances were analyzed for task completion and total time., Results: All participants revealed a significant improvement in the post-test compared with the pre-test (p < .005), independent of their previous level of experience. Regarding accomplishment of the assigned task, the experts revealed in the pre-test an advantage in tasks 1-4 and 6-8. The beginners revealed wide-ranging improvements in tasks 3, 5, 8, and 9 between the pre-test and the post-test compared with novices in laparoscopic surgery (residents), and a wide range of improvements relative to experts. VR experience and video gaming exposure revealed an advantage in the pre-test; however, participants without previous exposure were able to narrow the gap, revealing extensive improvements in the post-test., Conclusion: The trainer could be beneficial for medical students and surgical novices.

Uterine leiomyomas are the most frequent benign tumors of the female genital tract. Fibroids are associated with a variety of clinical problems, e.g. bleeding disorders, bulk-related symptoms or infertility. For women wishing to preserve their uterus, fibroids can be surgically removed by hysteroscopy, laparoscopy or laparotomy. The purpose of our review is to show that hysterectomy offers the only definitive solution. The indication for treatment has to be taken carefully after weighing up alternative treatment methods, such as expectant management, medical treatment or interventional radiologic methods, and after obtaining informed consent. The optimal method of treatment takes into account the patient's interests and wishes and the practical feasibility in the clinical setup. Surgical skills and experience play an important role as surgical procedures on the uterus are not without risk and can lead to severe complications. The decision to operate anticipates an improvement of the initial situation; therefore, the ideal surgical approach is of utmost importance.

Introduction: Unprotected power morcellation can lead to a spread of previously undiagnosed malignancy. We present a new containment bag with two closable trocar insertion sites to reduce this risk. This pilot study was designed to assess the feasibility of this device under everyday conditions., Material and Methods: The containment bag was used in ten laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomies. We evaluated time requirement for bag insertion into the abdominal cavity and in-bag morcellation. A 2000 ml polyurethane morcellation bag was used for all interventions. All surgeries were carried out in a three-trocar setting., Results: We carried out ten supracervical hysterectomies. No intraoperative complications and no bag ruptures occurred. The meantime requirement to insert the bag and prepare the specimen for morcellation was 10.5 min (range, 7-19 min). The mean specimen weight was 191.9 g (range, 32-710 g). Mean morcellation time was 10.5 min (range, 3-28 min), mean weight of remaining tissue and fluid in the bag after morcellation was 12.1 g (range, 7-19 g)., Conclusions: The presented data demonstrate that the endobag can be successfully applied in the clinical routine. Further studies are required to evaluate additional characteristics, such as individual learning curve and time requirements.

Background: Myomectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures in gynecology and has implications on fertility and subsequent pregnancies. We compared the impact of surgical approach on blood loss during laparoscopic and abdominal intracapsular myomectomy., Material and Methods: The evaluation comprised 124 fertile women with subserous or intramural myomas: 66 patients treated by laparoscopy and 58 patients treated by laparotomy. The intracapsular myoma enucleation technique was similar for both approaches. All procedures were analyzed for the evaluation of intra- and post-surgical blood loss and intra- and short-term post-operative surgical outcomes., Results: The operating time for laparoscopic intracapsular myomectomy was longer (95 ± 7.2 min vs. 63 ± 5.6, p < 0.0001), but was associated with reduced intra- (65 ± ml vs. 105 ± 5, p < 0.0001) and post-surgical blood loss (30 ± 5 vs. 60 ± 5 ml, p < 0.0001), as well as diminished application of pain relief medication (8 patients vs. 17, p < 0.05), compared to open intracapsular myomectomy., Conclusions: The surgical approach did not substantially affect the technique of intracapsular myomectomy; however, laparoscopy significantly reduced intra- and postoperative blood loss and resulted in better short-term outcomes than after open surgery. Our results underscore the advantages of trying to reduce the rate of laparotomic myomectomy, one of the leading surgical interventions associated with infertility and sterility.

Objective: We investigated the prognostic relevance of ultrasound visibility of distendend jugular lymphatic sacs (JLS) in fetuses with aberrant karyotypes in First-trimester-screening. Furthermore we tried to differentiate between increased nuchal translucency (NT) and cystic hygroma colli., Methods: We performed a retrospective single center study in 1874 patients presenting for First-trimester-screening between 2009 and 2013. All fetuses with an abnormal risk calculation and NT > 2.5 mm (95th percentile) were reviewed for ultrasound visibility of JLS. A group of 30 fetuses with normal risk calculation served as control. Karyotyping was performed by chorionic-villi-sampling or amniocentesis, respectively., Results: In a total of 2030 fetuses 70 (3.44%) with pathologic first-trimester-screening results showed either aberrant karyotypes or severe ultrasound pathologies. Main aberrant karyotypes were trisomy 21 (25), trisomy 18 (16), trisomy 13(six), Monosomy X (four), 47, XYY or 47, XXX (three) and Noonan' syndrome (two). Distended JLS were visible in 47% of all cases. Statistical anaylsis found a significant correlation between NT and JLS size for the fetuses with trisomies 21, 18 and 13 (r = 0.53, p < 0.002). Cystic hygroma colli was present in all Turner and Noonan syndromes., Conclusions: Distended JLS have a strong correlation with abnormal karyotypes and increased nuchal translucency. Karyotyping should be offered in these cases.

Objectives: In the context of common adhesion prevention in laparotomic, laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgery this article details the effects of a cross-linked sodium hyaluronate anti-adhesion barrier gel. The observed adhesion score is expressed in the following three measurements: Severity, extent and incidents of adhesions., Material and Methods: From a total of 85 patients treated by laparoscopy and hysteroscopy, a second look endoscopic procedure could be performed in 35 cases., Results: Our preliminary, short evaluation of 35 patients submitted to a second look laparoscopy or hysteroscopy revealed the beneficial effect of the applied HYAcorp endo gel, showing only a minimal amount of adhesions at the second look observation., Conclusion: Cross-linked sodium hyaluronate is highly effective in the prevention of adhesions at laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgery.

Over the last twenty-five years, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has evolved in a relatively short period of time to overtake the centuries-old visionary and pioneering groundwork of our outstanding colleagues in all surgical disciplines. This overview on the development of gynecological endoscopy, at the invitation of SMIT, highlights past achievements and describes present challenges. It emphasizes future opportunities and possibilities to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and integrate emerging endoscopic, imaging and stereotactic surgical technologies to improve patient safety, enhance quality of care and advance surgical education. This article will introduce younger colleagues to the exciting world of contemporary gynecologic endoscopy and help them appreciate the immense technology-laden opportunities that the future holds for those who are prepared to follow in the footsteps and aspirations of our founding surgical colleagues.

Objective: To describe pregnancies with severe fetal heart defects (CHD) with respect to perinatal complications and management. To discuss epigenetic factors with respect to maternal body mass index (BMI) and assisted reproduction treatment (ART)., Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis in a single centre for prenatal diagnostics. Data were collected with respect to pre- and postnatal diagnoses of CHD, preterm labour and deliveries, maternal risk factors and postnatal outcome., Results: Between 2009 and 2011 we treated 116 patients with severe fetal heart defects. Prenatal diagnoses were: Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) in 50 fetuses (43.1%), conotruncal heart defects (CTM) in 43 (37.1%), atrial ventricular septal defects in eight cases (7.8%).There were 11 (9.9%) twin pregnancies. Premature labour occurred in 11.2%, premature deliveries 12.9%. Nine pregnancies (7.8%) were achieved by assisted reproduction treatment (ART). A body mass index (BMI) > 25 occurred in 54.3% with 3% morbid obesity. Advanced maternal age >35 was found in 33.5%. Accuracy of the prenatal diagnosis was 97%., Conclusions: Patients with ART pregnancies may be referred to fetal echocardiography. Maternal obesity poses a diagnostic problem, the incidence of CTM may be higher due to epigenetic factors. This requires further studies. As premature labour and delivery is a frequent complication, perinatal management of these pregnancies must be reserved to specialized centers.

Objective: To detect the number and diagnosis of fetal malformations in teenage pregnancies and to evaluate whether low maternal age or epigenetic factors have an influence on this issue., Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis in a single center for prenatal diagnostics in Northern Germany. We searched our electronic databank for all pregnancies with maternal age under 20 years. Pregnancy outcome and fetal malformations are described., Results: The incidence of teenage pregnancies in our study was 638 patients (4.4%). The total of fetal malformations in teenage pregnancies was 51(8.3%). Chromosomal aberrations were found in 5 cases (0.9%). 9 cases of fetal gastroschisis as one of the most frequent malformations were followed up and neonatal outcome was uneventful. Furthermore we found 16 cases with different heart defects and 30 cases with other malformations. Patients' body mass indices showed an increase over the years and nicotine consumption was testified in more than 50% of the patients., Conclusions: Teenage pregnancies are at risk for fetal non-chromosomal and chromosomal abnormalities. As these might be detected by first-trimester-screening prenatal care in teenage pregnancies should include at least early ultrasound examination. Epigenetic factors may play a key role in certain fetal malformations.

We examined the outcomes of a World Health Organization (WHO) recommended programme offering cotrimoxazole (CTM) prophylaxis to 908 HIV-positive individuals in rural Zimbabwe, who accepted enrolment in the treatment programme. Outcomes included duration in programme, time between visits, relationship and marital status. Mean duration of participation in the programme was 224 days. The mean time between visits decreased from 11.2 weeks, between visit 1 and 2, to 4.3 weeks between visit 11 and 12. Statistical analysis showed significant positive correlations between duration in programme and participant age, participant relationship status and the partner's state of affairs. Statistical analysis showed no significant correlation between duration in programme and gender. Results indicate that if continuation is demonstrated for the first 4 to 6 months, participants will continue with the CTM programme. Results also reflect the constrained feasibility of CTM prophylaxis in rural Africa as well as the need to target subpopulations, such as young people, patients and their spouses for focused HIV/AIDS education initiatives.