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Aim: The clinical significance of first trimester subchorionic hematoma, which is worrisome to pregnant women in terms of the outcome of the pregnancy, still remains unclear. The objective of this study is to examine the association between subchorionic hematomas in patients with threatened miscarriage and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Materials and Methods: The retrospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary center from September 2022 to January 2024. 200 patients who were hospitalized with threatened miscarriage during the sixth to fourteenth week of a singleton pregnancy were included. The individuals that satisfy the established criteria for the study were categorized into two groups with threatened miscarriage based on the ultrasound examination: the study group, which included patients with subchorionic hematoma and the control group, which included patients without subchorionic hematoma. Demographic information, maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared for both groups. Results: Maternal age, BMI, parity, gestational age at diagnosis, history of abortus were similar for both groups (p>0.05). Miscarriage rates were higher in the group with SCH than without SCH (28% vs. 25%, p= 0.631), but no statistical significance was observed. The frequencies of intrauterine death, gestational age at delivery, preterm delivery, mode of delivery, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, placenta previa-placenta accreta spectrum, gestational diabetes mellitus, intrauterine growth restriction were not statistically significant (p>0.05) between groups. The hematoma sizes did not show any statistically significant difference between those whose pregnancies led to miscarriage and those whose pregnancies did not (29.6±14.30 mm vs. 27.1±14.58 mm, respectively; p = 0.367). The subchorionic hematoma diameters did not show any correlation with the gestational age at delivery, birth weight, APGAR scores at 1st and 5th minute. Conclusion: Our study suggests that detection of threatened miscarriage with subchorionic hematoma did not result in an elevation in miscarriage rates, maternal and neonatal complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate maternal Resolvin D1 levels in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and investigate the association between perinatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: This case-control study included 88 singleton pregnancies, conducted from August 2023 to January 2024, at a tertiary care center. Participants were divided into two groups: 44 pregnant women diagnosed with GDM comprised the study group, and 44 healthy pregnant women served as the control group. Additionally, the GDM group was categorized based on management approach into 21 women managed with diet alone and 23 women requiring insulin therapy. Maternal plasma Resolvin D1 levels and maternal-neonatal outcomes were then compared between groups. The analysis involved determining the optimal Resolvin D1 cut-off levels for predicting composite adverse neonatal outcomes in GDM using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. RESULTS: The plasma Resolvin D1 level in pregnant women with GDM was significantly higher compared to the control group (337±74.1 vs. 297±56.7, p<0.001). Furthermore, maternal plasma Resolvin D1 levels were associated with composite adverse neonatal outcomes [presence of at least one of the following conditions: preterm birth (<37 weeks), low birth weight (LBW) (<2500 grams), neonatal hypoglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, APGAR score at 5th minute <7, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)], with a cut-off of >338.75, showing a sensitivity of 56.3%, a specificity of 79.2%, and an AUC of 0.675 (95% CI: 0.567-0.771, p=0.024). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that pregnancies affected by GDM exhibit elevated levels of Resolvin D1, which is associated with a higher incidence of composite adverse neonatal outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigating the relationship between liver enzymes, uric acid (UA), and macrosomia will benefit physicians in the early detection of complications that may emerge during/after pregnancy. The study analyzed liver enzyme activity and UA levels in first-trimester pregnant for the risk of macrosomia. This retrospective cross-sectional research analyzed the data of pregnant women who gave birth between Jan 2021–2023. All data were extracted from medical records, and UA and AST-ALT were examined in all the participants. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were higher in the macrosomia (p<0.05). Similarly, UA levels were higher in the macrosomia (p<0.001). There was a moderate positive correlation between ALT and birth weight (r=0.168, p<0.01), while we found a strong positive correlation between UA and birth weight (r=0.355, p<0.01). In the ROC (receiver operating characteristic), Area Under the Curve (AUC) for ALT and UA was significant (p<0.0001) but not for AST (p=0.157). UA showed a predictive value for macrosomia with 68.1 % sensitivity and 63.8 % specificity at a 3.15 cut-off (AUC:0.689; p:0.0001; CI:0.644–0.725). These results indicate that ALT and UA may be potentially important in determining the risk of macrosomia. The UA had a more potent marker for macrosomia than ALT. The occurrence of macrosomia might be more closely related to the mother's metabolic syndrome rather than NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the effect of uterine leiomyoma characteristics and cesarean myomectomy on maternal and perinatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: The study included patients with singleton pregnancies and uterine leiomyomas who had delivered at or beyond 24 weeks' gestation; without comorbidities, uterine anomalies, or fetal malformations. Data from 240 patients were studied between 2012 and 2022 in the perinatology clinic of a tertiary care center. Maternal and perinatal outcomes were obtained from medical records. RESULTS: Among the women with uterine leiomyomas, 21.7% were delivered vaginally and 78.3% via cesarean section. Myomectomy was performed in 150 out of 188 (79.8%) patients undergoing cesarean section. It was found that cases with leiomyomas =7 cm, compared to those with <4cm, had deliveries at earlier gestational weeks (36w6/7±2d vs. 37w+6/7±2d, p=0.018) and had lower newborn birthweight (2849.44±516.74 g vs. 3237.5±350.6 g, p<0.001), longer operation time (105.92±34.78 min vs. 68.21± 22.31 min, p<0.001) and a higher rate of neonatal intensive care unit requirement (48.1% vs. 13.7%, p<0.001). In cases with =2 leiomyomas compared to those with single leiomyomas, gestational age at birth was smaller and birthweight was lower (p<0.05). The amount of blood loss (969.66±427.21 mL vs. 738.15±337.2 mL and 553.84±366.46 mL), duration of surgery (83.23±29.56 min vs. 64.47±17.96 min) and transfusion requirements (36% vs. 5.3% and 28.8%) were higher in women who underwent myomectomy during cesarean section than in the other women undergoing only cesarean section or delivering vaginally (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: It was found that a leiomyoma size of =7 cm and number of =2 were both associated with earlier gestational age at birth and lower birth weight. Myomectomy performed during cesarean section increased the blood loss, duration of surgery, and the need for transfusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: High bisphenol A (BPA) concentration may compromise normal placental development. The aim of this study was to determine maternal serum BPA concentrations in pregnant women with complicated preeclampsia (PE) and normal pregnant women, to compare BPA concentrations, and to examine pregnancy outcomes. Methods: This prospective case–control study was conducted between March 2021 and October 2021. Serum BPA levels of preeclamptic pregnancy and normal pregnancy were statistically evaluated. In addition, the PE group was divided into three subgroups according to the course of pregnancy. Group 1: patients with non‐severe PE who delivered at 37 weeks or later, Group 2: patients with severe PE who delivered at less than 34 weeks, Group 3: patients with severe PE who delivered between 34 and 37 weeks. The association between BPA levels and pregnancy outcome was investigated. Results: Forty‐six cases in the PE group were compared with 46 cases of normal pregnancies. The median BPA level was 19.46 ng/mL in the PE group and 16.36 ng/mL in the control group. The median BPA levels in the PE group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p = 0.007). Serum BPA levels were significantly lower in women who delivered at 37 weeks or later than in women who delivered at less than 34 weeks due to severe PE (p ≤ 0.018). Conclusion: Our study highlights the association between elevated maternal serum levels of BPA and PE. Moreover, knowledge of BPA levels in women with PE may provide information about the prognosis of pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Thyroid hormones and antibodies are known to participate in angiogenesis and invasion and also thyroid hormone receptors are expressed in the placenta. We aimed to evaluate the relationship of serum levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid hormones (TH), and anti-thyroid antibodies with abnormally invasive placenta (AIP). We also aimed to investigate whether they are related with cesarean hysterectomy and massive blood transfusion need in AIP cases. Methods: A total of 88 pregnant patients were enrolled in this prospective case-control study (30 with AIP, 28 with non-adherent placenta previa totalis (PPT) and 30 controls). Serum TSH, thyroid hormone [T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine)] and thyroid antibodies against thyroglobulin (TgAb) and thyroid peroxidase (TPOAb) levels were studied in maternal serum at initial admission to our Perinatology Unit (at early third trimester). The factors associated with increased risk of AIP, cesarean hysterectomy, massive blood transfusion, and adverse perinatal outcomes were evaluated with multiple logistic regression analysis. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were also calculated. Results: Serum TSH and TgAb levels were significantly lower in the AIP group than both PPT and control groups (p = .01, p < .001 and p < .001, p < .001 respectively). Decreased serum levels of TSH (<2.16 mIU/L) and TgAb (<2.70 mIU/L) levels and high previous cesarean section rates were found to be independently associated with AIP in pregnant women with PPT (OR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.1–0.9; p = .04, OR: 0.7, 95%CI: 0.4–1.3, p = .02 and OR: 0.1, 95% CI: 0.1–0.5, p = .01). Decreased serum TSH and TgAb levels were found to be independently associated with an increased rate of cesarean hysterectomy and massive blood transfusion in AIP cases (OR: 3.7, 95% CI: 1.4–9.8; p = .01, OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1–3.1; p = .03 and OR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.0–6.5; p = .05, OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1–4.1 p = .02). Decreased TSH and TgAb serum levels were also found to be independently associated with adverse perinatal outcomes in AIP cases (OR: 3.4, 95% CI: 1.3–11.0; p = .01 and OR: 1.978, 95% CI: 2–3.6; p = .03). Conclusion: Decreased serum TSH and TgAb levels, and previous history of cesarean section were all found to be significantly associated with AIP in cases with PPT. We suggest that maternal serum TSH and TgAb levels can provide additional contribution to obstetric Doppler ultrasound in the diagnosis of AIP and thus can reduce the risks of unplanned cesarean hysterectomy in cases with PPT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The purpose of this study is to evaluate antioxidant balance in pregnant women with meconium-stained amniotic fluid. Methods Forty pregnant women with meconium-stained amniotic fluid and 40 pregnant women with non-meconium-stained amniotic fluid were included in the study. By checking the ischemia modified albumin (IMA) level and thiol/disulfide homeostasis in the maternal blood during labor and in newborn umbilical cord blood at the first minute after birth, antioxidant/oxidant balance was evaluated. Results No statistically significant difference was found between the maternal albumin levels. Maternal IMA level was statistically significantly higher in the meconium group than in the control group (p = .045). Maternal native thiol (SH) and maternal total thiol levels were statistically significantly higher in the control group than in the meconium group (p = .042 and p = .009, respectively). No statistically significant difference was found between maternal disulfide/native thiol (p = .262), maternal disulfide/total thiol (p = .152), maternal native thiol/total thiol (p = .153) rates in both groups. No statistically significant difference was determined between the patients with meconium and the control group in terms of cord blood IMA (p = .474), Albumin levels (p = .664), cord blood Native thiol (p = .944), cord blood total thiol (p = .612) levels and cord blood disulfide/native thiol (p = .240), cord blood disulfide/total thiol (p = .276), cord blood native thiol/total thiol (p = .277) rates. Conclusion Determination of a decrease in SH and Total Thiol levels in maternal serum and an increase in the meconium group’s IMA level was interpreted as a shift of antioxidant balance toward oxidant in this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: First trimester thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level is an important determiner of neonatal outcome. In this study we investigated the relationship between first-trimester TSH level and fetal birthweight. Materials-Methods: First-trimester serum TSH, age, gravidity, parity, body mass index (BMI), gestational age, and birth weight were analyzed. Patients were divided two ways. The first division- group 1 with TSH < 2.5 mU/l, group 2 with TSH > 2.5 mU/l). The second division- group 3 with TSH < 4 mU/l and group 4 with TSH > 4 mU/l). Results: The study included 302 patients. High TSH levels are associated with an increased risk of macrosomic and post-term babies. A significant association was found for both thresholds of 2.5 and 4.0 mU/l. However, this relation was not significant after binary logistic regression. Conclusion: High maternal first trimester TSH levels are not associated with birth weight after separating out macrosomia-related factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: IL-33 is associated with invasion, proliferation, and metastasis of various cancers. The trophoblastic cells of placenta previa accreta (PPA) invade into the myometrium in a similar way to the invasion of cancers. We studied the role of IL-33 in PPA and also aimed to investigate its relation with adverse maternal outcome in this placental disorder.Methods: A total of 87 pregnant patients were enrolled in this prospective case-control study [27 with PPA, 30 with placenta previa totalis (PPT; nonadherent placenta previa), and 30 controls]. IL-33 and IL-6 levels were studied in maternal serum at late preterm gestation weeks. Multiple logistic regression analyses analyzed the risk factors which are associated with PPA and adverse maternal outcomes. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were also calculated. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to determine maternal serum IL-33 and IL-6 levels.Results: Serum IL-33 levels were significantly higher in PPA patients when compared with both nonadherent PPT and the control groups (p = .011, p = .010). Serum IL-6 and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio levels were significantly higher than the control group's (p = .045, p = .028). IL-33 levels and history of previous cesarean section were found to be significantly associated with PPA (OR: 1.039, 95% CI: 1.004-1.075; p = .030 and OR: 0.067, 95% CI: 0.014-0.309, p = .001, respectively). Serum IL-33 levels were positively correlated with previous cesarean section history in PPA. Increased maternal serum IL-33 levels were found to be independently associated with a cesarean hysterectomy and massive transfusion in PPA patients (OR: 1.098, 95% CI: 0.998-1.207; p = .049 and OR: 1.162 95% CI: 1.010-1.337; p = .036).Conclusion: Increased levels of maternal serum IL-33 and history of previous cesarean section were found to be significantly associated with PPA, and also increased maternal serum IL-33 levels were related to cesarean hysterectomy and massive blood transfusion in PPA. We suggest that IL-33 may have a role in abnormal placental invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to investigate maternal serum levels of calprotectin in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and to compare these with serum calprotectin levels in healthy pregnant women. Methods: Ninety pregnant women (ICP group, n = 45; healthy control group, n = 45) were included in the study. The gestational age and body mass index of the participants in the two groups were similar. This prospective cross‐sectional study was conducted between November 2019 and May 2020 in the perinatology department of University of Health Sciences Doctor Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Education Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. Patients were recruited from those attending the perinatology outpatient and inpatient clinics. Biochemical (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total bilirubin), fasting bile acid, hemogram, and calprotectin parameters of maternal blood were evaluated. Results: The mean fasting bile acid value in the ICP group was 30.3 ± 27.3 μmol, with severe ICP present in 11 (24.4%) patients. ALT, AST, LDH, total bilirubin, and mean platelet volume (MPV) values in the ICP group were higher and the red cell distribution width (RDW) value was lower than those in the control group (p < 0.001). The mean serum calprotectin levels in the control group and ICP group were 48.0 ± 10.4 and 765.4 ± 126.8 μg, respectively (p < 0.001). There was no significant correlation between serum fasting bile acid levels and serum calprotectin levels in the ICP group (p > 0.005). Conclusion: Serum levels of calprotectin in patients with ICP were higher than those in healthy pregnant women. The serum calprotectin level may be an important diagnostic marker of ICP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proboscis lateralis is a very rare congenital craniofacial malformation characterized by a finger‐like tubular appendage arising usually from the medial canthal region. It is mostly unilateral and associated with other craniofacial malformations. Occasionally, proboscis lateralis is seen with holoprosencephaly. A rare case of bilateral proboscis lateralis which was diagnosed prenatally by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging has been presented. In this case of bilateral proboscis lateralis, both lesions arose from a very lateral location and were associated with various central nervous system anomalies other than holoprosencephaly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aimed to analyse the pre‐analytical process and its effect of 50 g of oral glucose challenge test results for screening gestational diabetes mellitus. Research Design and Methods: The 50 g oral glucose challenge test was performed to 30 pregnant women, and the blood was collected as two samples for three tubes containing; serum separating jell (SSJ), sodium fluoride‐potassium oxalate (NaF – KOx) and sodium citrate‐containing tube. The first samples of the three tubes were centrifuged within 30 minutes, and second samples were centrifuged after 60 minutes and were analysed. One sample in SSJ tube and was analysed in the same day according to hospitals routine practice. The results were compared. Results: Among the 30 samples, the mean decrease in glucose levels was highest in the SSJ tube (0.38 mmol/L), followed by 0.16 mmol/L in Na citrate tube and 0.14 mmol/L in NaF‐KOx tube. The hospital routine assessment with SSJ was 6.36 ± 1.90 mmol/L. The <30 and >60 minutes glucose results were 6.80 ± 1.88 mmol/L vs 6.42 ± 1.97 mmol/L for SSJ, 5.95 ± 1.60 mmol/L vs 5.78 ± 1.51 mmol/L for Na Citrate and 6.90 ± 1.86 mmol/L vs 6.75 ± 1.90 mmol/L for NaF‐KOx mg/dL groups, respectively, and both the changes within time and the results between the tubes showed a statistically significant difference (P <.001). Conclusion: In cases with longer assessment time and with different blood sample tubes, the clinician should also keep in mind that, especially with results under but close to the cut‐off levels, an underdiagnosed gestational diabetes might be present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The main aim of this study was to investigate thiol/disulfide homeostasis associated with fetal growth restriction (FGR) and to evaluate whether alterations are predictive for adverse neonatal outcomes. Methods: 273 pregnant women (77 with FGR and 196 with normal fetal growth) were enrolled in this prospective case–control study. Results: Native thiol and total thiol were decreased in FGR compared to the control group (p <.001; p <.001). Decreased levels of maternal serum native and total thiol were significantly associated with adverse neonatal outcomes in FGR (OR: 0.983, 95% CI 0.976–0.991, p <.001; OR: 0.983, 95% CI 0.976–0.991, p <.001). Decreased maternal serum total thiol levels were the only significantly associated risk factor with adverse neonatal outcomes in FGR (OR: 0.981, 95% CI 0.963–1.000, p =.046). Conclusion: The decrease in the antioxidants of thiol/disulfide mechanism may be related to the development of both FGR and adverse neonatal outcome in FGR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of our study is to compare serum thiol/disulphide homeostasis of women diagnosed with abortus imminens (AI) and healthy pregnant women, and to determine whether it has a role in the pathogenesis of the disease or not.Materials and Methods: A total of 100 pregnant women were included in the study. The study group consisted of 50 patients with AI whereas 50 healthy pregnant women were chosen as the control group. All of the patients in the two groups were matched for age, gestational age, and body mass index. Thiol/disulphide levels were analyzed with a newly developed automated spectrophotometric method.Results: We found significantly reduced levels of native thiol (SH) (370.2 ± 35.2 μmol/l versus 397.6 ± 29.3 μmol/l) and total thiol (406 ± 37.1 μmol/l versus 434.5 ± 29.9 μmol/l), in the sera of the study group compared to the control group (p < .001). But serum levels of disulphide (SS) were statistically insignificant between the two groups (17.9 ± 5.9 μmol/l versus 18.4 ± 4.9 μmol/l, p: .612). Similarly, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of SS/SH, SS/total thiol and SH/total thiol ratios (all p > .05).Conclusions: We found a decrease in thiol levels which have antioxidant properties in patients with AI. Decreased antioxidant level in the body is thought to play a role in the etiology of AI. In this regard, further studies are needed to elucidate the potential role of dynamic thiol/disulphide homeostasis in the pathogenesis of AI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Placenta previa (PP) is a potential life-threatening pregnancy complication. Pro-brain natriuretic peptide (ProBNP), creatine kinase (CK), cardiac form of CK (CK-MB) and Troponin I are circulatory biomarkers related to cardiac functions. We aimed to determine whether these biomarkers are related to PP and placenta accreta. Methods: In this case-control study, fifty-four pregnant women who attended our tertiary care center for perinatology with the diagnosis of PP totalis, and of them, 14 patients with placenta accreta were recruited as the study groups. Forty-six uncomplicated control patients who were matched for age, BMI were also included. Maternal venous ProBNP, CK, CK-MB and Troponin I levels were compared between the three groups. Results: Obstetric history characteristics were comparable among groups, generally. CK and CK-MB levels were similar among three groups. Troponin I levels in the previa and accreta groups were significantly higher than the controls. ProBNP levels in the accreta group were significantly higher than other two groups. The multivariate regression model revealed that ProBNP could predict placental adhesion anomalies. Conclusions: Troponin I and ProBNP levels in PP cases were higher than controls and ProBNP could predict placenta accreta. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: The main aim of this study was to investigate thiol/disulfide homeostasis at 24–28 weeks of pregnancy and to evaluate whether it is predictive for adverse perinatal outcomes or not in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods: A total of 110 pregnant women at 24–28 weeks of pregnancy (74 GDM patients and 36 age- and BMI-matched healthy pregnant women) were enrolled in this prospective case–control study. Thiol/disulfide homeostasis was evaluated with a novel spectrophotometric method to determine if there is an association with adverse perinatal outcomes in GDM, by using logistic regression analysis. Results: GDM patients, with decreased native thiol levels at 24–28 weeks (OR: 4.890, 95% CI: 1.355–5.764,p = 0.015) and with higher pre-pregnancy BMI (OR: 1.280, 95% CI: 1.072–1.528,p = 0.006), were found to be at increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes in GDM. There were no statistically significant differences in thiol/disulfide homeostasis between diet- and insulin-treated GDM subgroups. Additionally, 1-h and 2-h glucose levels on 100 g OGTT were found to be predictive for the insulin need in achieving good glycemic control in GDM (OR: 1.022, 95% CI: 1.005–1.038,p = 0.010 and OR: 1.019, 95% CI: 1.004–1.035,p = 0.015). Conclusions: GDM patients, with decreased native thiol levels at 24–28 weeks of pregnancy and with higher pre-pregnancy BMI, have an increased risk of possible adverse perinatal outcomes. Also, increased 1-h and 2-h glucose levels on 100 g OGTT can predict the need for insulin treatment for GDM. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives: TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor-2 (TRAIL-R2) is produced both by decidual and trophoblast cells during pregnancy and known to participate in apoptosis. In this study, we aimed to determine and to compare maternal serum and placental TRAIL-R2 levels in patients with placenta accreta, non-adherent placenta previa and in healthy pregnancies. We also aimed to analyze the association of placenta accreta with the occurrence of previous C-sections.Study Design: A total of 82 pregnant women were enrolled in this case-control study (27 placenta accreta patients, 26 non-adherent placenta previa patients and 29 age-, and BMI-matched healthy, uncomplicated pregnant controls). TRAIL-R2 levels were studied in both maternal serum and placental tissue homogenates. Determining the best predictor(s) which discriminate placenta accreta was analyzed by multiple logistic regression analyses. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were also calculated.Results: Both placental and serum TRAIL-R2 levels were significantly lower in placenta accreta group (median 34.82 pg/mg and 19.85 pg/mL, respectively) when compared with both non-adherent placenta previa (median 39.24 pg/mg and 25.99 pg/mL, respectively) and the control groups (median 41.62 pg/mg and 25.87 pg/mL, respectively) (p < 0.05). Placental TRAIL-R2 levels and previous cesarean section were found to be significantly associated with placenta accreta (OR: 0.934 95% CI 0.883-0.987, p = 0.016 and OR:7.725 95% CI: 2.717-21.965, p < 0.001, respectively). Placental and serum TRAIL-R2 levels were positively correlated.Conclusion: Decreased levels of placental TRAIL-R2 and previous history of cesarean section were found to be significantly associated with placenta accreta, suggesting a possible role of apoptosis in abnormal trophoblast invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): To compare the presence and severity of striae gravidarum in pregnant women with and without stress urinary incontinence and to evaluate whether there is a relationship between the severity of striae gravidarum and the severity of incontinence in pregnant women with stress urinary incontinence.Study Design: Healthy primigravid pregnant women with an uneventful singleton pregnancy at 36-37 weeks of gestation were included. All women were asked two questions to assess the presence of urinary incontinence. Women who answered 'yes' to the question 'Do you have any involuntary urinary leakage during coughing/laughing/sneezing/running/jumping?' and 'no' to the question 'Do you have any involuntary urinary leakage accompanied by a strong urge to void?' were classified as women with stress urinary incontinence, and women who answered 'no' to both questions were classified as women without stress urinary incontinence. The presence and severity of striae gravidarum of these two groups were evaluated with the Davey score, and the severity of incontinence of women with stress urinary incontinence was evaluated with the Incontinence severity index questionnaire.Results: The Davey score of pregnant women with stress urinary incontinence was significantly higher than the score of women without stress urinary incontinence and the presence of severe striae gravidarum was more common in women with stress urinary incontinence. There was a positive, significant correlation between Incontinence severity index and Davey scores in women with stress urinary incontinence, and this was the only independent correlation that was significant in linear regression analysis.Conclusion(s): Presence and severity of striae gravidarum is correlated with the presence and severity of stress urinary incontinence in primigravid pregnant women. Evaluation of striae gravidarum may be useful in predicting the development of stress urinary incontinence and taking necessary precautions against it. This issue should be evaluated with good quality studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]