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In this study, we investigated whether metabolic dysfunction in women with Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) induces granulosa cell (GC) stress and activates in the endoplamatic reticulum and the mitochondria (UPRWomen who were diagnosed with PCOS (based on the Rotterdam criteria), were divided into two groups, PCOS with insulin resistance (PCOS-IR; n = 20) and PCOS with no insulin resistance (PCOS-nIR; n = 20), and compared to healthy oocyte donors (CONT; n = 20). Insulin resistance (IR) was assessed on the results of homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) that determines IR using the concentration of fasting plasma glucose and fasting insuline. Expression of UPRWe found that several genes involved in UPROur findings suggest that the GCs of women with PCOS (with or without IR) are metabolically distressed and upregulate UPR

We aimed to determine whether intraovarian injection of autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) improves response to ovarian stimulation and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome in women with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). Women (N=311; age 24-40) diagnosed with POI based on ESHRE criteria underwent intraovarian PRP injection. Markers of ovarian reserve, and IVF outcome parameters were followed. PRP treatment resulted in increased antral follicle count (AFC) and serum antimullerian hormone (AMH), while serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) did not change significantly. After PRP injection, 23 women (7.4%) conceived spontaneously, 201 (64.8%) developed antral follicle(s) and attempted IVF, and 87 (27.8%) had no antral follicles and therefore did not receive additional treatment. Among the 201 women who attempted IVF, 82 (26.4% of total) developed embryos; 25 of these women preferred to cryopreserve embryos for transfer at a later stage, while 57 underwent embryo transfer resulting in 13 pregnancies (22.8% per transfer, 4% of total). In total, of the 311 women treated with PRP, 25 (8.0%) achieved livebirth/sustained implantation (spontaneously or after IVF), while another 25 (8.0%) cryopreserved embryos. Our findings suggest that in women with POI, intraovarian injection of autologous PRP might be considered as an alternative experimental treatment option.

Purpose of review Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) refers to the absence of implantation after repeated transfer of good embryos into a normal uterus. This review discusses the diagnostic criteria and cause of RIF. Recent findings Regardless of the advancements in IVF practice, RIF is still a challenge that has to be solved. Exact definition of RIF is lacking today. For the initial evaluation, a rigorous algorithmic evaluation should be compromised with an individualized principle. Factors that might affect the number and quality of the oocyte and sperm cells should be investigated in order to obtain a good-quality embryo. Embryo assessment should be performed under ideal laboratory circumstances. The uterine environment should be carefully evaluated and the embryo should be transferred into the uterus at the most receptive time. Some of the newly introduced diseases and empirical treatment strategies, such as chronic endometritis, vaginal microbiota, immunologic profile and immunomodulator treatments, can be discussed with the couple under the light of adequate evidence-based information. Summary New diagnostic and treatment modalities are needed to be introduced, which would be safe, efficient and efficacious after well-designed randomized controlled trials.

The aim of the current study was to characterize ovarian reserve parameters and IVF outcomes in women with a history of poor ovarian response (POR) treated with intraovarian injection of autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP). Reproductive age women (N=510; age range 30-45yo) diagnosed with POR based on Poseidon criteria were included in the study. PRP treatment resulted in higher AFC, higher serum AMH, lower serum FSH, and a higher number of mature oocytes and cleavage and blastocyst stage embryos. After PRP injection, 22 women (4.3%) conceived spontaneously, 14 (2.7%) were lost to follow up, and 474 (92.9%) attempted IVF. Among women who attempted IVF, 312 (65.8%) generated embryos and underwent embryo transfer, 83 (17.5%) achieved a pregnancy, and 54 (11.4%) achieved sustained implantation/live birth (SI/LB). In total, of the 510 women with POR and mean age of 40.3, PRP resulted in improvement of ovarian reserve parameters, a pregnancy rate of 20.5% and SI/LB rate of 12.9%. Our findings suggest that PRP treatment may be considered in women with POR. For wider clinical application, its clinical efficacy will need to be demonstrated in prospective randomized clinical trials.

Background/Aims: Data on the timing of catheter removal technique following embryo transfer (ET) are quite limited. We aimed to compare the reproductive outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)/ET cycles in which the transfer catheter was removed immediately with those in which the catheter was removed after a delay period and hereby to evaluate the impact that the time interval before removal of the catheter following embryo deposit may have on the fertility outcomes. Methods: A prospective randomized study was designed. ICSI/ET patients Results: Groups A and B consisted of 147 and 148 patients, respectively. Patient demographics and stimulation characteristics were comparable between the groups. Pregnancy rate was 32.2% (95 of 295) and clinical pregnancy rate was 28.8% (85 of 295), whereas ongoing pregnancy was 24.4% (72 of 295) and implantation rate was 29.6% (100 of 338). The comparison of reproductive outcomes revealed no significant differences in pregnancy (p = 0.933), clinical pregnancy (p = 0.673), ongoing pregnancy (p = 0.590), multiple pregnancy (p = 0.801), and implantation rates (p = 0.979) between the groups. Conclusion: No significant difference was observed in the reproductive outcomes between the groups; thus, there appears no requirement to delay the withdrawal of the catheter to improve the outcomes in ICSI cycles.

Objective To determine whether natural killer cell (NK) concentrations in the mid-secretory endometrial tissue of women with unexplained infertility differ from those in the mid-secretory endometrial tissue of fertile women. Methods This study was conducted with 22 patients with unexplained infertility caused by unsuccessful ovulation induced with gonadotrophins and 12 healthy fertile women, who formed a control group. Mid-secretory endometrial tissue samples were obtained with a Pipelle catheter, and the endometrial NK cell phenotypes were determined by flow cytometry. Results The median number of CD4+ cells in the endometrium was significantly lower in women with unexplained infertility compared with in the fertile controls (3.31 vs. 5.81; p=0.02). The CD4 + /CD8 + cell ratio in the unexplained-infertility group was significantly lower than that in the control group (0.42 vs. 0.76, p=0.01). The median number of CD103 + cells in the endometrium of the infertile group was significantly lower than that in the endometrium of the control group (4.40 vs. 6.73, p=0.02). The median number of CD16 + cells was significantly higher in infertile women than in control women (0.12 vs. 0.001, p=0.01). Conclusions Significant reductions in the numbers of CD4 + and CD103 + cells as well as in the CD4 + /CD8 + ratio but an increased number of CD16 + cells in the endometrium of infertile women suggest that disordered NK cell activity may be a contributor to the etiology of unexplained infertility.

The aim of this study is to investigate the association of perifollicular blood flow (PFBF) with follicular fluid EG-VEGF, inhibin-a, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations, endometrial vascularity, and IVF outcomes. Forty women with tubal factor infertility were included in a prospective cohort study. Each woman underwent IVF/ICSI procedure. Individual follicles of ≥16 mm (n = 156) were evaluated by power Doppler analysis and categorized as well-vascularized follicles (WVFs) or poorly vascularized follicles (PVFs). WVFs referred to those with perifollicular vascularity of 51–100 %. Each follicular fluid (FF) was individually aspirated and FF/serum EG-VEGF, inhibin-a, and FF IGF-1 levels were evaluated. Zones III–IV endometrial vascularity was classified as a well-vascularized endometrium (WVE). The presence of a WVE and mature oocytes, in addition to the embryo quality and clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), were recorded for each follicle. The main outcome measures were FF serum EG-VEGF, inhibin-a, IGF-1 levels, and WVE and IVF outcome per PFBF. For WVFs, the level of FF EG-VEGF (p = 0.008), oocyte quality (p = 0.001), embryo quality (p = 0.002), a WVE (p = 0.001), and CPR (p = 0.04) increased significantly. The pregnant group was characterized by increased numbers of WVFs (p = 0.044), a WVE (p = 0.022), and increased levels of FF IGF-1 (p = 0.001) and serum EG-VEGF (p = 0.03). FF IGF-1 >50 ng/mL (AUC 0.72) had 75 % sensitivity and 64 % specificity for predicting CPR. WVFs yield high-quality oocytes and embryos, a WVE, increased FF EG-VEGF levels, and increased CPRs.

PURPOSE To explore the impact of obesity on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes and comparing the results with regards to age groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective cohort recruited 780 women that underwent IVF. Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) were excluded from the study. Women under and above 35 years were categorized into three groups as normal weight, overweight, and obese. The main outcome measures were ovarian response, oocyte maturity, and clinical pregnancy rates. RESULTS Despite oocyte count and fertilization rate that decreased in both younger and older obese women, this difference was not statistically significant. After age matched-normal weight controls, the clinical pregnancy rates were significantly decreased in older obese women. On the other hand, poor ovarian response observed significantly in young obese women without effect on pregnancy rates. CONCLUSION These results suggested that obesity in young and old women has different outcomes and different steps of IVF process may be affected.

Objective To investigate whether amnioreduction has any impact on emergency cervical cerclage outcome. Materials and methods Data of women who underwent emergency cervical cerclage for advanced cervical dilatation and protruding membranes were analyzed retrospectively. Results During the study interval, a total of 56 women who were underwent amnioreduction (n=26) and who did not (n=30) were eligible for analysis of the study. Gestational age at cerclage, delivery, and prolongation of pregnancy interval were comparable between the groups (21.3 ±3.3 vs. 20.6 ±3.1 weeks; p = 0.44; 28.3 ±6.1 vs. 28.1 ±5.6 weeks; p = 0.74; 53.7± 46.1 vs. 47.3± 36.7 days; p = 0.56 respectively). Number of live birth rates and perinatal mortality rates were also not statistically significantly different between the groups (73.1% vs. 70.0%; p = 0.80; 15.4% vs. 13.3%; p = 0.83). Conclusions Emergency cerclage yields live take home baby rates in more than half of the patients. The decision to perform amnioreduction should be based on suspicion of chorioamnionitis and patient's motivation to know exactly what is the risk of chorioamnionitis.

Objective To compare HOXA-10 gene expression in eutopic endometrium samples, between fertile and infertile endometriosis patients and the fertile control cases, and in endometrium and endometrioma specimens, between severe and moderate endometriosis cases. Study Design Prospective clinical study included women without infertility and endometriosis (Group 1); women without infertility but with endometrioma (Group 2); and infertile women with endometrioma (Group 3). In addition, the Group 2 and 3 cohort were assessed based on the findings obtained during laparoscopy, based on the (rAFS) scoring, as women with a rAFS score of 16–40 were evaluated in Group A, whereas those with rAFS score above 40 were considered in Group B. HOXA-10 gene expression was evaluated in both secretory endometrium tissue and endometrioma specimens. Results Eutopic endometrium samples from group 2 (reference gene = 0,680 vs. target gene = 0,362) and group 3 (reference gene = 0,641 vs. target gene = 0,183) patients revealed a 1,871-fold and 3,509-fold decrease in HOXA-10 gene expression, respectively, as compared to group 1. Endometrial HOXA-10 gene expression was 1,778-fold down-regulated in group 3 women (reference gene = 1,510 vs. target gene = 0,850), when compared to group 2. Both eutopic endometrium and endometrioma tissue samples from severe endometriosis patients revealed 1,259-fold (reference gene = 1,523 vs. target gene = 1,210) and 1,338-fold (reference gene = 1,274 vs. target gene = 0,952), down-regulation in HOXA-10 gene expressions, respectively, as compared to moderate cases. Conclusion Endometrial HOXA-10 gene expression in women with endometriosis is significantly down-regulated than in those without endometriosis. Endometriosis patients with infertility have significantly lower levels of endometrial HOXA-10 gene expression than endometriosis without infertility; thus decreased expression of this gene may, directly or indirectly, be related with the endometriosis-associated infertility. Severe endometriosis cases express, in their both endometrium and endometrioma tissues, significantly lower levels of HOXA-10 gene than moderate endometriosis cases.

To compare perinatal outcomes between patients with and without abnormal Doppler findings and lactate peak in the fetal brain detected by magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)HMRS) and to assess the feasibility of fetal brain lactate in the prediction of adverse obstetric outcomes in growth-restricted fetuses.Pregnancies with FGR fetuses underwent Doppler ultrasonography and 3 Tesla (1)HMRS for the presence of lactate peak prior to the delivery. Patients were assigned into the following groups; normal Doppler, no lactate peak (Group 1), normal Doppler, lactate peak (+) (Group II), abnormal Doppler, no lactate peak (Group III), abnormal Doppler, lactate peak (+) (Group IV).Five perinatal deaths, all in Group IV, were encountered (p 0.001). Perinatal death rate was higher in patients with Doppler flow abnormality ((5/12 (41.7%)) than in patients without Doppler abnormality (0/23) (p 0.001) and was significantly higher in the presence (5/18 (27.8%)) than in the absence of lactate peak (0/17) (p = 0.019).Fetuses with brain lactate peak detected by (1)HMRS in addition to altered Doppler findings are more likely to develop short-term morbidities and perinatal death. Fetal brain lactate detected by (1)HMRS may represent a clinical marker of altered brain metabolism and further perinatal complications.

The effects of childhood cancer therapy on ovarian reserve tests and on pubertal development within 5 years were compared with a control group. The study group was composed of 41 patients who underwent chemotherapy during pre-menarche (subgroup A; n = 15) and after menarche (subgroup B; n = 26); the control group was composed of 44 patients admitted with non-cancer related diseases (in total n = 85). Mean total ovarian volume and total antral follicle counts on ultrasound examination were significantly lower in the study group compared with the control group (3.5 ± 2.3 versus 5.2 ± 2.4 ml; P = 0.001; and 3.4 ± 3.3 versus 8.6 ± 3.5; P < 0.001, respectively). Mean FSH level was significantly higher in the study group (13.5 ± 16.2 versus 7.3 ± 2.7 mIU/ml; P = 0.017). Anti-Mullerian hormone levels in subgroup A were significantly higher than in subgroup B (1.8 ± 0.1 versus 1.5 ± 0.08 pg/dl; P = 0.034). In conclusion ovarian volume, antral follicle count and FSH can be used for evaluating the harmful effect of cancer chemotherapy on ovarian follicles. Post-menarche, Anti-Mullerian values reveal that ovarian follicles are more sensitive to the devastating effects of cytotoxic treatment.

Background To evaluate the effect of copper intrauterine device (IUD) on the expression of cyclooxygenase (COX) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the luteal phase endometrium. Study Design A prospective clinical study was conducted on 30 women who were willing to use a copper IUD contraception. Endometrial biopsies and blood samples were taken before and 3 months after the insertion of the IUD on Day 3 and Days 20–24 of the cycle. Main outcome measures were to evaluate the effect of copper IUD on uterine artery blood flow using pulsed color Doppler ultrasonography and the relationship of bleeding abnormalities and menstrual pain level with the uterine blood flow, COX-2 and iNOS expression. Results Only the left uterine artery pulsatility and resistance indices decreased statistically significantly (p=.005 and p=.039, respectively). Other Doppler parameters showed no change. Cyclooxygenase-2 expression of both endometrial luminal epithelium (p=.03) and gland epithelium (p=.03) increased significantly. Inducible NOS expression of the endometrial surface epithelium decreased significantly after IUD insertion (p=.01). Conclusions Although COX-2 expression increased 3 months after copper IUD insertion, iNOS expression of the luminal epithelium decreased. Local hypoxia caused by copper and vasoconstrictor prostanoids may play a role in IUD-related menstrual abnormalities.

To compare the efficacy of repeated doses of 100 microg vs. 200 microg misoprostol given sublingually for induction of second trimester abortion.One hundred and sixty-two women at 15-22 weeks' gestation were randomized to receive every 2 h either 100 microg (group 1; n = 81) or 200 microg (group 2; n = 81) misoprostol sublingually. The primary outcome measure was the abortion rate within 24 h. The secondary outcome measures were the induction-abortion interval, the total misoprostol dose required, and side effects of the regimen.There was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to the abortion rates within 12 h (43.2% in group 1 vs. 48.1% in group 2; p = 0.52; relative risk [RR]: 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.4-1.5) and 24 h (92.6% in group 1 vs. 91.4% in group 2; p = 0.77; RR: 1.11; 95% CI: 0.37-3.6). The induction-abortion intervals in the two groups were of similar length (885 minutes in group 1 vs. 912 minutes in group 2; p = 0.72). When the total dose of misoprostol was compared between the two groups, women belonging to group 2 on average had received significantly more misoprostol than those in group 1 (1274 +/- 592 microg [7 +/- 3 doses] vs. 614 +/- 432 microg [6 +/- 4 doses], respectively; p = 0.000).Sublingual administration of repeated doses of 100 microg misoprostol for abortion induction appears to be equally effective to that of repeated doses of 200 microg.

To integrate intermittent fetal pulse oximetry (FPO) to intrapartum fetal assessment and reduce the rate of caesarean sections.A randomised controlled trial using 37 weeks as a restriction point was conducted in 230 women induced with misoprostol. One hundred-fourteen were assessed with intermittent FPO plus fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring (study group) and 116 were assessed with FHR monitoring alone (control group). The primary outcome measure was caesarean delivery rates. Secondary outcome measures included induction to delivery interval, number of emergency caesarean deliveries performed for fetal non-reassuring FHR patterns and neonatal outcomes.There was a reduction both in the overall caesarean deliveries (study n = 18, (15.7%); vs. control n = 31 (26.7%); p = 0.04), and the rate of caesarean deliveries performed for non-reassuring fetal status in the study group (study n = 11, (9.6%); vs. control n = 23 (19.8%); p = 0.03). Induction to delivery interval was similar in between the groups (759 +/- 481 min in group 1; vs. 735 +/- 453 min in group 2 respectively; p = 0.69).Intermittent FPO in misoprostol induced deliveries decreases both total caesarean rate and the caesarean rate due to non-reassuring FHR patterns.

Background: Paradoxical embolism via a patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a rare event in the puerperium as a cause of stroke. Case: We report a 21-year-old, G4P3A1 woman with the symptoms of convulsion, stroke and unconsciousness 1 week after cesarean delivery. An infarction was detected in both frontal lobes, and echocardiography and MRI confirmed the PFO. Her follow-up course with low-molecular-weight heparin and then warfarin for 6 months was uneventful. Conclusion: Patients with an unexplained arterial event should be screened for PFO and possible paradoxical embolism.

To investigate the inflammatory markers in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and associations of these markers with obesity and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. A total of 292 women underwent IVF procedure either with PCOS (n = 146) or without PCOS (n = 146, age, and body mass index (BMI) matched controls) were included in the study. All patients were classified according to BMI levels (normal weight: NW, BMI

To evaluate whether symptoms and recurrence would differ with and without Cu-IUD removal in patients with concomitant biofilm forming Candida spp.The data of 270 consecutive patients wearing TCu380A Cu-IUD were evaluated. Among these patients, 100/270 were found to have Candida spp. isolated from the tail of Cu-IUD or vaginal samples. These patients were investigated in four groups: Group 1 (n = 24; Biofilm (+), Cu-IUD removed), Group 2 (n = 14; Biofilm (+), Cu-IUD not removed), Group 3 (n = 29; Biofilm (-), Cu-IUD removed), Group 4 (n = 33; Biofilm (-), Cu-IUD not removed). Patients in each group were followed for clinical signs and symptoms for 8-16 months and compared to each other.Symptoms, physical findings and candida positivity have decreased statistically significantly in Group 1 one year after removal of Cu-IUD (95.8% vs. 4.2%, p0.01; 95.8% vs. 4.2%, p0.01; 100% vs. 8.3%, p0.01 respectively). In Group 2, symptoms, physical findings and candida positivity have decreased after follow-up, but without a statistical significance. In Group 3, all the parameters have decreased, but only decrease in candida positivity has reached statistical significance (100% vs. 48.3%, p0.01). In Group 4 - as in Group 1- symptoms, physical findings and candida positivity have decreased statistically significantly (48.5% vs. 18.2%, p = 0.01; 72.7% vs. 48.5%, p = 0.05; 100% vs. 51.5%, p0.01 respectively).Biofilm forming microorganisms should be considered in the management of vaginal infections or symptoms for safer use of intrauterine devices.

The aim of study is to compare maternal and fetal outcomes of pregnancies in which cerclage was placed following the loss of first fetus with those without cerclage placement in multiple pregnancies for delayed interval delivery.Records of pregnancies in which the first fetus was lost between 13-26 weeks and delayed delivery experienced for retained fetus(es), were collected retrospectively. A total of 20 patients including 11 twins, seven triplets and two quadruplets were evaluated. Cases with cervical cerclage placed after the first delivery were evaluated as the cerclage group (n = 11) and the cases without cerclage placement were evaluated as the non-cerclage group (n = 9).Median duration of delay was 22 days (range, 3-121) for both groups; 40 days (range, 5-121) in cerclage group and 12 days (range, 3-46) in the non-cerclage group (P = 0.003). Average birthweight of retained fetus(es) in the cerclage group was 850 ± 153.6 g (mean ± standard error [SE]) and 549.5 ± 149.1 g (mean ± SE) in the non-cerclage group (P = 0.04). Delivery week of retained fetus(es), live birth rate, take-home baby rate and chorioamnionitis ratio were not different in between the groups.Cervical cerclage after the first delivery is associated with a longer delivery interval and higher birthweight of retained fetus.

Success rates of any artificial reproduction techniques depend on a correct protocol for ovarian stimulation. This can be decided only by proper assessment of ovarian reserve before commencing ovarian stimulation. This study has been conducted to investigate the role of hormonal and functional biomarkers in the prediction of ovarian response. A total of 689 women between July 2012 and July 2013 undergoing IVF at Kocaeli University have been enrolled in the study. Patients have been categorized into three groups according to the number of oocytes retrieved: 0–3 oocytes (poor responders), 4–15 oocytes (normoresponders), and >16 oocytes (hyperresponders). Groups have been compared according to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), E2, luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, antral follicle counts, and E2 levels on hCG days. Furthermore, regression analysis has been performed with parameters such as age, FSH, LH, E2, anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle counts (AFC) that can affect the total number of oocytes retrieved and pregnancy rates and their interactions with each other have been investigated. FSH, age, hCG day LH level, cycle cancellation rate, total gonadotropin dose were significantly higher in the poor responder group, but in this group, AFC, AMH, hCG day E2 level, and the number of MII oocytes were significantly lower. Cut-off values of normal responders for FSH, AMH, and AFC were 8.43 area under curve [AUC: 0.541 (0.491–0.590)], 0.62 [AUC: 0.704 (0.638–0.764)], and 6 [AUC: 0.715 (0.667–0.760)], respectively. Cut-off values for the absolute poor response group (cycle cancellation) were 12.75 for FSH [AUC: 0.533 (0.49–0.57)], 0.23 for AMH [AUC: 0.678 (0.618–0.733)], and 6 for AFC [AUC: 0.576 (0.531–0.613)]. AMH and AFC were the best markers for the prediction of total oocyte count, independent of age, FSH, and LH levels. AMH and AFC were found to be the best ovarian reserve tests that can determine the total oocyte count retrieved, without any significant effects on pregnancy rates.

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effects of tubal surgery and antituberculosis treatments in patients with genital tuberculosis.A total of 38 infertile women who had been diagnosed with pelvic tuberculosis and who had had laparoscopy and hysteroscopy were recruited into the study. All women with female genital tuberculosis were divided into two groups: group 1 (salpingectomized, n=21) and group 2 (not salpingectomized, n=15). Both of the groups were treated with antitubercular therapy for 6-12 months.There was no significant difference in level of gonadotrophins used, estradiol levels on human chorionic gonadotrophin day, mean and mature oocytes retrieved, mean embryos transferred, or cancellation and fertilization rates. Only the number of days of stimulation was statistically significantly higher in group 1 compared to group 2 (10.4±2.3 vs 9.2±1.8; P=0.048). Although it did not reach the statistically significant level, clinical pregnancy rate was higher in group 1 (37.5%, 12/32 vs 23.8%, 5/21; P=0.306). Although not statistically significant, number of ongoing pregnancies per embryo transfer, spontaneous abortion rates before 20 weeks of gestation and take-home baby rates were higher in group 1 compared to group 2 (15.5%, 12/77 vs 6.6%, 3/45; P=0.150; 28.1%, 9 vs 23.8%, 5; P=0.600; 9%, 3 vs 0; P=0.160, respectively).Salpingectomy is an option for treatment in patients diagnosed with pelvic tuberculosis and infertility to improve both clinical pregnancy rates and take-home baby rates in patients treated with antituberculosis therapy for 12 months.

To describe menstrual abnormalities and intrauterine adhesions within 5 years after a transuterine compression suture and uterine devascularization with hypogastric ligation.Prospective clinical follow-up was conducted on 56 patients who underwent uterine devascularization with hypogastric ligation and transuterine suture. The main outcomes were to investigate intrauterine adhesions, menstrual pattern, and desire for subsequent pregnancy and fertility.Among 56 cases, abnormal placental implantation was diagnosed in 30 (53.6%) (Group 1), and uterine atony was diagnosed in 26 (46.4%) (Group 2). Before pregnancy, while 2/24 patients in Group 1 and 2/23 patients in Group 2 had menstrual irregularities, after pregnancy 8/24 patients in Group 1 and 9/23 patients in Group 2 had menstrual irregularities (p = 0.03 and 0.01, respectively). Hysteroscopic examination revealed normal findings in 16 patients in Group 1 (66.6%) and 20 patients in Group 2 (86.9%) (por = 0.05). Among patients who had desired a future pregnancy, 2 of 4 patients (50%) in Group 1 and 4 of 5 patients (80%) in Group 2 subsequently had achieved successful pregnancies.Transuterine compression suture and uterine devascularization with hypogastric ligation in managing postpartum hemorrhage appear to have achieved preserved fertility and, in most cases, menstrual regularity.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is considered as the most common endocrinopathy among women of reproductive age. Oral contraceptives (OCs) and metformin are one of the main drug groups in the long-term treatment of PCOS. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol + metformin on ultrasonographic markers, body fat mass (BFM) index, leptin–ghrelin. This was a prospective clinical study conducted at Kocaeli University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology on 42 PCOS patients. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups [Group I (n = 22): drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol (DEE); Group II (n = 20): drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol + metformin (M)] according to Body Mass Index (BMI) findings. Patients were evaluated in terms of leptin–ghrelin, ultrasound, and body fat distribution before and 6 months after therapy. Main outcome measures were to investigate the effects of drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol + metformin on ovarian ultrasonographic markers, BFM index, leptin, and ghrelin. In patients with higher BMI, ovarian volume, numbers of follicles, stromal area, and echogenicity have been reported to be larger. In group II, a negative correlation between ghrelin and abdominal fat mass after treatment has been noted, whereas in group I a positive correlation between leptin and abdominal fat mass after treatment has been observed. Addition of metformin could have beneficial effects on abdominal fat mass. Stromal area measurement and assessment of fat mass with Dual X-ray Absorptiometry could be helpful as a quantitative way of measurement.

To evaluate the maternal and fetal outcome in 44 pregnancies complicated with HELLP syndrome and to investigate the role of platelet counts in its prognosis. A retrospective analysis of the medical records of 44 patients with the diagnosis of hemolysis elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count between June 1997 and January 2009 was performed. The patients were divided into two groups according to blood platelet count: platelet count

Purpose. To compare the diagnostic accuracy of 2-dimensional sonography (2DUS) and real-time 3-dimensional sonography (3DUS) in the diagnosis of congenital mullerian defects (CMD) with respect to the phase of the menstrual endometrium. Method. The accuracy of sonography was examined on 108 women by 2 gynecologists during the 1st 5 days after cessation of menstrual flow and then re-examined at the cycle days 20–24. Entrance criteria for the patients enrolled in the study were as follows: women who were referred to our center with a suspected Mullerian anomaly at hysterosalpingography, and women who were suspected to have a uterine anomaly at our hospital during infertility, dysmenorrhea, and recurrent abortion workup. First, 1 of the gynecologists performed the 2DUS, and afterwards the 2nd gynecologist performed the real-time 3DUS. Results from both examiners were compared and correlated with the definitive diagnosis obtained by MRI, laparoscopy, or hysteroscopy. The sensitivity and specificity values of 2DUS and real-time 3DUS for the diagnosis of CMD were calculated at follicular and luteal phases. Result. Among the 108 cases suspected to have CMD, the sensitivity and specificity values of real-time 3DUS were significantly higher in the follicular sensitivity, 94.7%, specificity, 75.0%, and luteal phases (sensitivity, 100%, specificity, 93.7%) when compared with 2DUS values (sensitivity of 30.2% and specificity of 78.1% in the follicular phase and sensitivity of 42.1% and specificity of 81.2% in the luteal phase). Conclusion. Real-time 3DUS is an accurate method that can be used for the diagnosis of congenital mullerian defects. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 2010

To present a case of primary malignant melanoma of the cervix. The patient was admitted with the complaint of vaginal bleeding. Gynecological examination revealed a dark, papillary mass on the posterior lip of the cervix. Histopathology showed a malignant neoplasm with increased vascularity, indicating the possibility of a primary uterine cervical melanoma. Diagnosis of malignant melanoma was confirmed with immunohistochemistry, which showed diffuse positive reactions for S-100 protein and HBM-45, with no reaction for epithelial markers, namely cytokeratin AE1/AE3 and epithelial membrane antigen. An extensive search for a melanotic lesion in skin and in uveal tract was performed to verify the distinct site of melanoma. The tumor was stage IB1 according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics classification.The patient underwent radical Wertheim–Meigs hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy, and retroperitoneal pelvic lympadenectomy. Radiotherapy or chemotherapy was not performed in the postoperative period. She is now free of the disease 10 months after the operation. Primary malignant melanoma of the cervix is a rare cervical malignancy.

Implantation of conception material within a cesarean section scar is an extremely rare form of ectopic pregnancy with devastating complications such as uterine rupture and intractable bleeding. Both 2-D and 3-D transvaginal ultrasonographic devices are used adequately for precise diagnosis but there is still a lack of consensus concerning management strategies. No therapeutic modality is suggested to be entirely efficacious and safe for preserving uterine integrity. We present here a 29-year-old woman with vaginal bleeding and a gestational sac with a viable embryo of 6 weeks of age that was implanted in a cesarean section scar. Serum beta-hCG levels were 16 792 mIU/mL. Following an unsuccessful treatment course of systemic methotrexate the patient underwent operative hysteroscopy. Minimally invasive hysteroscopic resection of the ectopic gestational mass without major complication appears to be an alternative therapeutic approach with minimal morbidity and preservation of future fertility. (authors)

Fryns syndrome (FS) is a rare malformation. We report a case of FS referred to our clinic at 27 weeks' gestation with a diagnosis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Sonographic examination of the fetus revealed a left-sided diaphragmatic hernia, pulmonary hypoplasia, and a median orofacial cleft. The diagnosis of FS was made after exclusion of chromosome aberrations and delivery of the fetus. Macroscopic inspection revealed a coarse face (hypertelorism and broad and flat nasal bridge, anteverted nostrils, median cleft lip/palate, poorly shaped auricles with attached earlobes, facial hirsutism), a narrow thorax, nail hypoplasia, and hypoplastic, widely spaced nipples. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008

Objective. Obesity is a worldwide concern with detrimental health effects including decreased fecundity. However, obesity’s impact on in vitro fertilization (IVF) is inconclusive and there is little data concerning poor ovarian responders (POR). This study explored the effects of overweight and obesity on IVF outcomes of POR.Design. We retrospectively evaluated 188 POR undergoing IVF cycles.Methods. Patients were categorized into three groups. Group 1 was normal weight POR (18.5–24.9 kg/m2,n=96); Group 2 was overweight POR (25.0–29.9 kg/m2,n=52); and Group 3 was obese POR (≥30.0 kg/m2,n=40). Main measured outcomes included IVF outcomes.Results. The oocyte maturity, total gonadotropin dose-duration, and cycle cancellation rates were similar. Obese women had significantly decreased LH levels. LH < 4 mIU/mL had a sensitivity (62%) and a specificity (86%) for IVF failure (AUC: 0.71). Fertilization rates of obese subjects were significantly lower than normal and overweight subjects (p=0.04). Obese women’s clinical pregnancy rates were significantly lower (15%) than normal weight women (33.3%,p=0.01).Conclusions. Despite similar counts of recruited mature oocytes, obese POR women had decreased fertilization and clinical pregnancy rates. Obesity rather than overweight significantly decreased IVF outcomes in POR.

Gastric carcinoma associated with pregnancy appears to be an extremely rare entity. It is usually diagnosed at advanced stages of the disease and presents a grave prognosis. Since the fatal outcome shows a rapid course within months of diagnosis, prompt gastroduodenal endoscopic examination following early clinical suspicion is mandatory. A case of 29 year–old pregnant woman with 31 weeks of gestation is herein presented. The women was diagnosed as gastric adenocarcinoma while being investigated for intractable nausea, vomiting, and a concomitant epigastric mass. She underwent radical gastric resection and received six cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy following vaginal delivery of a healthy 1950 g fetus. The patient was dead 20 weeks after the surgery due to pulmonary and hepatic metastasis.

Background The purpose of this study was to compare fetal oxygen saturation by fetal pulse oximetry in parturients with and without epidural labor analgesia in a prospective case control study. Methods Fetal oxygen saturation values were compared in term pregnant women who received epidural analgesia (epidural group) with those in women who did not (control group). Mode of delivery, Apgar score, fetal oxygen saturation, cord blood gas analysis and fetal outcomes were also compared. Results A total of 150 pregnant women (75 in each group) gave written consent and were enrolled. The average fetal oxygen saturation during the first stage of labor (active phase) was 45.6 ± 8.1% for the epidural group and 45.9 ± 7.4% for the control group (NS); saturations for the second stage of labor were 44.9 ± 8.8% and 45.3 ± 6.7%, respectively (NS). In the epidural group, the duration of the first stage of labor was significantly longer (565 ± 217 min) than the control group (434 ± 222 min; P = 0.001). Cesarean delivery rates, neonatal cord blood gas analysis, Apgar scores, and neonatal outcomes were similar in the two groups. Conclusions Fetal oxygen saturation values are similar in the first and second stage of labor in the presence or absence of epidural labor analgesia.

We present a case of a 40-yr-old woman diagnosed with a primary malignant struma ovarii. The patient was admitted with the complaint of pelvic pain and a large pelvic mass in the mid-portion of lower abdomen on gynecological examination. Pre-operative tumor markers and routine biochemistry were unremarkable. She was treated with total abdominal hysterectomy and right salpingo-oopherectomy. Post-operatively, she was diagnosed with a malignant struma ovarii through the usage of histopathological criteria similar to the guidelines for primary thyroid gland disease. The patient was subsequently performed left salpingo-oopherectomy and retroperitoneal pelvic lympadenectomy for re-staging. Although, left ovary and lymph nodes were histopathologically normal, she was offered thyroidectomy but she refused to accept the offer. Thyroglobulin level was monitored in the post-operative period. She is free of the disease for 18 months.

Objective To describe the first case of a leiomyoma localized in the septum of a septate uterus that had cervical duplication and a longitudinal vaginal septum. Design Case report. Setting A university hospital. Patient(s) A 43-year-old patient with primary infertility and complaint of menorrhagia. Intervention(s) Laparotomy, adhesiolysis, myomectomy, and resection of the vaginal septum in the first operation. Hysteroscopic resection of the complete uterine septum in the second operation. Main Outcome Measure(s) Magnetic resonance imaging findings and two-step repair of the anomaly. Cervical length at second trimester. Result(s) Restoration of normal anatomy was achieved after correct diagnosis and a two-step operation procedure. A normal cervical length was measured at 26 weeks of gestation. Conclusion(s) Large leiomyoma at rare localizations in the presence of uterine anomalies is a diagnostic challenge, but with available diagnostic technology and appropriate operations, successful results can be obtained.

Background Turner’s syndrome (TS) is depicted as a total or partial absence of one X chromosome that results in ovarian dysgenesis. Chances of spontaneous pregnancy in TS are rare and the outcome of the pregnancies is known to be poor with an increased risk of miscarriage and stillbirths. Our aim is to evaluate reproductive and obstetric outcomes of natural conception and in-vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles in mosaic TS patients. Methods A total of 22 mosaic TS cases (seventeen 45,X/46,XX and five 45,X/46,XX/47,XXX karyotypes) were evaluated. Results Live birth and abortion rates were found as 32.7 % and 67.3 %, respectively in 52 pregnancies. Implantation, clinical pregnancy and take home baby rates were detected as 3.7 %, 8.6 % and 5.7 %, respectively per IVF cycle as a result of 35 cycles. Fecundability analysis revealed that 5 % of the cases experienced first pregnancy within 6 months and 8 % within the first 2 years. Mosaicism ratio did not have an effect on the time to the first pregnancy (p = .149). Conclusion Only a small proportion of the mosaic TS patients conceive in the first 2 years of the marriage. Age of menarche and age of marriage appear not to have any impact on the chance of conceiving. Mosaic TS cases should counseled about the low odds of pregnancy and high miscarriage rates.