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Aim Striae gravidarum (SG) is a most common physiological skin change that many pregnant women experience during pregnancy. We investigated the effects of geographic conditions and altitude on the formation of SG. Material and Methods A total of 508 nulliparous women with singleton gestation were included in the study from three different geographic locations. The first city is located in the mountainous area at an altitude of approximately 1900 m (approximately 6233 ft). The second city is located on a plain in the middle of the country at an altitude of 900 m (approximately 2952 ft). The third city is located by the seaside (altitude 26 m, 85 ft). Twelve variables were recorded for each woman in the prepartum period, and striae were scored using the numerical scoring system of Atwal et al. Results We found that striae formation was significantly more common in higher areas. According to the regression analyses, when the third region, located at sea level, was taken as a reference point, the appearance of SG was 2.1- and 1.8-fold more common in the first region (altitude 1900 m) and the second region (altitude 900 m), respectively ( P = 0.020). Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to evaluate the effect of environmental factors on SG formation. Moreover, our study group is one of the largest in the published work. Environmental factors can affect the formation of striae gravidarum. Further studies with different ethnic groups are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To assess the role of first trimester maternal testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate ( DHEA-S) levels in prediction of development of gestational diabetes mellitus ( GDM). Methods Four hundred and fifty pregnant women were included in this prospective cohort study. All pregnant women with a singleton pregnancy who were not diabetic, had no family history of diabetes, had no history of previous GDM, were of white race and non-smokers were enrolled. Total testosterone and DHEA-S were measured at 11-14 weeks of gestation. The patients were called for routine pregnancy visits and followed accordingly. Forty-two patients did not come to their visits and were excluded. During gestational weeks 24-28, the remaining 408 patients were screened for GDM. The total testosterone and DHEA-S levels were compared between patients with and without GDM. Regression and receiver-operator curve analysis were performed. Results GDM developed in 22 women (5.7%). Compared with women without GDM, first trimester total testosterone levels were higher among women in whom GDM subsequently developed. The DHEA-S level did not differ. Age, total testosterone and body mass index were found to be independent predictors of GDM development. A total testosterone value of 0.45 ng/mL was found to predict development of GDM with a sensitivity of 63.6% and a specificity of 62.7%. Conclusion First trimester total testosterone has a low testing power for GDM screening with low sensitivity and specificity values and cannot be used as a marker alone. It may have a role in combination with other markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To determine factors associated with face presentation of term fetuses delivered. Methods Of 34 480 consecutive, term deliveries of uncomplicated pregnancies within a 3-year period, all live, singleton term fetuses with cephalic presentation in which no lethal anomalies occurred that were diagnosed with a face presentation were studied. Factors that may have contributed to the etiology of the presentation including age, parity and fetal size were evaluated. Ultrasonographic evaluation was recorded. Results Fifty cases were diagnosed with an incidence of 0.14%. Parity was not associated with face presentation. Birthweight of 4000 g or more indicated an increased risk of approximately 2.9-fold, whereas fetuses weighing 3000-3499 g were found to have a relatively decreased risk of face presentation when compared with the general obstetrics group ( P = 0.015 and 0.001, risk ratio = 2.948 and 0.450, respectively). With physical examination, only 70% were diagnosed correctly. Conclusion Face presentation is a rare event and birthweight more than 4000 g was found to be associated with face presentation. Parity is not an associated factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of the present study was to compare the use of electrothermal bipolar vessel sealer (EBVS) with harmonic scalpel (HS) during total laparoscopic hysterectomy with respect to operation time, estimated blood loss and related complications. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in the university hospital. Forty patients who underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were enrolled. Nineteen hysterectomies were performed with HS and in 21 patients the same surgeons used EBVS. Data about the characteristics of the patients, operation time, estimated blood loss, uterine weights, related complications and length of hospital stay were registered and compared. Results: Mean procedure time and estimated blood loss were significantly less in the EBVS arm (59.57 ± 3.71 vs 90.95 ± 5.73 min, P < 0.001; 87.76 ± 25.48 vs 152.63 ± 60.90 mL; P < 0.001, respectively). The change in hemoglobin and hematocrit values was found to be more significant in the HS group. Conclusion: EBVS was found to be less time-consuming and caused less bleeding when compared with HS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess the effectiveness of laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with normal and high body mass indices (BMIs). Methods: We investigated the effects of LOD process on two different groups of Turkish women with normal ( n = 13) and high ( n = 12) body mass indices. Three-puncture laparoscopy was performed under general anesthesia. Luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS) and total testosterone (total T) levels were measured one menstrual cycle before the operation (in early follicular phase defined as day 3 of the menstrual cycle) and one menstrual cycle after the operation (in early follicular phase defined as day 3 of the menstrual cycle). Results: Ovarian drilling had a positive effect on FSH increase and DHEAS, total testosterone and LH/FSH ratio decrease; but BMI levels had no effect on these hormonal changes, respectively ( F = 0.343, P = 0564) ( F = 0.790, P = 0383) ( F = 0.083, P = 0776) and ( F = 0.816, P = 0376). Ovarian drilling had a positive effect on LH decrease and BMIs were effective on this change ( F = 6.946, P < 0.05). LH decrease in the group with normal BMI was significantly higher than the obese group with high BMI. Ten of 13 women with normal BMI (76.9%) and eight of 12 women with high BMI (66.6%) started to see regular menses 2 to 3 months after the procedure. Conclusion: Ovarian drilling is an effective procedure on PCOS. Women with lower BMI may benefit more from the procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]