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The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of maternal serum Vitamin D levels on the elasticity of placenta. Seventy-four spontaneously conceived singleton pregnancies in their first trimester were enrolled into this study. Fifty-one of them had Vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL), while 23 pregnancies had Vitamin D levels ≥20 ng/mL. The placental elasticity was measured by the transabdominal Point Shear Wave Elastography (pSWE) method. In each case, the mean of 10 consecutive measurements was accepted as the mean placental elasticity value. The mean pSWE values did not significantly differ between the Vitamin D deficient group and the control group (p >.05). Placental elasticity was not found to be different in the pregnancies with Vitamin D deficiency during the first trimester. What is already known on this subject? The pSWE technique provides opportunity to determine the elasticity of any interested tissue. Placental elasticity has been found to be changed in inflammatory and fibrotic conditions such as in preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction or diabetes. On the other hand, Vitamin D deficiency is linked with several comorbidities such as autoimmune disorders, cancer and cardiovascular disorders. Vitamin D also plays a role in placental angiogenesis in the first trimester. Maternal Vitamin D levels are shown to be related with adverse pregnancy outcomes. What do the results of this study add? To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first assessing the association between Vitamin D levels and placental elasticity. Placental elasticity was not found to be changed by Vitamin D deficiency. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Our pilot study revealed that Vitamin D deficiency does not have any impact on placental elasticity in the first trimester. However, longitudinal studies concerning placental elasticity in subsequent trimesters are needed to support our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased placental stiffness is associated with various pathological conditions. Our objective was to evaluate the relation between the second-trimester placental elasticity value in low-risk pregnant women and poor obstetric outcomes. A total of 143 pregnant women were enrolled. Placental elasticity values were measured using the transabdominal point shear wave elastography method. 10 random measurements were obtained from different areas of the placenta. The mean was accepted as the mean placental elasticity value. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent variables associated with obstetric outcomes. Second-trimester placental elasticity value was significantly and positively associated with the poor obstetric outcomes (p=0.038). We could predict a poor outcome with 69.2% sensitivity and 60.7% specificity if we defined the placental elasticity cut-off as 3.19 kPa. Furthermore, in the multiple regression model, the placental elasticity value added significantly to the prediction of birth weight (p=0.043). Our results showed that the pregnancies with a stiffer placenta in the second trimester were associated with an increased likelihood of exhibiting poor obstetric outcomes. Also, placental elasticity was independently associated with birth weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Prenatal anxiety has negative effects on pregnancy and neonate. Both screening tests and invasive diagnostic tests are associated with elevated anxiety level. But a normal fetal karyotype result could improve the anxiety level in high-risk patients. We hypothesized that patients who prefer follow-up without karyotyping may experience increased anxiety and sleep impairment until delivery. Our aim was to determine the effect of invasive diagnostic test decision on anxiety and sleep quality in women with a positive screening result.Methods: 132 women were included for the study and three groups were described. The invasive group consisted of women who underwent invasive procedure after a screen-positive test result, the follow-up group consisted of women who preferred non-invasive follow-up after a screen-positive result and the control group consisted of women with screen-negative test results. Participants were evaluated with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) after genetic counseling. They were asked for completing the same questionnaires in the third trimester to establish the course of anxiety and sleep quality throughout pregnancy.Results: STAI scores were significantly higher in both screen-positive groups than in the control group in the first evaluation (p < 0.001). STAI scores decreased in the invasive group and controls while PSQI scores did not significantly change during the course of the pregnancy. However, the anxiety level and sleep quality were worsened over time in the follow-up group.Conclusion: Screen-positive women who preferred to follow up had higher anxiety level and worse sleep quality in the later stages of pregnancy. We concluded that invasive prenatal diagnostic tests could improve anxiety and sleep quality in pregnant women with a screen-positive result for aneuploidy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The current study aimed to investigate renal cortical elasticity (RCE) in early- and late-onset preeclampsia patients and compare the results with healthy controls. Materials and methods: The study consisted of 136 pregnant women. Three groups were identified as; the late-onset preeclampsia (LOP) group (n = 40), the early-onset preeclampsia (EOP) group (n = 32) and the control group (n = 64). RCE values were measured by point shear wave elastography (pSWE). Nine measurements were taken for each kidney and the mean of nine measurements was accepted as the mean RCE value for each kidney. The arithmetic mean of left and right RCE values was accepted as the overall RCE value of a subject. Groups were compared in terms of clinical and biochemical parameters, ultrasonography findings and pSWE values. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between groups in terms of overall RCE values (F[2,133] = 17.96, p <.001). Post hoc comparisons indicated that both preeclampsia groups exhibited significantly higher RCE values than the control group. However, overall RCE values were not significantly different between the EOP and LOP groups. Overall RCE values were significantly and positively correlated with systolic blood pressure (r = 0.363, p <.001), diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.347, p <.001), proteinuria (r = 0.343, p <.001), serum creatinine level (r = 0.181, p =.035), serum uric acid level (r = 0.243, p =.004) and blood urea nitrogen (r = 0.27, p =.001). Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that maternal renal cortical stiffness increased in women with preeclampsia. The increased RCE values may be indicative for the severity of preeclampsia due to positive correlations between renal cortical stiffness and systolic – diastolic blood pressure and serum creatinine level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been shown that placental elasticity values were higher in pregnant women with preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. The studies have been reported that prenatal serum screening markers and uterine artery Doppler parameters could be useful in the prediction of preeclampsia and intrauterine growth re striction. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between placental elasticity values and these serum markers and Doppler indices in the first and second-trimester. 108 cases between 11-14 gestational weeks were enrolled for this study. Placental elasticity measurements were performed after the first-trimester combined test and Doppler assessment. The same procedures were repeated with the second - trimester triple test for 71 pregnant women who were followed-up. Correlation analysis of demographic characteristics, biochemical parameters and Doppler findings with placental elasticity values were performed. In the first-trimester, we found a statistically significant and positive correlation between placental elasticity values and bilateral uterine artery notching (r =0.193, p =0.045) and mean arterial pressure (r =0.398, p <0.001). Likewise, positive correlation was found between placental elasticity values and bilateral uterine artery notching (r =0.303, p =0.023) and mean arterial pressure (r =0.274, p =0.041) in the second-trimester. Our study showed that placental elasticity values were positively correlated with mean arterial pressure and bilateral uterine artery notching in the first and second-trimesters. In light of these findings, the utility of placental elasticity measur ement in early gestation to predict pathologies due to insufficient placentation has to be proven with comprehensive studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate serum cortistatin levels in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and women with uncomplicated pregnancies.Material and methods: This case-control study consisted of 40 pregnancies with GDM and 41 healthy singleton pregnancies matched for maternal and gestational age. The maternal serum levels of cortistatin were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and compared between groups.Results: Cortistatin levels were significantly lower in GDM group (48.85 ± 20.18 versus 65.84 ± 33.98 ng/ml, p = .008). There was a statistically significant difference in cortistatin levels between different treatment modalities and control group (χ2(2) = 8.828, p = .012). Pairwise comparisons showed that diet group had significantly lower CST levels than control group (p = .012). Serum cortistatin levels were negatively correlated with serum insulin and glucose levels and HOMA-IR (r = -0.358, p = .001; r = -0.303, p = .006; r = -0.444, p < .001, respectively).Conclusion: Cortistatin levels were significantly lower in GDM pregnancies and related to serum insulin and glucose levels and HOMA-IR in pregnancy. This may help to better clarify the mechanism of GDM pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Fetal hydronephrosis (FH) is the most common fetal renal pathology encountered in daily obstetric practice. Urinary and serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) concentrations are elevated in obstructive renal pathologies. Our aim was to assess maternal urinary and serum CA 19-9 concentrations in pregnancies with FH and compare results with controls. Material and Methods: Twenty pregnancies with severe FH, 20 pregnancies with mild-moderate FH, and 20 healthy singleton pregnancies were included in this descriptive, case-control study. The diagnosis and classification of FH was based on the anterioposterior diameter of fetal renal pelvis. Maternal urinary and serum CA 19-9 concentrations were measured and compared between groups. Results: Severe FH cases had significantly higher maternal urinary CA 19-9 concentrations compared to controls (median: 75 vs 24 U/mL; respectively; p=0.014). Concentrations of CA 19-9 did not differ between the mild-moderate FH group and control group. No statistically significant difference was found between the groups with respect to maternal serum CA 19-9 concentrations. Conclusion: Our results show that maternal urinary CA 19-9 concentration is significantly higher in pregnancies with severe FH. However, no difference was detected in serum CA 19-9 concentrations between pregnancies with severe FH, mild-moderate FH and controls. If the mechanisms of transplacental passage and maternal urinary excretion are clarified, maternal urinary CA 19-9 may be a potential marker for indicating fetal kidney damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Perlecan is an extracellular matrix proteoglycan suggested to maintain endothelial functions. We aimed to measure maternal serum perlecan levels in different preeclampsia phenotypes.Methods: This study included 50 women with preeclampsia and 30 healthy pregnant women.Results: Serum perlecan levels were significantly higher (p = 0.016) in preeclamptic women with severe features(n = 23) than preeclampsia patients(n = 27). There were no statistically significant differences in serum perlecan levels between the early-onset preeclampsia(n = 25), late-onset preeclampsia(n = 25), and healthy pregnancies.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that preeclamptic women with severe features have higher serum perlecan levels than women with preeclampsia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spexin is a peptide that is involved in energy homeostasis and its expression is influenced by altered glucose metabolism. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with increased insulin resistance (IR) and pregnancy is a progressive insulin resistant state. We hypothesized that spexin may have an effect on the pathophysiology of GDM which further could help to identify the disease. The aim of this study was to investigate spexin levels in the third trimester pregnancies with GDM and healthy controls. Thirty-nine women with GDM and 39 healthy singleton pregnancies were enrolled in this case-control study. Serum spexin concentrations were measured and correlated to biochemical and clinical parameters. Serum spexin levels were significantly higher in women with GDM (3686.25 ± 348.37 vs. 3472.33 ± 293.93 pg/ml, p=.004). Spexin levels ​​did not differ significantly according to treatment modality. Moreover, spexin levels were significantly positively correlated with homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR). Spexin levels were significantly higher in women with GDM and closely related to HOMA-IR in the third trimester pregnancy. This may help to better clarify the pathophysiological role of spexin in GDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Placental elasticity varies in different diseases. Our objective was to evaluate placental elasticity using point shear wave elastography (pSWE) in pregnancies with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Methods: A total of 66 pregnant women with IUGR and 81 healthy pregnant women were enrolled. Placental elasticity was measured using the transabdominal pSWE method. Ten measurements were made, and the mean was accepted as the mean placental elasticity value in each case. The results for IUGR pregnancies and controls were compared. Results: The mean pSWE values were significantly higher in pregnancies with IUGR, which means that women with IUGR have stiffer placentas (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the pSWE values were significantly and positively correlated with Doppler indices and adverse perinatal outcomes. Conclusion: The pregnancies with IUGR had stiffer placentas than the healthy controls. The utilization of pSWE for placental elasticity may be useful in the diagnosis and management of IUGR as a supplement to the existing ultrasonography methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The current study aimed to investigate renal cortical elasticity (RCE) in early- and late-onset preeclampsia patients and compare the results with healthy controls.Materials and methods: The study consisted of 136 pregnant women. Three groups were identified as; the late-onset preeclampsia (LOP) group (n = 40), the early-onset preeclampsia (EOP) group (n = 32) and the control group (n = 64). RCE values were measured by point shear wave elastography (pSWE). Nine measurements were taken for each kidney and the mean of nine measurements was accepted as the mean RCE value for each kidney. The arithmetic mean of left and right RCE values was accepted as the overall RCE value of a subject. Groups were compared in terms of clinical and biochemical parameters, ultrasonography findings and pSWE values.Results: There was a statistically significant difference between groups in terms of overall RCE values (F[2,133] = 17.96, p < .001). Post hoc comparisons indicated that both preeclampsia groups exhibited significantly higher RCE values than the control group. However, overall RCE values were not significantly different between the EOP and LOP groups. Overall RCE values were significantly and positively correlated with systolic blood pressure (r = 0.363, p < .001), diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.347, p < .001), proteinuria (r = 0.343, p < .001), serum creatinine level (r = 0.181, p = .035), serum uric acid level (r = 0.243, p = .004) and blood urea nitrogen (r = 0.27, p = .001).Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that maternal renal cortical stiffness increased in women with preeclampsia. The increased RCE values may be indicative for the severity of preeclampsia due to positive correlations between renal cortical stiffness and systolic - diastolic blood pressure and serum creatinine level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To study the efficacy of pirfenidone for prevention of postoperative adhesion formation in an adhesion rat model.Materials and Methods: Eighteen female Wistar rats were subjected to right-sided parietal peritoneum and right uterine horn adhesion model. Rats were randomized into three groups: group 1 (control) (closure of midline abdominal incision without any agent administration), group 2 (closure of incision after intraperitoneal administration of pirfenidone), and group 3 (closure of incision and only oral administration of pirfenidone for 14 days). Relaparotomy was performed 14 days after the first surgery. Effect of pirfenidone on adhesion formation was assessed on light microscopy by scoring vascular proliferation, inflammation, fibrosis, and collagen formation in the scarred tissue. Effect of pirfenidone on inflammation was assessed by measurement of transforming growth factor-β and interleukin-17 levels in scarred tissue.Results: The degree of vascular proliferation (1.32 ± 0.39 versus 2.34 ± 0.46,p< 0.001), inflammation (1.60 ± 0.70 versus 2.60 ± 0.52,p< 0.01), and fibrosis (1.50 ± 0.53 versus 2.40 ± 0.52,p< 0.01) were less prominent in group 2 compared to group 1, respectively. Only vascular proliferation was found to be less prominent in group 3 compared to group 1 (1.60 ± 0.42 versus 2.34 ± 0.46,p< 0.01). Intraperitoneal and oral administration of pirfenidone reduced tissue levels of inflammatory markers (TGF-β and IL-17) in parietal and visceral peritoneum compared to control group. Intraperitoneal administration of pirfenidone compared to oral administration was more effective in reducing tissue levels of inflammatory markers.Conclusion: Pirfenidone is an effective agent on the prevention of postoperative vascular proliferation, inflammation and fibrosis in scarred tissue particularly with intraperitoneal administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Perinatal Journal / Perinatoloji Dergisi is the property of Deomed Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the placental volume and placental mean gray value in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and healthy placentas using three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound and Virtual Organ Computer-aided AnaLysis (VOCAL).Methods: This case-control prospective study consisted of 39 singleton pregnancies complicated by GDM and 42 healthy singleton pregnancies matched for gestational age, maternal age and parity. Placental volume and placental volumetric mean gray values were evaluated. The placental volume (cm(3)) was analyzed using the VOCAL imaging analysis program and 3D histogram was used to calculate the volumetric mean gray value (%).Results: Placental volume was significantly larger in GDM (411.59 ± 170.82 versus 343.86 ± 128.94 cm(3); p = 0.046). There was no significant difference in mean gray value between GDM and healthy placentas (36.65 ± 7.02 versus 38.71 ± 7.91, respectively; p = 0.277). Placental volume was significantly correlated with gestational week (r = 0.219, p = 0.035) and parity (r = 0.228, p = 0.048). There was negative significant relation between placental volume and umbilical artery systolic/diastolic ratio, pulsatility index and resistance index (r = -0.278, p = 0.007; r = -0.315, p = 0.002; r = -0.322, p = 0.001, respectively).Conclusions: Placental volume increases significantly in GDM, whereas mean gray values do not alter significantly. These data may reflect the placental changes in GDM placentas that may help to understand the pathophysiology better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aimed to determine the normal ranges for biorbital (BOD) and interorbital distances (IOD) during the second trimester in Turkish women with normal pregnancies and to assess the correlation between BOD, IOD, and other fetal craniofacial structures and biometric parameters. Material and Methods: Our retrospective study comprised 1328 women with singleton normal pregnancies who had undergone ultrasonography (USG) examinations at 19-23 weeks of gestation in the second trimester screening. The measurements of BOD and IOD were obtained with the coronal section of the fetal face at the plane of orbits. Results: Mean BOD was 3.4±0.33 cm, whereas mean IOD was 1.28±0.24 cm. Correlation analysis revealed that BOD was significantly correlated with IOD, transcerebellar diameter (TCD), cisterna manga (CM), nuchal fold (NF), nasal bone (NB), biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (FL), and gestational week. There was a significant relation between IOD and the lateral ventricle posterior horn, TCD, CM, NF, NB, BPD, HC, AC, and FL. Conclusion: The reference ranges obtained in our study enabled accurate evaluation of BOD and IOD in the second trimester of normal pregnancies. USG detection of fetal orbital biometric anomalies may alert the clinician for different anomalies associated with abnormal development of eye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the placental volume and placental mean gray value in preeclampsia and healthy placentas by using three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonography and Virtual Organ Computer-aided AnaLysis (VOCAL). Methods: This case-control prospective study consisted of 27 singleton pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia and 54 healthy singleton pregnancies matched for gestational age, maternal age and parity. Placental volume and placental volumetric mean gray values were evaluated. The placental volume (cm3) was analyzed using the VOCAL imaging program, and 3D histogram was used to calculate the volumetric mean gray value (%). Results: Preeclamptic and control group consisted of 27 (mean age: 28.90 ± 5.95 years, mean gestation: 32.0 ± 4.55 weeks) and 54 (mean age: 29.48 ± 5.78 years, mean gestation: 32.61 ± 4.23 weeks) singleton pregnancies, respectively. Placental volume was significantly smaller in preeclampsia (250.62 ± 91.69 versus 370.98 ± 167.82 cm3; p = 0.001). Volumetric mean gray value of the placenta was significantly higher in preeclampsia (38.24 ± 8.41 versus 33.50 ± 8.90%; p = 0.043). Placental volume was significantly correlated with the estimated fetal weight ( r = 0.319; p = 0.003). There was negative significant relation between placental volume and umbilical artery pulsatility index, resistance index and systolic/diastolic ratio ( r = -0.244, p = 0.024; r = -0.283, p = 0.005; r = -0.241, p = 0.024, respectively). Conclusions: Placental volume diminishes significantly in preeclampsia, whereas volumetric mean gray values increases. This may reflect the early alterations in preeclamptic placentas, which may help to understand the pathophysiology better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Perinatal Journal / Perinatoloji Dergisi is the property of Deomed Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: This is a case of a prenatally diagnosed non-immune hydrops fetalis (NIHF) associated with translocation t(5;11)(q22;p15). An association between NIHF and this translocation has not been reported previously. Case Report: The patient was referred to the perinatology clinic with hydrops fetalis diagnosis at 23 weeks' gestation. We noted that the fetus had bilateral pleural effusion, ascites, widespread subcutaneous edema, membranous ventricular septal defect, hypoplastic fifth finger middle phalanx, clinodactyly, single umbilical artery. We performed cordocentesis. Chromosomal analysis on blood showed a balanced translocation between the long arm of chromosome 5 and the short arm of chromosome 11 with karyotype of 46,XX,t(5;11)(q22;p15). Conclusion: We present prenatal diagnosis of a de novo translocation (5;11) in a hydropic fetus with ultrason abnormalities. In our case, karyotype analysis of the fetus, mother and father provided evidence of a de novo translocation, that might explain the NIHF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Perinatal Journal / Perinatoloji Dergisi is the property of Deomed Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: We aimed to evaluate ductus venosus Doppler waveforms before and after amniocentesis in order to investigate any effect of amniocentesis on fetal myocardial hemodynamics. We also evaluated the umbilical artery, uterine artery and fetal mid-cerebral artery Doppler waveforms in order to investigate any relationship with ductus venosus Doppler changes. Methods: The study population consisted of 56 singleton pregnancies having genetic amniocentesis. Twenty seven of them had transplacental needle insertion; whereas 29 of them had non-transplacental amniocentesis. Uterine artery, umbilical artery, mid-cerebral artery and ductus venosus pulsatiliy index and resistance index were measured just before and after amniocentesis. Results: Amniocentesis does not cause any significant changes in fetal ductus venosus Doppler waveforms. There is also no significant changes in uterine artery, umbilical artery, mid-cerebral artery pulsatility and resistance index. Conclusion: Amniocentesis-whether transplacental or not- does not cause any significant effect on fetal myocardial hemodynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Turkish Society of Obstetrics & Gynecology / Türk Jinekoloji ve Obstetrik Derneği Dergisi is the property of Turkish Society of Obstetrics & Gynecology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Perinatal Journal / Perinatoloji Dergisi is the property of Deomed Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Perinatal Journal / Perinatoloji Dergisi is the property of Deomed Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

There are various factors related to postpartum depression. In this study we have aimed to determine the effect of mode of delivery on the risk of postpartum depression. A total of 318 women who applied for delivery were included in the study. Previously diagnosed fetal anomalies, preterm deliveries, stillbirths, and patients with need of intensive care unit were excluded from the study. Data about the patients were obtained during hospital stay. During the postpartum sixth week visit Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) was applied. There was no significant difference between EPDS scores when compared according to age, education, gravidity, wanting the pregnancy, fear about birth, gender, family type, and income level (P > 0.05). Those who had experienced emesis during their pregnancy, had a history of depression, and were housewives had significantly higher EPDS scores (P < 0.05). Delivering by spontaneous vaginal birth, elective Cesarean section, or emergency Cesarean section had no effect on EPDS scores. In conclusion healthcare providers should be aware of postpartum depression risk in nonworking women with a history of emesis and depression and apply the EPDS to them for early detection of postpartum depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Perinatal Journal / Perinatoloji Dergisi is the property of Deomed Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of the Turkish-German Gynecological Association is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Leptin and insulin may interact in regulating ovarian steroid synthesis. The objective of this study was to investigate immunohistochemical staining of leptin in normal rat ovarian tissues and in rats treated with insulin and insulin plus human chorinoic gonadotropin (hCG). Paraffin blocks of rat ovarian tissues from a previous study, in which 18 adult, female Wistar rats with an average weight of 250 g were divided into three groups to receive either saline solution, human insulin (2 U/day) or human insulin (2 U/day) plus hCG (4 U/day) for 4 weeks, were used in this study to compare the effects on leptin staining. The results were analysed using a semiquantitative scoring system, such as mild, moderate and strong. No staining was observed in granulosa cells and theca interna cells of normal ovarian tissues. Theca externa cells had mild staining intensity (+), corpus luteum had moderate (+ +) and stroma had mild (+) staining intensity. Histological structure was impaired in the insulin group, luteinized cells had mild staining, there was no difference in other cell groups. Only theca externa cells of the developing follicles were stained in insulin plus hCG group, luteinized cells again had mild staining. Besides damaging the rat ovarian structure, insulin reduced staining intensity of leptin in luteinized cells. Insulin may stimulate ovarian steroid synthesis not only through its own receptors, but also by acting on the leptin expression of these cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The goal of this study was to search the effects of two different doses of tibolone on endometrial IGF-1 and IGFBP-1 levels in ovariectomized rats. Methods: Eighteen adult, female, 80–90-days-old, Wistar rats with an average weight of 250 g underwent bilateral ovariectomy under general anesthesia. After waiting for 4 weeks, they were randomized into three groups to receive either oral tibolone in two different doses or placebo. The treatment was continued for 5 weeks, and then the rats were sacrificed and the endometria were analyzed. Results: Low columnar epithelium of the endometrial surface, longer epithelium and stratified squamous epithelium were seen in the control, low-dose and high-dose groups, respectively. The staining intensity of IGF-1 was mild in control, and moderate in both treatment groups, the difference between control the treatment groups was significant (P=0.015 for group L, and P=0.03 for group H). The staining intensity of IGFBP-1 was moderate in control, and strong in groups L and H. Again the difference was significant between control and both treatment groups (P=0.039 for grup L, and P=0.03 for group H). No significant difference was noted between each treatment group for both IGF-1 and IGFBP-1. Conclusion: Tibolone caused histological changes in endometrium and stimulated IGF-1 and IGFBP-1 staining. Both low and high dose treatments led to moderate and strong staining intensities for IGF-1 and IGFBP-1, respectively. The strong staining intensity of IGFBP-1 is likely due to the progestagenic effect of tibolone. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: In this study, the evaluation of the mean values in the NT measurements of low-risk Turkish population is aimed. Also, the effect of gestational week, crown-rump length (CRL), parity and maternal weight on NT measurements is evaluated. Methods: Between March 2013 and June 2014, 351 singleton pregnancies, who admitted to perinatology outpatient clinic for 11-14 week screening, are included in the study. NT, CRL measurements, gestational week, maternal weight, parity characteristics are analysed. 351 subjects are divided into 4 groups according to the CRL measurements: Group I for CRL 45-54 mm (n=62); Group II for CRL 55-64 mm (n=133); Group III for CRL 65-74 mm (n=115) and Group IV for CRL 75-84 mm (n=41). The groups are compared according to maternal age and NT measurements. Results: The mean maternal age was 28.76±5.51, gestational week was 12.29 ± 0.69, CRL measurements were 63.69± 9.07 mm, mean NT values were 1.23±0.48 mm. There was no significant difference regarding the maternal age and NT measurements (p=0.817 and 0.072 respectively). NT values were significantly correlated with CRL (r=0.232; p=0.001) and gestational week (r=0.203; p=0.001). There was no relation between NT and gravida, parity and maternal weight. Conclusion: First trimester screening has been commonly used in prenatal medicine. NT is a part of first trimester screening. NT measurement must be performed according to the stanrdardised measurement techniques. The management of the results should be organised according to the algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The evaluation of the effect of fetal gender on the umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery doppler findings is aimed. Methods: 60 singleton healthy pregnancies admitted to the perinatology outpatient clinic during their third trimester between 2013-2014 are included in the study. Their umbilical artery (UA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) doppler measurements are evaluated retrospectively from the ultrasound files. UA and MCA doppler calculations are performed with 3 consecutive vawe forms. The pregnancies were divided into 2 groups according to the fetal gender (31 female fetus and 29 male fetus). The difference between two groups was analysed with SPSS v.20. Results: Maternal age was 29.14±6.21 in female and 31.88± 5.16 in male groups (p=0.162); mean gestational week was 31.71±3.77 in female and 33.88±4.41 in male groups (p=0.111). UA PI was 1.00±0.24 and 1.03±0.21 in female and male fetuses, respectively (p=0.761). MCA PI was 2.16±0.67 and 1.84±0.85 in female and male fetuses, respectively (p=0.197). Conclusion: The current concept is not to ignore the fetal gender during the intrauterine life. The decrease in MCA resistance should be confirmed in larger studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fetal gender in placental volume and placental mean gray value assessed by three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonography. Methods: This case-control prospective study consisted of 60 healthy singleton pregnancies, 29 of which were male fetuses and 31 of which were female fetuses which were matched for gestational age, maternal age and parity. Placental volume and placental volumetric mean gray values were evaluated. Umbilical artery and fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA) Doppler indices were calculated. Results: Placental volume was 296.93±}108.08 and 399.12±} 135.08 cm3 in male and female group, respectively (p=0.012). Mean gray value of the placenta was 39.68±}7.83 and 39.27 ±}7.22 in male and female group, respectively (p=0.863). Umbilical artery PI was 1.03±}0.21 and 1.00±}0.24 in male and female group (p=0.761) and MCA PI was 1.84±}0.85 and 2.16±}0.67 in male and female group, respectively (p=0.197). Conclusion: Female fetuses have larger placental volumes which may contribute to get better through the adverse maternal environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Ectopia cordis is a rare anomaly with an incidence of 0.8/100,000 births. As the heart can be located outside the thorax, it can be located also in cervical region due to a defect at the upper sternum or it can be also a part of Cantrell's Syndrome. Intracardiac anomalies may be associated with ectopia cordis. Besides, abdominal wall defects, cranial or face abnormalities, cleft palate and lip, chromosomal anomalies may also accompany with ectopia cordis. Case: A 31 year old, primigravid pregnant woman was referred to our perinatology outpatient clinic with suspicion of fetal anomaly. Ultrasonographic examination revealed 11- 12 week fetus. Anterior thoraco-abdominal Wall defect and extra-thoracic located heart were seen. Omphalocele sac with approximately 4 cm was also seen. The patient had no systemic disease. There was no evidence of tertogen exposure during the perinatal period. Family history was unremarkable; there was no newborn with structural or chromosomal anomaly. Karyotype analysis was triploidy. The perinatology council explained the prognosis of the anomaly and the couple wanted to terminate the pregnancy. Written and verbal informed consent were obtained from the couple and the pregnancy was terminated. Postabortal examination revealed that fetal heart was located outside the thorax with concominant omphalocele sac. Postmortem autopsy was not performed, because the family refused to have an autopsy. Conclusion: The embryonic development of thorax and abdominal wall is completed at 8-9 gestational weeks. Any midline fusion defect during this period results in various anomalies ranging from ectopia cordis to complete viscreal evisseration. Ectopia cordis can be diagnosed with ultrasonography during early pregnancy. It ıs important, because termination of pregnancy should be offered to the couple due to poor prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]