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The aim of this paper was to correlate the circumstances that could lead to an abnormal invasion of placenta with the updated requirements to perform screening by ultrasound for all pregnant women prone to develop this pathology. To screen in the middle trimester of gestation for placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders sets up an in-time referral opportunity for pregnant women prenatally detected with this pathology to a medical center with elevated level of expertise in the management of PAS disorders, able to act permanently by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) and to have access at medical resources including blood bank available. The literature review reveals especially useful data for clinical practice as regards novel explanations related to the etiology and physiopathology of PAS disorders, the composition of the MDT and the relevance of an indispensable pathologist physician at the time of Cesarean hysterectomy involved in the selection of best samples with the purpose of avoiding the possibility of losing undiagnosed cases with litigation implications. Conclusions show that the prenatal diagnosis of PAS disorders is possible so decreasing the risk of mortality and morbidity of pregnant women. Screening in the second trimester of pregnancy for PAS disorders becomes mandatory as the number of births by Cesarean section is expected to rise past three-fold until 2030. The professional expertise of the pathologist physician could be enriched by immunohistochemical staining in all suspected cases of placental invasion in myometrium wall.

Breast cancer ranks first in women in terms incidence and mortality in the world. In Romania its frequency continues to increase and now is the most common cancer in the women. Despite therapeutic advances, there is still severe cancer with heavy sequelae both physical and mental. It`s even harder to accept or even reject when it comes to a young women. For a long time, breast cancer was linked to a more or less old age. However, in the recent literature, breast cancer is on the rise more observed in a young population, its frequency is estimated at 7% all cases of breast cancer. Breast cancer diagnosed in young patients tends to be more aggressive than the rest of the cases. In this paper, we present the results of a study that included 59 women presenting primary invasive breast carcinomas selected from the database of the Institute of Oncology Bucharest in which clinical follow-up data cover long intervals of time (2014 - 2019) and whose histological pieces met technical conditions optimal for extended immunohistochemical processing. The available material resources allowed the completion of a complete analyzes in all cases in relation to the immunohistochemical examination . The correlation between the expression of each of the antibodies was calculated using Pearson correlation coefficient.

The connection between endometriosis and pregnancy outcomes is trending among the research topics. Until recently, endometriosis and its painful symptomatology were considered to be alleviated by pregnancy. However, these beliefs have shifted, as emerging literature has demonstrated the role of this condition in affecting pregnancy evolution. The underlying pathogenesis of endometriosis is still poorly understood, all the more when pregnancy complications are involved. Debatable opinions on endometriosis associated with obstetric complications exist because of the potential bias resulting from the heterogeneity of preceding evidence. This review aims to evaluate the connection between endometriosis and adverse pregnancy outcomes and their shared pathogenic mechanisms. We searched PubMed and EMBASE and focused on the studies that include placenta praevia, premature rupture of membranes, spontaneous preterm birth, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, obstetric hemorrhages (ante- and postpartum bleeding, abruptio placentae), miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, gestational diabetes mellitus, gestational cholestasis, small for gestational age, and their association with endometriosis. Not only the risks of emergence were highlighted, but also the pathogenic connections. Epigenetic alterations of some genes were found to be mirrored both in endometriosis and obstetric complications. This review issues a warning for providing increased attention to pregnant women with endometriosis and newborns as higher risks of preeclampsia, placental issues, and preterm deliveries are associated.

Morbidity and mortality alone are not comprehensive measures of evaluating the benefits of surgical interventions in endometriosis patients, thus, subjective patient-reported instruments are required. The 36-tem Short Form Survey (SF-36) is a Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) instrument that has not been validated yet for women with endometriosis. The aims of this study are to evaluate the validity and reliability of the SF-36 in patients with colorectal endometriosis and to compare the HRQoL before and after surgery, using different Quality of Life (QoL) instruments: the Gastrointestinal QoL Index (GIQLI) and Knowles–Eccersley–Scott Symptom Questionnaire (KESS). We conducted a retrospective study using prospectively recorded data in the North-West Inter-Regional Female Cohort for Patients with Endometriosis (CIRENDO) database. The assessment was performed on four hundred and eighty-eight patients before and 12 months after the surgery. Preoperative and postoperative item-internal consistency and Cronbach’s α proved evidence for good reliability showing that SF-36 is a useful instrument for endometriosis patients’ QoL. The domains of Role (limitation) physical, Bodily pain and Role (limitation) emotional showed the most remarkable improvements (difference before vs. one year after surgery) with p &lt, 0.001. Our data show that SF-36 has validity and reliability and can be used in patients with endometriosis. Surgery improved the QoL and digestive function.

The immune system could mediate the antitumor activity of several anticancer treatments. Several chemotherapy compounds, including anthracyclines and oxaliplatin, induce immunogenic cell death that in turn activates the antitumor immune response. Trastuzumab induces antibody-dependant cell-mediated cytotoxicity. On the basis of this background, immune markers have recently been the focus of intense translational research to predict and monitor the efficacy of treatments. Gene expression arrays and immunohistochemistry have assessed immune activation and infiltration by macrophages, natural killer, and T and B lymphocytes. In this paper we present the results of a study that included 22 patients diagnosed with Her2 positive breast cancer undergoing treatment with Transtuzumab.

Endometriosis is a benign gynecological pathology that mostly affects the organs of the pelvis,but also organs located at a distance maybe affected. Tissue immunohistochemically identified as ectopic endometrium may undergo certain structural and functional changes that may lead to preneoplastic alterations (hyperplasia, dysplasia) in normal cellswhich can evolve to neoplasia. Clinical, genetic, metabolic conditions and local factors may influence degenerationof a benign pathology into a malignant pathology. Endometriosis of the abdominal wall is more frequently encountered, as the number of casarean section has increased. Endometriomas surrounding tissue has a direct impact on the structure of the cells that form the mass. By remodeling cellular morphology, corroborated with the hormonal factors action and the inflammatory response ( via lymphocyte cell secretion), the cell cycle is altered and antiapoptotic activity may be promoted. Immune system via lymphocyte cell secretion, the pressure exerted on the tumor area by surrounding tissueswith its size change, conditioned by the fluctuation of hormonal factors, act directly on the cellular structure and can increase anti-apoptotic action and decrease cell cycle regulation. The presence of endometriomas is identified by the positivity of immunohistochemical reactions for estrogen receptors (ER), progesteron receptors (PR), Cytokeratin 7 (CK7) for endometrial tissue. Negative reaction at Cytokeratin 20 (CK20) shows that the studied area is not a metastasis of a digestive tumor. The presence of abundant inflammatory, peritumoral cells markedwith anti-CD68 / Tryptase for macrophages / mast cells demonstrates the involvement of the inflammatory system in the structural and functional modification of endometrial cells.The pronounced cell division was demonstrated by intense reaction with the anti-Ki67 antibody.The signigicant anti-apoptotic action of the endometrial tissue is shown by the positivity of anti-B cell Lymphoma 2 (BCL2) / anti-Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) / anti-p53 antibodies.

Breast cancer is a multifaceted disease whose varied phenotype recapitulates only partially the biological complexity. At present, there are new approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of this form of cancer, but research should also focus on identifying and implementing other individual prognostic factors, factors that may lead to improved clinical decision making with regard to the patient, in order to establish an individualized treatment.

Introduction Chronic pelvic pain of unknown origin (CPPU) affects the quality of life (QoL) of up to 20% of women. The 2005 Cochrane Review, based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs), stated that the pathogenesis of CPPU is poorly understood and its treatment is empirical and ineffective. Totally ignored were the high cure rates from uterosacral ligament (USL) repair, the principal subject of this review. Material and methods We carried out a review of literature on USL causation, diagnosis, and treatment of CPPU, selecting only the literature relevant to USL. Results The first mention of CPPU being caused by lax USLs was in the pre-WWII German literature by Heinrich Martius. In 1993, CPPU was described as one of the 4 pillars of the posterior fornix syndrome (PFS- CPPU, urgency, nocturia, abnormal bladder emptying). Cure/improvement of CPPU was reported by widely geographically separated surgical groups using squatting-based pelvic floor exercises and by shortening and reinforcing USLs with tension tapes, literally a reverse transvaginal tape. Patients can potentially be cured either by native tissue ligament repair or in older women a posterior sling can be tested using a speculum test or even menstrual tampons. Conclusions This technology, based on USL pathogenesis, which can be tested for potential cure, non-surgical or surgical, offers hope for women for a condition previously considered incurable. Chronic pelvic pain, bladder and bowel incontinence occur in predictable symptom groupings, which are associated with apical prolapse. USL repair, whether native tissue or (preferably) using a posterior sling has the potential to improve clinical practice, QoL for women and open new research directions.

The main objective of the this study is to compare the effectiveness of ovarian stimulation with recombinant gonadotrophins (FSHr) versus urinary gonadotrophins (hMG) within the number of oocytes obtained and the number of embryos in the two patient groups, according to age groups and associated pathologies. The study design was retrospective, monocentric. All patients (71) who have addressed the In Vitro Fertilization Clinic of the Prof. Dr. Panait Sirbu Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital during 01.01.2010 and 31.12.2010 were included in this research. The total number of oocytes (8.5�3.9 vs 5.7�3.9, p=0.045), the number of fertilized oocytes (7.5�3.6 versus 3.6�2.8 p=0.004) and the number of embryos (6.6�3.5 versus 3.7�2.6, p=0.013) were higher in women under 35 years of age treated with recombinant FSHr compared to women treated with urinary gonadotrophins hMG. Ovarian stimulation with recombinant gonadotrophins provides a greater number of oocytes and a greater number of embryos in all patients, regardless of age and associated pathology. There are many variables that can influence the success rate, but the first variable that can be controlled is the choice of FSHr in daily clinical practice.

Modified laparoscopic transabdominal cerclage (LTAC) was developed as a safer approach for the treatment of cervical insufficiency in pregnancy, with the cerclage tape placed lateral to the uterine vessels. We describe and review the evolution of a woman who successfully underwent an LTAC at 12 weeks of gestation, whose fetus developed growth retardation after 32 weeks. Three-dimensional power Doppler reconstruction viewed both uterine arteries (UtAs) inside of the cerclage until the second trimester. Thereafter, the visualization of UtAs showed the development of a rich array of collateral vascularization, adaptation supported by the findings of low velocity and pulsatility of blood flow in the UtAs. The appearance of the UtAs varies throughout the gestation. There is a moderate variation of the shape and curvature that could result due to their elongation. Furthermore, the cervical length increased during gestation, from 20 to 30 mm. We speculate that this is a mechanical modeling during the late gestation. More studies are needed to understand the hemodynamic and mechanical effects as well as the impact on fetal growth and development of modified LTAC in women with a short cervix or cervical incompetence.

The aim of this paper was to analyze the prognostic features, clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of primary renal sarcomas. A thorough review of the literature was made using the PubMed database. Sarcomas of the kidney are very rare malignant tumors, with a very poor prognosis compared with the other urogenital sarcomas. Several histological types have been reported, with the most common type being leiomyosarcoma. Besides complete surgical resection with wide margins, anatomical, histological, molecular and genetic factors should be taken into consideration regarding the prognosis.

One of the most frequent kidney pathologies encountered in daily practice is represented by the presence of renal cysts. Most of them are asymptomatic and are found accidentally during periodical check-ups because they don’t have clinical signs until they grow and compress the surrounding organs. We have reviewed the current data regarding this pathology, in order to underline the risk of malignant transformation and its impact on the patient’s life. It is estimated that the prevalence rate of renal cysts in the general population is approximately 10% and it increases with age.Imaging investigations, such as contrast tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, are essential for establishing the cysts characteristics, especially when ultrasonography raises the suspicion of a modified renal cyst, as well as in guiding the therapeutical protocol. The Bosniak classification is based on contrast tomography scans and has allowed the standardization of the kidney cysts, considering their characteristics. More attention should be given to Bosniak IIF and III cystic renal masses, which contain thickened walls and more septa, but no enhanced nodules/soft tissue components, because more than half of these cysts can have a malignant component.

Retroperitoneal space is called sometimes no man�s land�and for a good reason: this is disputed anatomical territory for many surgical and medical specialties. Their wide histological diversity and unspecific clinical presentation make them a challenge for the surgeon. In order to improve their detection immunohistochemistry seems to show promising results. Methods of detection have evolved over time to identify as much as possible the histological type of tumor. Because of this extreme variability immunohistochemistry through its various markers is the one that often sets the definitive diagnosis, the simple histopathological examination being insufficient. This paper aims to highlight the main markers used in retroperitoneal tumors. As it can be seen there is a huge histologic areal for these tumors. Some have proven some of them still not. Given the fact that there is a tendency toward personalized therapy it is imperative to identify the histological type of tumor as soon as possible.

Cervical cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-associated mortality in women worldwide. Although neoplastic epithelial transformation and the association with HPV infection have been widely studied, there is less research on the effect of other factors, such as oxidative stress (ROS). To study the antioxidant status of the different steps in cervical cancer development, we analyzed 32 cervical samples. The histological spectrum of alterations varied from low grade intraepithelial lesions to invasive carcinoma. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded 4-cm tissue sections were stained with various immunohistochemical antigens targeting both neoplastic epithelial cells and stromal component. The stromal response was heterogeneous and showed different patterns which were correlated with the epithelial alterations. Carcinogenesis integrates various landmarks into a pathological network of events and cellular responses under the influence of many types of stress – oxidative and inflammatory, which support tumorigenesis and tumor progression, but are also effective antitumoral therapeutic tools. Recent data showed that the chemo- and radiotherapy efficacy requires a tumor-activated oxidative status, suggesting that the pharmacological inhibition of the endogenous antioxidant system may represent an adjunctive therapeutic approach in solid tumors to control resistance to conventional anti-tumoral therapy.

Objective . Robotic surgery has gained ground in recent years in benign and malignant gynecological interventions. The purpose of this article is to present the main indications of robotic surgery, to identify the advantages and disad­van­tages of this surgical technique and to present our ex­pe­rience in this field. Materials and method. An analysis of ar­ti­cles published in literature to observe the in­di­ca­tions of robotic surgery in gynecology, both for be­nign and ma­lig­nant interventions. Comparison of li­te­rature data with the main surgical indications found in the pa­tient group selected by us who received robotic sur­ge­ry. Results . The integration of robotic technology is a significant advance in the minimal invasive treatment techniques of the gynecological pathology used to treat both benign and malignant conditions. The advantages of robotic surgery are: 3D view of the operator field, superior dexterity, seven degrees of freedom for the movement of the brushes, superior capability of stitches and knots, superior ergonomics, elimination of the effect of the rebound, movement of the movements and reduction of tremor. The disadvantages of surgery are: the high cost of surgery, the lack of tactile feedback and the increased size of the device. Conclusions . Robotic surgery is an effective, safe and feasible method for the treatment of benign and malignant gynecological disorders. The optimal knowledge of trocars (adapted to the body mass index of each patient) is important in order to benefit from all the advantages of robotic surgery. Regarding the robotic surgical treatment group in which the feasibility of this procedure was observed, there are: oncological interventions, endometriosis, in reproductive medicine and in obese patients.

Endometriosis, one of the most common gynecologic pathologies, is defined as an inflammatory, estrogen-dependent disease characterized by the growth of endometrial stroma and glands outside the uterine cavity. It is a multifactorial disease, conditioned by genetic and immune factors and triggered by hormonal and environmental factors. Estrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR) expression is significantly modified in endometriotic tissue, compared to normal endometrium. We performed a prospective study that included 16 patients with endometriosis: 9 patients that underwent progesterone treatment with 0.075 mg desogestrel, daily for 24 weeks prior to the surgical procedure, and 7 patients that did not follow any kind of treatment. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the changes that occurred in the expression of ER, PR, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Ki-67 from the endometriotic tissue. Oral 0.075 mg desogestrel administration proved its benefits in the management of endometriomas.

Aim: The purpose of this article is to show the use and utility of mersilene tape in medical procedures, such as transabdominal cerclage (TAC). Material and methods: Based on their biomechanical properties, we present our experience with mersilene tape used as treatment for cervical incompetence. Cervical insufficiency or cervical incompetence is defined as asymptomatic cervical shortening and dilatation with the absence of detectable uterine contractions. The mechanical properties of cervical tissue are derived from its extracellular matrix and its most important constituent the fibrillar collagen, alongside other constituents such as proteoglycans, hyaluronic acid, elastin, and water. In the absence of the uterine contractions, the cervix is loaded by intrauterine pressure (including the weight of the growing fetus and amniotic sac), the gravity as well as passive pressure from the uterine wall. These forces also depend on the support action of pelvic floor structures and abdominal wall. The static load resulting from the combination of uterine growth, hydrostatic pressure and gravity seems to be the dominant determinants that cause cervical shortening. The placement of the mersilene tape acts as a barrier between the intrauterine pressure and the cervix. The main advantage of the TAC procedure is the placement of the nonabsorbable suture (mersilene tape at the level of the internal os, avoiding the placement of a vaginal foreign body and subsequently increasing the risk of ascending lower genital tract infection, decreased incidence of slippage, and the ability to leave the stitch in place between pregnancies. Results: The follow-up was without complications regarding the pregnancies treated with transabdominal cerclage. None of the pregnancies terminated prematurely as related to the presence of the tape, but it necessitates to be performed a caesarean section for delivery. Conclusions: Mersilene tape is safe and useful in different medical procedures, including transabdominal cerclage during pregnancy.

Pelvic floor disorders including stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse represent a challenge for gynecologist or urogynecologist even nowadays. Conservative treatment for these conditions proves its effectiveness only in few cases selected from early forms of incontinence or prolapse the most cases being solved surgically. The introduction of the procedure imagined by Petros and Ulmsten, known as TVT (Trans Vaginal Tape) in which the medium urethra is supported by a synthetic tape produced in 1996 a revolution in the surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence. Radical changes also appeared in pelvic organ prolapse surgery extrapolating the hernia repair procedure by using synthetic mesh. After nearly 20 years of experience the mesh surgery is today a common practice in urogynecology. Between 2011 and 2015 we operated in private practice a total number of 297 cases of which 187 cases of stress urinary incontinence and 110 cases of pelvic organ prolapse. From these 86 (78,1%) cases were represented by cystoceles, associated with early apical prolapse or rectoceles, 18 (16,3%) cases by apical prolapse (grade III-IV) and 6 (5,4%) cases by posterior compartment prolapse alone. We performed mesh surgery in 32 (29%) cases represented mainly by anterior compartment prolapse. In 6 (18,7%) cases we founded mesh extrusion which required partially resection. In two cases we performed large resection of anterior vaginal wall required grafting with acellular second generation graft. In all cases with mesh extrusion the biomechanical analysis revealed significant decrease in effective porosity of the mesh due to excessive tensioning or folding of the mesh. The use of mesh in stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse represent a justified alternative in selected cases. The specific complications due to meshes are more frequent in prolapse surgery compared to stress urinary incontinence. In all cases altered effective porosity due to technical defects in surgery represents the leading cause.

Pelvic surgery addresses congenital malformations like Mullerian anomalies, pelvic organ prolapse or after radical intervention, while constructive surgery involves treatment of congenital/iatrogenic absence of organs: uterus or vagina. Intuitively, inert and nondegradable biomaterials appear ideal for this purpose, but surgical reality is that the persistence of a permanent foreign body in the wound has a lot of clinical postoperative disadvantages. This paper aims to discuss the properties of the biologic grafts, detailing the structure of biologic extracellular matrix, the biomechanical properties of biological grafts and the use of extracellular matrix in reconstructive pelvic surgery. A biologic graft used in pelvic surgery is a tridimensional extracellular matrix, acellular and of animal origin. It has as a low risk of transmission of viral and prionic infections and determines reduced inflammatory reaction and a low risk of rejection. The absence of crosslinking facilitates the colonization of the mesh by the host´s cells, thus avoids the foreign body reaction represented by the encapsulation of the mesh by the host. Our experience with clinical use of biological acellular grafts in reconstructive pelvic surgery includes oncoplastic surgery like in cases of vulvar cancer or neovagina reconstruction for Rokintansky syndrome, complications after prolapse surgery treated with polypropylene meshes or relapsing recto-vaginal fistulas. The biomechanical properties evaluated by tensile stress and elastic modulus revealed that biologic grafts with moderate collagen infiltration are the strongest. The degree of cross-linkage influences the rate of degradation and the degree of the inflammatory response triggered by the host organ. Cross-linked collagenous matrices induce little cell infiltration hence there is limited collagen remodeling and graft degradation. On the other hand, in non-cross- linked xenografts cell infiltration is greater with faster degradation rate and collagen production. The decrease in the mechanical strength of the graft materials is related to the lack of collagen infiltration into the material. In conclusion, taking into account the biomechanical properties of biologic grafts, these may be used in reconstructive pelvic surgery and oncoplastic surgery with little complications and good clinical results. They can be attached to large mucosal defects and on potentially septic tissue, they are mechanically resistant and they can be sutured on surrounding healthy tissue.

The presence of intrauterine polypoid masses is a frequently encountered gynecologic pathology, usually associated with abnormal bleeding and infertility. We investigated a series of 857 consecutive patients with polypoid uterine masses that showed great histological variability. Although most lesions are benign lesions, the incidence of neoplastic lesions that can manifest macroscopically as polypoid masses increase with age. Heterogeneity of histopathological aspects of endometrial polypoid lesions requires a thorough differential diagnosis.

BRATILA, Elvira/0000-0002-2979-3433; Petros, Peter/0000-0002-9611-3258 WOS: 000541222300003 PubMed ID: 32556409 Introduction and hypothesis This study emanates from the ISPP OASIS and fecal incontinence study group at the 2018 annual meeting of the International Society for Pelviperineology (ISPP) in Bucharest, Romania. The aim was to analyze the biomechanical factors leading to the breakdown of anal sphincter repair and to suggest a more robust technique for external anal sphincter (EAS) repair. Methods Our starting point was what happens to the EAS wound repair site during defecation following EAS repair, with special reference to the process of wound healing. Results We concluded that a graft no more than 1 x 1.5 cm sutured across the EAS tear line would mechanically support the tear line, vastly reduce the internal centrifugal forces acting on it during defecation, thereby giving the wound time to heal. Three different grafts were discussed, autologous, biological, and mesh. Also analyzed were the effects on EAS muscle contractility of overly tight repair and overly loose sphincter repair, the latter occasioned by the tearing out of sutures and repair by secondary intention. Conclusions We have analyzed causes of sphincter repair failure, introduced a graft method, preferably autologous, for the prevention thereof and supported ultrasound assessment, rather than the absence of fecal incontinence as the criterion for success of EAS repair. Although based on well-established biomechanical principles, our proposal at this stage remains unproven. Our hope is that these concepts will be challenged, clarified, and tested, preferably in a randomized controlled trial.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy consists in transient left-ventricle dysfunction and ST abnormalities, mimicking acute myocardial infarction in the absence of coronary artery disease. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is more prevalent in women than in men and has been linked ta supraphysiological levels of plasma catecholamine. Laparoscopic myomectomy, a minimally invasive procedure performed for the management of uterine leiomyomas, involves a challenging aspect: excessive local bleeding. Epinephrine solutions used to improve surgical hemostasis have been previously associated with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, thus highlighting the importance of patient safety measures in the perioperative period.

Metastatic colorectal cancer during pregnancy and postpartum is rather rare, but it represents major diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for obstetricians and surgeons. Cancer itself rarely affects the placenta or growing baby directly. However, metastatic disease is much more common than in nonpregnant patients and detecting cancer while pregnant can be complicated for both the mother and the health care team. In this article, we report a case of moderately differentiated colon adenocarcinoma in pregnancy that was diagnosed in an advanced stage, implying a complex diagnostic and therapeutic approach. The classic histological and immunohistochemical (IHC) study on this case reveals that tumorous areas have lost goblet cells and, implicitly, mucus; also, there are absent estrogen and progesterone receptors, possible causes of neoplasm in pregnancy, the rate of tumor proliferation is increased, the IHC reaction that highlights the protein responsible for cytoplasmatic anchoring of cadherins is intense positive, and the enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain is increased in these areas.

Stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse represent important conditions affecting adult women’s health. Lately, the properties and performance of the polymer materials used in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse have been improved by modulating from their formula. Materials investigated in our study are polypropylene meshes used by clinicians in surgical treatment of urinary incontinence and utero-vaginal prolapse. In order to make a comparative analysis, we confronted the structure and surface morphology of native synthetic polypropylene meshes with explanted fragments from the same mesh type after clinical use. FTIR investigations revealed little change in structure after implantation, somehow insignificant. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrates modification in surface morphology even just by passing through the transobturator passage, whereas after implantation the surface deteriorates. SEM on explanted meshes proves the encapsulation process of the mesh to be more sim...

The spectacular evolution of the ultrasound equipment and techniques has allowed the assessment of the fetal heart increasingly earlier during the gestation, as well as the diagnosis of the fetal abnormalities in the first trimester of pregnancy. Transvaginal ultrasound and transabdominal ultrasound are used in early fetal echocardigraphy. Studies have shown that the heart defects diagnosed early in gestation are more complex and have a high degree of association with chromosomal abnormalities, compared to those diagnosed in the second trimester of pregnancy. There are many studies on the correlation between the increase in the nuchal translucency (NT) and congenital heart defects, NT being one of the most frequently studied and efficient screening parameters in maternal-fetal medicine. The morphology of the umbilical cord can be assessed in the first trimester of pregnancy by colour Doppler examination. Numerous anomalies associated with single umbilical artery are described. The principles of fetal echocardiography in the first trimester are similar to those of the morphological examination in the second trimester of pregnancy, with certain peculiarities and differences. The complete examination of the fetal heart, with minimal false results, can be done under the conditions of a trained and experienced examiner within the range of 12-13 gestational weeks. The examination route must be adapted to the particularities of the case. Early fetal echocardigraphy should be recommended only in the presence of a precise medical indication.

Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that starts during pregnancy and although is an affection which may regress after birth, it leaves its mark on the health of the mother and fetus in the perinatal period, but also on long-term and appropriate treatment initiated at the onset of the disease can reduce its effects. It is defined as carbohydrate intolerance of varying degrees of severity, occurring during pregnancy and that can complicate it (i.e. by increasing the risk of preeclamplsia, polyhydramnios, macrosomia, respiratory distress, hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia and hyperbilirubinemia and neonatal injury at birth). Although the diagnostic criteria varies from one guideline to another, the oral glucose tolerance test remains the gold standard method for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes. Underlying this article we have found significant studies and guidelines related to gestational diabetes published in PubMed and Cochrane databases. Gestational diabetes may be associated with repeated miscarriages, still births, pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia, premature detachment of the normally inserted placenta, trauma at birth, postpartum bleeding and infection immediately postpartum. Increased risk of maternal complications also increases the risk of premature births. The only modifiable factor in the emergence of all these complications is obesity. Gestational diabetes is a pathology that requires a multidisciplinary team and close monitoring of perinatal complications of pregnancy, in order to prevent and reduce these complications, both on short and long term.

Asthma is the most common chronic medical illness that affects pregnant women; uncontrolled forms and its exacerbation may adversely affect both mother and baby. With a careful monitoring by a multidisciplinary team and timely implementation of therapy, these complications can be significantly prevented. This article reviews the aspects related to asthma diagnosis and treatment during pregnancy, focusing on the recently published studies about asthma control, asthma medications or common pathogenesis factors as contributors to adverse perinatal outcomes.

Body-stalk anomaly is a severe and lethal anomaly, characterized by an anatomic defect in the ventral abdominal wall and exit of the viscera of the abdominal cavity, associating spine and limb deformities and absence or shortening of the umbilical cord. The prenatal diagnosis is suggested by ultrasound means and should be confirmed by histopathology evaluation. We present a case of a body-stalk anomaly incidentally diagnosed at 23 weeks of gestation, during routine ultrasound evaluation. Due to its fatal prognosis it is imperative to differentiate it from other abdominal wall defects.