Ali Yavuzcan

Cardiac troponin levels in pregnant women with severe pre-eclampsia

Summary Pre-eclampsia is a multisystem disorder that involves vascular endothelial dysfunction and diffuse inflammatory response. The cardiac troponin (cTn-I) levels in pre-eclampsia are controversial. The objective of this study was to compare the cTn-I levels between normal pregnant women and those with severe pre-eclampsia. A total of 78 patients who underwent caesarean section were included in the study. The patients were assigned into two groups as the severe pre-eclamptic pregnant group (study group, n = 36) and normotensive pregnant group (control group, n = 42).The cTn-I levels of all patients were measured preoperatively and postoperatively. A statistically significant difference was not determined between the preoperative and postoperative cTn-I levels (p > 0.05) between the two groups. In the present study, a relation was not determined between pre-eclampsia and increased cTn-I levels. If high cTn-I levels are determined in pre-eclamptic patients, other pathologies that may cause myocardial damage should be investigated.

Evaluation of mean platelet volume, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and platelet/lymphocyte ratio in advanced stage endometriosis with endometrioma.

OBJECTIVE We compared the preoperative values of mean platelet volume (MPV) and peripheral systemic inflammatory response (SIR) markers (neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and platelet/lymphocyte ratio) between patients with advanced-stage (stage 3/4) endometriosis having endometrioma (OMA) and patients with a non-neoplastic adnexal mass other than endometrioma (non-OMA). MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients who underwent operations with the pre-diagnosis of infertility or adnexal mass and who underwent laparoscopic tubal ligation were included. RESULTS Haemoglobin levels, leucocyte count, platelet count, neutrophil count and lymphocyte count were not significantly different between patients with advanced stage endometriosis having OMA, patients with non-OMA and patients in the control group (p=0.970, p=0.902, p=0.373, p=0.501 and p=0.463, respectively). Patients with stage 3/4 endometriosis having OMA, patients with non-OMA and control patients were also not significantly different in terms of MPV (p=0.836), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (p=0.555) and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) (p=0.358). Preoperative cancer antigen 125 (Ca-125) levels were significantly higher in patients with OMA (p=0.006). Mean size of the OMAs was significantly lower than non-OMAs (p=0.000). CONCLUSION It is very important to determine advanced stage endometriosis and OMAs during preoperative evaluation in order to inform patients and plan an appropriate surgical approach. We demonstrate that MPV, NLR and PLR values are not useful for this purpose in patients with advanced stage endometriosis that are proven to develop severe inflammation at either the cellular or molecular level.

Should Cut-Off Values of the Risk of Malignancy Index be Changed for Evaluation of Adnexal Masses in Asian and Pacific Populations?

BACKGROUND The risk of malignancy index (RMI) for the evaluation of adnexal masses is a sensitive tool in certain populations. The best cut off value for RMI 1, 2 and 3 is 200. The cut off value of RMI-4 to differentiate benign from malignant lesions is 450. Our aim was to evaluate the efficiency of four different malignancy indexes (RMI1-4) in a homogeneous population. MATERIALS AND METHODS We evaluated a total of 153 non-pregnant women with adnexal masses who did not have a history of malignancy and who were above 18 years of age. RESULTS A cut-off value of 250 for RMI-1 provided 95.9% inter-observer agreement, yielding 95.9% specificity, 93.5% negative predictive value, 75.0% sensitivity and 82.8% positive predictive value. A cut-off value of 250 for RMI-1 showed high performance in preoperative diagnosis of invasive malignant lesions than cut-off value of 200 in our population. A cut-off value of 350 for RMI-2 provided 94.5% inter-observed agreement, yielding 94.2% specificity, 93.4% negative predictive value, 75.0% sensitivity and 77.4% positive predictive value. RMI-2 showed the higher performance when the cut-off value was set at 350 in our population. A cut-off value of 250 provided 95.2% inter-observer agreement, yielding 95.0% specificity, 93.2% negative predictive value, 75.0% sensitivity, and 88.0% positive predictive value. RMI-3 showed the highest performance to diagnose malignant adnexal masses when the cut-off value was set at 250. In our study, RMI-4 showed similar statistical performance when the cut-off value was set at 400 [(Kappa: 0.684/p=0.000), yielding 93.8% inter-observer agreement, 93.4% specificity, 93.4% negative predictive value, 75.0% sensitivity, and 75.0% negative predictive value]. CONCLUSIONS We showed successful utilization of RMIs in preoperative differentiation of benign from malignant masses. Many studies conducted in Asian and Pacific countries have reported different cut-off values as was the case in our study. We think that it is difficult to determine universally accepted cut-off values for RMIs for common use around the globe.

Axillary lymph node metastasis from serous ovarian cancer: a case report and review of the literature.

IntroductionThe symptoms and findings of ovarian cancer are parallel with the degree of intra-abdominal expansion of the tumor. Metastases in the early stage occur by peritoneal fluid’s tracking via the circulatory system. Renal and cerebral metastases of ovarian cancer have been previously reported, but axillary lymph node metastasis is quite rare. Axillary lymph node metastasis usually occurs in the advanced stage.Materials and methodsWe present a 47-year-old female who had applied adjuvant chemotherapy following cyto-reductive surgery because of stage 3C ovarian cancer. Axillary lymph node metastasis was detected in the postoperative 32 months.ConclusionAs tumors in axillary lymph nodes are found in patients with an ovarian carcinoma, the treatment is also so important too. Metastasis to the breast be differentiated accurately from primary breast cancer, because prognosis and treatment differ significantly. Accurate diagnosis of these metastases may allow more appropriate theraphy such as chemotherapy and prevent the patient from an unnecessary major breast surgery.

The investigation of the factors affecting retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis in stage IIIC and IV epithelial ovarian cancer.

IntroductionThe appropriate management of advanced ovarian cancer has been controversial in recent years. Lymphatic node involvement is known one of the most important prognostic factors in epithelial ovarian carcinomas. On the other hand in patients with advanced ovarian cancer involving the upper abdomen (with/without lymph node involvement) the evaluation of pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes does not contribute to the staging and more importantly it does not improve overall-survival.Materials and methodsOne hundred three patients underwent systematic pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy in our clinic. Fifty-three patients with FIGO stage IIIC and IV epithelial ovarian tumor were included in the study. The numbers of positive lymph nodes in each patient were compared with the preoperative CA125 values, positivity/negativity of peritoneal washings and tumor types. Also we compared the patients with positive lymph nodes with patients with negative lymph nodes and investigate differences in CA125 levels, histological types, and cytology.ResultsNo significant difference was observed between the patients’ preoperative CA125 values and the number of positive lymph nodes. A significant relation was not determined between the positivity or negativity of peritoneal washings and the number of positive lymph nodes. As a number of positive lymph nodes were compared with the tumor types a significant difference was not observed. On the other hand, statistically, a significant relationship was found between patients with positive lymph nodes and patients with negative lymph nodes in terms of preoperative CA125 values, the positivity or negativity of peritoneal washings and histological types of tumors.DiscussionWe could not determine any effects of preoperative CA125 values, histological type of tumor and peritoneal cytology on the number of positive lymph nodes. Pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy must be performed for us until the factors that affect nodal involvement will be described further in larger and more comprehensive studies.

Investigation of prognostic significance of CD109 expression in women with vulvar squamous cell carcinoma

Objective The goal of this study was to investigate the between cluster of differentiation 109 (CD109) expression and tumor diameter, invasion depth, tumor grade, presence of lymph-node metastasis, and overall survival in patients with vulvar squamous cell carcinoma, which is the most common type of vulvar cancer. Method Twenty-six patients who underwent an operation for vulvar cancer between 1999 and 2009 in our clinic were included in this study. Immunohistochemical staining was performed on formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue. Result Tumor diameter was not found to be significantly associated with CD109 expression, intensity of cytoplasmic staining, or combined score (P = 0.325, P = 0.169, P = 0.352, respectively). Invasion depth and combined score were also not significantly correlated with CD109 expression (P = 0.324 and P = 0.174 respectively). There was a negative correlation between invasion depth and the intensity of cytoplasmic staining (P = 0.042). There was no significant correlation between tumor stage and CD109 expression, the intensity of cytoplasmic staining, and the combined score (P = 0.574, P = 0.389, P = 0.605, respectively). A significant positive correlation was observed between tumor grade and CD109 expression, the intensity of cytoplasmic staining, and the combined score (P = 0.003, P = 0.018, P = 0.008, respectively). No significant difference was found between the percentages of CD109 expression in patients with positive (48%) and negative (11%) lymph nodes (P = 0.058). The percentage of CD109 expression did not significantly differ in relation to overall survival (P = 0.483). Conclusion Comprehensive and more extensive studies are needed to examine the relationship between CD109 expression and vulvar malignant lesions.

Decorin: a possible marker for fetal growth restriction.

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare decorin (DCN) levels between pregnancies complicated by idiopathic fetal growth restriction (FGR) and uncomplicated pregnancies and to determine the relationship between DCN levels and clinical parameters. The study population consisted of two groups: control group consisted of 13 women with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies in the third trimester. Study group consisted of 14 singleton pregnancies complicated by idiopathic FGR who were admitted to the hospital for delivery in the third trimester of pregnancy. Maternal and fetal DCN levels were measured. Color Doppler flow assessments were performed. Relationship between DCN levels and clinical parameters was determined. Maternal DCN serum levels were significantly higher in complicated pregnancies by idiopathic FGR (p = 0.01). A statistically significant negative correlation was observed between maternal DCN serum levels and neonatal birth weight (r = −0.0506; p = 0.007). There was a significant correlation between umbilical artery (UA) DCN levels and UA S/D ratio (r = 0.512; p = 0.006) and UA RI (r = 0.405; p = 0.036). The risk of high DCN maternal serum levels (>7986.6 pg/mL) in pregnancy complicated by FGR was 8.25 times higher (RR = 8.25; 95% CI, 1.4–46.8). The results of our study showed that the presence of increased DCN levels in women with FGR could contribute to pathogenesis of the disease.

Endometrial Curettage in Abnormal Uterine Bleeding and Efficacy of Progestins for Control in Cases of Hyperplasia

BACKGROUND Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is the most important symptom of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial curettage (EC) is the gold standard diagnostic procedure. We present the results of patients who underwent EC for AUB and the efficacy of progestin administration in those with endometrial hyperplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 415 female patients who presented to Duzce Public Hospital in 2011-2012 for AUB and who underwent EC were included. We determined the reasons for AUB, and females with hyperplasia were treated with 10 mg/day medroxyprogesterone acetate for 14 days/month or 160 mg/day megestrol acetate continuously for 3 months. We evaluated the efficacy of progestins for periods of three and/or six cycles by repeating EC. A statistical analysis of specific endometrial causes according to age of presentation was conducted using the chi-square test. RESULTS Among the 415 females (average age, 53.5 years) followed for 6 months, 186 had physiological changes (44.8%), 89 had simple hyperplasia (21.44%), 1 had atypical hyperplasia (0.2%), 6 had (1.44%) complex hyperplasia, 3 had (0.72%) atypical complex hyperplasia, and 5 had adenocarcinoma (1.2%). Regression rates were 72.7-100%, and the optimum results were observed after 6 months of hormonal therapy. CONCLUSIONS The main cause of AUB was physiological change. Progestin therapy resulted in significant regression even in females with atypical hyperplasia.

The effect of adenomyosis on the outcomes of laparoscopic hysterectomy

OBJECTIVE The presence of adenomyosis (ADS) may increase complication rates associated with laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) due to an increased weight of the uterus, increased vascularization of the uterus, impaired myometrial tissue, and presence of additional gynecological pathologies such as leiomyoma or endometriosis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate perioperative and early postoperative parameters in patients with or without adenomyotic lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included patients who underwent LH in a university hospital. Patient data were retrieved from the hospital records and reviewed retrospectively. Sixty-one patients (85.9%) without adenomyotic lesions comprised the control group. Ten patients with adenomyotic lesions (14.1%) were regarded as the study group. RESULTS In this study, the mean age of the patients was 50.93±9.39 years. The mean uterus size was significantly higher in patients with ADS (p=0.02). There was no statistically significant difference in perioperative variables such as delta hemoglobin (Hb), insertion of pelvic drainage catheter, and invasive assessment of the urinary tract between both the groups (p=0.27, p=1.0, and p=0.67, respectively). The difference between the groups in terms of postoperative blood transfusion was not statistically significant (p=0.25). There was no statistically significant difference in the postoperative maximum body temperature, length of hospital stay, and duration of urinary catheterization between both the groups (p=0.77, p=0.36, and p=0.75, respectively). CONCLUSION LH appears to be a safe alternative for patients with ADS. Large-scale, prospective, and randomized trials are required in order to suggest the routine use of LH in patients preoperatively diagnosed with ADS.

Addition of parity to the risk of malignancy index score in evaluating adnexal masses

OBJECTIVE The aim of our study was to evaluate the individual contribution of parity when incorporated as another parameter into the four risk of malignancy indices (RMI 1-4) to differentiate noninvasive benign lesions from invasive malignant ovarian lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS After calculating RMI 1-4 for each patient included in this study, the resulting RMI scores were further multiplied by the parity score (P) of each patient to calculate the RMI parity (RMIP) score. RESULTS A cutoff value of 300 for RMIP 1 yielded 95.0% specificity, 97.4% negative predictive value (NPV), 88.5% sensitivity, and 79.3% positive predictive value (PPV) and performed better than RMI 1 in the preoperative diagnosis of invasive malignant lesions. RMIP 2 with a cutoff value of 400 yielded 95.0% specificity, 97.4% NPV, 88.5% sensitivity, and 79.3% PPV, and it also performed better than RMI 2. A cutoff value of 400 for RMIP 3 provided 97.5% specificity, 97.5% NPV, 88.5% sensitivity, and 88.5% PPV and performed better than RMI 3. However, a cutoff value of 400 for RMIP 4 provided 90.0% specificity, 97.3% NPV, 88.5% sensitivity, and 65.7% PPV but did not perform better than RMI 4 in the preoperative diagnosis of invasive malignant lesions. CONCLUSION RMIP 1-3 scales were more reliable tools for the preoperative diagnosis of invasive adnexal masses compared with the traditional RMI 1-3 scales.