Ebru Çelik Kavak

The efficacy of ampicillin and Lactobacillus casei rhamnosus in the active management of preterm premature rupture of membranes remote from term.

Background We aimed to investigate the treatment efficacy of ampicillin prophylaxis accompanied by Lactobacillus casei rhamnosus over the latency period following preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Methods Records of 40 patients who presented with PPROM between 230/7–316/7 weeks were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (n=20), treated with ampicillin; and group 2 (n=20), treated with ampicillin plus L. casei rhamnosus. Clinical and laboratory parameters were compared. Delta (Δ) values of each laboratory parameter were calculated by subtracting the value at delivery from the values at admission to the clinic. Results Gestational weeks at delivery (28.1±0.3 weeks versus 31.5±0.4 weeks), latency periods (12.3±1.5 days versus 41.4±4.4 days), 5-minute APGAR scores (6.8±0.1 versus 7.8±0.1), and birth weights (1,320±98 g versus 1,947±128 g) were significantly higher in group 2. White blood cell (WBC) (12,820±353/mm3 versus 11,107±298/mm3), and neutrophil counts (10.7±0.5×103/L versus 8.2±0.5×103/L) were significantly lower in group 2 at delivery. The ΔWBC (2,295±74/mm3 versus −798±−406/mm3), ΔC-reactive protein (5±0.04 mg/L versus 1.6±0.2 mg/L), and Δneutrophil (3±0.2×103/L versus 0.2±−0.1×103/L) were significantly lower in group 2. Conclusion It seems that addition of L. casei rhamnosus to ampicillin prolongs the latency period in patients with PPROM remote from term.

Evaluation of maternal mortality cases in the province of Elazig, Turkey, 2007-2013: a retrospective study.

The aim of this study was to determine the causes and factors influencing maternal mortality. All maternal deaths occurring between January 2007 and November 2013 in the Elazıg Province of Turkey were retrospectively investigated. The maternal age, obstetric history, cause of death, encountered delay model of each case, as well as the overall number of annual live births in the Province were determined. The information of cases was obtained from Directorate of Public Health and hospital records. Families or family doctors were also interviewed to obtain details about the circumstances surrounding each death. There were a total of 64,423 live births in the Province of Elazıg between 2007–2013. The number and ratio of maternal deaths due to direct and indirect causes were 12 and 18.6, respectively. The direct causes of maternal death were hypertensive diseases of pregnancy (n=5, 41.7%), obstetric hemorrhages (n=3, 25%) and pulmonary embolism (n=1, 8.3%). The indirect causes of death were cardiac diseases (n=2, 16.7%) and malignancy (n=1, 8.3%). When classified according to the “Three Delays Model”, 2 cases were in the first delay model and 3 cases in the third delay model; the second delay model led to no maternal deaths. Hypertensive diseases of pregnancy are the leading cause of maternal mortality in our province. The preventable causes of maternal mortality and factors contributing to death must be identified to reduce the incidence.

Comparison of results of Bakri balloon tamponade and caesarean hysterectomy in management of placenta accreta and increta: a retrospective study

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative results of the patients who were treated with Bakri balloon tamponade or hysterectomy for placenta accreta and increta. Patients who were diagnosed with placenta accreta or increta preoperatively and intraoperatively and treated with Bakri balloon tamponade (Group 1) or caesarean hysterectomy (Group 2) were compared in regards to the postoperative results. Among the 36 patients diagnosed with placenta accreta or increta, 19 patients were treated with Bakri balloon tamponade while 17 cases were treated with hysterectomy. Intraoperative blood loss amount was 1794 ± 725 ml in G1, which was lower than that in G2 (2694 ± 893 ml). Blood transfusion amount was 2.7 ± 2.6 units in G1, lower than that in G2 (5.7 ± 2.4 units), too. Operation time was 64.5 ± 29 min and 140 ± 51 min in G1 and G2, respectively, showing significant differences between two groups. The success rate of Bakri balloon was determined as 84.21%. In conclusion, cases with placenta accreta/increta, with predicted placental detachment who are willing to preserve fertility, application of uterine balloon tamponade devices before the hysterectomy is encouraging with its advantages compared with the hysterectomy. Impact statement What is already known on this subject: Invasive placental anomalies are the most common indication of postpartum hysterectomy. Recently, uterine balloon tamponade was also included in the treatment modalities of postpartum haemorrhage.This study aimed to compare the postoperative results of UBT or hysterectomy for patients with placenta accreta and increta. What the results of this study add: In this study, the total amount of blood loss was higher in the caesarean hysterectomy group when compared with the Bakri balloon tamponade group. The mean transfusion requirement, mean operation time and hospitalisation period was significantly longer in the caesarean hysterectomy group. The success rate of the Bakri balloon was determined as 84.21%. Two patients who were treated with balloon application had a successful pregnancy and delivery later. Maternal mortality was reported in neither balloon nor hysterectomy groups. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research: In conclusion, patients diagnosed with placenta accreta/increta with ultrasound should be taken into the operation in elective conditions, if possible, on lithotomy position. In cases with predicted placental detachment that are willing to preserve fertility, application of uterine balloon tamponade devices before the hysterectomy has advantages compared with the hysterectomy.

Magnesium: does it reduce ischemia/reperfusion injury in an adnexal torsion rat model?

Aim The aim of the present study was to assess the protective effects of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) induced ovarian damage in a rat ovarian torsion model. Methods Forty-two female Sprague Dawley rats were included in the study. They were divided into six groups as Group 1, sham; Group 2, bilateral ovarian torsion; Group 3, bilateral ovarian torsion–detorsion; Group 4, MgSO4–sham; Group 5, MgSO4–bilateral ovarian torsion; Group 6, bilateral ovarian torsion–MgSO4–detorsion. Both torsion and detorsion periods lasted 3 hours. In Groups 4, 5 and 6, MgSO4 (600 mg/kg) was administered by intraperitoneal route 30 minutes before sham operation, torsion and detorsion, respectively. At the end of the study period, both ovaries were removed. One of the ovaries was used for histopathological analyses and the other for biochemical analyses. Results In the torsion–detorsion group, all the histopathological scores were higher compared to the sham and torsion only group (p<0.05). Administration of MgSO4 only caused significant decrease in the inflammatory cell scores of the torsion–detorsion group (p<0.05). MgSO4, whether given before torsion or before detorsion, suppressed malondialdehyde levels when compared to the untreated groups (p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively). Glutathione peroxidase activities were significantly higher in the MgSO4 applied torsion and detorsion groups than Groups 2 and 3 (p<0.05, for both). Administration of MgSO4 also caused an increase in glutathione levels in the torsion and detorsion groups compared to the torsion only and detorsion only groups (p<0.05, for both). Also, total oxidant status levels decreased in the MgSO4 applied torsion and detorsion groups compared to the untreated corresponding ones (p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively). MgSO4 significantly decreased the Oxidative Stress Index levels in the torsion–detorsion group compared to Group 2 (p<0.001). Conclusion Histopathological and biochemical analysis revealed that prophylactic treatment with MgSO4 reduces the changes observed in I/R injury in a rat model.

The Non-Ergot Derived Dopamine Agonist Quinagolide as an Anti-Endometriotic Agent.

Aim: The study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a dopamine agonist, quinagolide, on experimentally induced endometriosis in a rat model. Methods: Twenty female Wistar rats were used in this experiment. Endometriosis was surgically induced by transplantation of autologous endometrial tissue. A second laparotomy was performed 4 weeks after the first one to assess the pre-treatment implant volumes, and peritoneal lavage with saline solution was performed to assess the peritoneal cytokine levels. Rats were randomized to treatment with quinagolide or saline. At the end of the treatment period, a third laparotomy was performed to compare pre- and post-treatment implant volumes and cytokine levels within the groups. Implants were excised to compare glandular tissue (GT) and stromal tissue (ST) scores between the groups. Results: In the quinagolide group, post-treatment volume was statistically significantly reduced compared with pre-treatment volume (p = 0.01). There were significant decreases in interleukin-6 (IL-6) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in peritoneal fluid samples in quinagolide-treated rats when compared to pre-treatment levels (p = 0.03 and p < 0.01). Histopathologically, both GT and ST scores were significantly lower in the quinagolide group compared to the control group (p = 0.01 and p = 0.02). Conclusions: Quinagolide caused a significant regression in endometriotic implants and it also significantly reduced the levels of IL-6 and VEGF in peritoneal fluid.

Fetuin A Concentration in the Amniotic Fluid of Fetuses with Down Syndrome

Fetuin A Concentration in the Amniotic Fluid of Fetuses with Down Syndrome Background: Fetuin-A is a plasma protein called Alfa 2- Heremans Schmid glycoprotein. During the fetal life, it is the major component of non-collagenous bone matrix. The aim of this study was to examine the probable variation of Fetuin A which is produced by the fetal liver and trophoblastic tissue and found in abundance in the amniotic fluid Methods: Twenty cases in which amniocentesis were performed were included in the study between December 2012 and December 2013. Amniotic fluid samples were collected from women who underwent amniocentesis in the second trimester of pregnancy. Conventional cytogenetic culture was performed and ten fetuses with Down Syndrome (DS) were identified. They were classified as Group 1 and ten fetuses with normal karyotype were classified as Group 2. Levels of FetuinA in the amniotic fluid were measured in each group. Results: Age, gender, gestational age, obstetrics history and body mass index of the cases in Group 1 and Group 2 were similar. Mean amnion fluid Fetuin-A levels in Group 1 was 3.5 ± 0.4 ng/mL and these values were detected to be 4.7 ± 0.7 ng/mL in Group 2. There was statistically significant difference between the mean amniotic fluid Fetuin-A levels of two groups. (P=0.001 from the Mann-Whitney U test). Conclusion: In the present study, amnion fluid Fetuin-A levels were found to be significantly lower in the presence of DS. Decreased Fetuin-A levels may be effective on antenatal and postnatal developments of fetuses with DS. By the clarification of its importance treatment modalities may be developed.

The Importance of Clinical, Radiologic and Laboratory Parameters in the Diagnosis of Ovarian Torsion: Retrospective Study

Gereç ve Yöntem: Bu çalışma Aralık 2011 ile Aralık 2012 yılları arasında Fırat Üniversitesi Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum Kliniğinde over torsiyonu nedeniyle opere edilen hastaların dosyalarının incelenmesiyle gerçekleştirildi. Over torsiyonu nedeniyle cerrahi uygulanan hastaların yaş, gebelik ve doğum sayıları ile over torsiyonunu destekleyen ultrasonografik parametreler (over boyutu, over kisti varlığı, periferik dizilimli foliküller, doppler ultrasonografide vasküler akım varlığı, girdap işareti, pelvik bölgede serbest sıvı varlığı) ve laboratuvar parametreleri (hemoglobin, hematokrit, platelet ve beyaz küre sayıları) incelendi. Preoperatif bulantı, kusma, hassasiyet, defans ve rebound varlığı gibi semptom ve bulgular kayıt altına alındı. Verilerin istatistiksel değerlendirmesinde tanımlayıcı istatistik kullanıldı.

Double-balloon tamponade in the management of postpartum hemorrhage: a case series

To show the efficacy of double-balloon cervical ripening catheter in the management of postpartum hemorrhage originating from the lower segment of the uterus or the upper parts of the vagina. Methods Patients with intractable bleeding from the lower segment of the uterus and the upper parts of the vagina after Cesarean or vaginal deliveries were treated by double-balloon cervical ripening catheter. Results Double-balloon catheter was used in seven patients, and it was properly placed in all of them. No other intervention was needed to control bleeding. Two patients were delivered vaginally, and five patients were delivered by Cesarean section. Length of hospitalization was longer in the vaginal delivery patients (average hospitalization was 12 days in the vaginal delivery patients and 5 days in the Cesarean section patients). The need for blood and blood products transfusion (average of blood and blood products transfusion was 30 U in the vaginal delivery patients and 6 U in the Cesarean patients) was also higher in the vaginal delivery patients. Conclusion Although double-balloon cervical ripening catheter is designed for the induction of labor, it can successfully control intractable bleedings from the lower segment of the uterus and the upper parts of the vagina. This procedure can save patients from undergoing more morbid procedures.

Nitrofurantoin inhibits contractions of myometrium isolated from pregnant and nonpregnant rats

We aimed to investigate the effects of nitrofurantoin, a commonly used antibiotic for urinary tract infections, on spontaneous contractions of rat myometrium isolated from 16-day pregnant and nonpregnant rats. Myometrial strips were suspended in a standard organ bath and after the manifestation of spontaneous contractions under 1 g of resting tension, nitrofurantoin was applied to the organ bath as 50, 250 and 500 µM doses. Amplitude and frequency of contractions were recorded for 20 minutes before and after application of the drug. The bath was washed to remove the drug from the medium after recording the effect of each dose and the contractions were enrolled again to show the reversible effect of the drug. The effects of nitrofurantoin on amplitude (milligrams) and frequency of spontaneous contractions were evaluated. Data were statistically analyzed using the StudentÂ’s t test and p

Breast cancer screening: An outpatient clinic study

Introduction: Systematic screening for breast cancer is performed to reduce the current mortality rate and incidence by diagnosing the patients during the early stage and asymptomatic phase of the disease. A high quality screening program may produce a long-lasting decrease in mortality only if the treatment is of an equal standard. Patients and Method: 350 patients’ medical records, including breast physical examinations, age, gender, mammography findings, number of gravidity, parity and abortion, curettage, whether or not there is systemic and endocrinological disease present and pelvic masses were analyzed retrospectively. Result: Most of the patients (91.1%) had no breast pathological findings. 2.6% of patients had fibroadenoma and 4.6% had fibrocystic breast changes exhibited through mammography. One patient was found to have a breast mass. In that patient, tru-cut biopsy revealed infiltrating ducal carcinoma. Conclusion: A multidisciplinary cancer screening program should be maintained. With such a process, the aim is to reduce the morbidity and mortality of the disease without adversely affecting the health conditions of asymptomatic individuals based on the screening. Success is brought about by the combination of individual features.