Eun Jung

Programmed Death-Ligand 1 Expression and Its Correlation with Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Background The immunotherapeutic role of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in life expectancy in many cancers has been highlighted. However, data regarding PD-L1 expression in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) are limited. In this study, we describe the PD-L1 and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) expressions in PTC and analyze their correlation with lymph node (LN) metastasis. Methods Clinicopathological data were obtained from 116 patients with PTC who were treated in Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Jinju, Korea in 2009. Tissue microarray blocks were made using representative paraffin blocks of classical PTCs excluding follicular variants. Two pathologists graded the proportion and intensity of PD-L1 and PD-1 expression in both tumor and inflammatory cells. According to their proportions, positive PTC cells were scored as negative (0%), grade 1 (1%–50%), and grade 2 (51%–100%). Similarly, positive inflammatory cells were graded as negative (0%), grade 1 (1%–10%), and grade 2 (11%–20%). The intensity of each protein expression was simplified as positive or negative. Results A statistically significant correlation exists between the proportions of PD-1 and PD-L1 expression both in papillary carcinoma (p=.001) and peritumoral lymphoid cells in the thyroid (p<.001). In addition, the proportion of PD-L1 expression in PTC cells was closely related to metastatic LNs (p=.036). Conclusions PD-L1 is a valuable predictive marker for LN metastasis in PTC. Immunomodulating therapies that inhibit PD-L1 might be an option for patients with LN metastasis.

Cervical Adenocarcinoma Has a Poorer Prognosis and a Higher Propensity for Distant Recurrence Than Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Objective We aimed to analyze the differences in prognosis and the pattern of recurrence between squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (ADC) in patients with cervical cancer. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 969 patients with SCC and 144 patients with ADC who underwent radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection at the Busan Paik Hospital between January 1988 and December 2010. Results Adenocarcinoma was associated with poorer disease-free survival (P = 0.0515) and overall survival (OS) (P = 0.0156) compared with SCC, and that this was more apparent for patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stages IIA to IIB disease. Subgroup analysis by prognostic factors for recurrence showed significant differences in the OS in the intermediate-risk subgroup (P = 0.0266), but not in the high-risk subgroup (P = 0.1674). Based on the metastatic pattern in patients with recurrence, ADC was associated with an increased risk for distant recurrence resulting from hematogenous spread compared with SCC (P < 0.0001), and patients with distant recurrence showed a worse OS (P = 0.0481) and survival after recurrence (P = 0.0016) than patients with locoregional or lymphatic recurrence. Multivariate analysis showed that ADC was a significant independent factor for poor disease-free survival (P = 0.0034) and OS (P = 0.0001). Conclusions Adenocarcinoma is associated with a poorer prognosis and a greater probability of distanat recurrence compared with SCC. Different therapeutic strategies for ADC need to be developed, and when considering the greater tendency for distant recurrence in patients with ADC, systemic chemotherapy may have a role in reducing the risk of hematogenous spread.

Overexpression of peroxiredoxin-3 and -5 is a potential biomarker for prognosis in endometrial cancer

Endometrial cancer is the sixth most common cancer in women worldwide. Peroxiredoxins (PRDXs) are antioxidant enzymes that serve important roles in cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. In the present study, the potential associations between PRDX expression and endometrial cancer were investigated. The expression levels of various PRDX mRNAs were detected by semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in endometrial cancer tissues (n=26) and normal endometrial tissues (n=10). Additionally, the expression of PRDX isoforms was immunohistochemically examined in endometrial cancer tissues and adjacent normal endometrial tissues from 42 patients. Finally, the associations between high PRDX expression levels and clinicopathological features were examined in patients with endometrial cancer. Analysis of PRDX expression in endometrial cancer tissues and normal endometrial tissues by semi-quantitative RT-PCR showed that all PRDX isoforms had increased expression in the endometrial cancer tissues compared with that in the normal endometrium, and the differences in the expression levels of PRDX1 and PRDX3 between cancer and normal tissues were statistically significant (P=0.0015 and P=0.0134, respectively). Additionally, analysis of PRDX expression in endometrial cancer and paired normal endometrial tissues by immunohistochemistry showed strong cytoplasmic staining of PRDX3 and PRDX5 in cancer tissues, with high PRDX3 (25/42, 59.5%) and PRDX5 (32/42, 76.2%) appearing more frequently in endometrial cancer than in normal endometrial tissues (P=0.0001 and P=0.0023, respectively). Furthermore, high expression of PRDX5 was associated with advanced-stage endometrial cancer (P=0.0399). Although the 5-year survival rate was marginally higher in patients with low expression of PRDX3 and PRDX5, this result was not statistically significant. In summary, PRDX3 and PRDX5 are highly expressed in endometrial cancer and could be associated with advanced stage and poor prognosis. Therefore, these proteins may potentially be used as prognostic markers for endometrial cancer.

Placental pathologic changes and perinatal outcomes in placenta previa

INTRODUCTION Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta implants in the poorly vascularized lower uterine segment, which may result in inadequate uteroplacental perfusion, in turn, adversely affect the neonatal outcome. Abnormal placentation may also lead to severe postpartum hemorrhage as placenta separation proceeds. We aimed to evaluate the differences in placental histopathology and perinatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated with placenta previa and controls. METHOD We undertook a retrospective case-control study of 93 pregnancies with placenta previa and 81 controls between 2011 and 2017. RESULTS Gross findings of the placenta showed that the placentas in placenta previa had significantly higher mean large chorionic plate diameters (18.5 ± 3.2 vs 17.5 ± 2.6 cm, P = .0298), chorionic plate areas (218.4 ± 62.9 cm2 vs 198.7 ± 56.0 cm2, P = .0344), and marginal cord insertion (19.8% vs 8.6%, P = .0411) than control groups. Placental histopathological findings showed that placentas in placenta previa was significantly associated with maternal underperfusion, including villous infarction (50.5% vs 25.9%, P = .0009) and increased intervillous fibrin deposition (38.7% vs 7.4%, P < .0001). Also, women in the placenta previa group had a higher rate of abnormally invasive placenta and severe postpartum hemorrhage. However, placenta previa was not associated with the increased risk of neonatal mortality and morbidity. DISCUSSION Abnormal placentation into the poorly vascularized lower uterine segment induces compensatory placental growth and increased surface area in response to reduced placental perfusion, which was consistent with the histopathological findings of coagulative necrosis of chorionic villi and fibrin deposition in the intervillous space. The morphological changes occurring in placenta previa may have important roles in maintaining adequate uteroplacental-fetal perfusion, which may prevent adverse neonatal outcomes.

Prevalence of group B streptococcus colonization in pregnant women in a tertiary care center in Korea

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the group B streptococcus (GBS) colonization rate in pregnant Korean women using selective culture media for GBS and to identify obstetrical complications and GBS-induced early-onset neonatal sepsis. Methods We evaluated 1,014 pregnant women who delivered at Busan Paik Hospital between January 2015 and December 2016. GBS colonization was assessed using chromID Strepto B agar. We evaluated GBS colonization in pregnant women, as well as the obstetrical complication and GBS-induced neonatal sepsis rates. Results The total GBS colonization rate was 11.6% (117/1,014). No significant increase was observed in the rate of pregnancy-related complications between the GBS-positive and the GBS-negative groups. Among the 134 neonates born to colonized mothers, early neonatal sepsis was reported in 2 neonates (1.5%); however, these were cases of non-GBS-induced sepsis. Conclusion The GBS colonization rate (using selective culture media) in this study involving pregnant Korean women showed a higher colonization rate than that previously reported in Korea. Therefore, based on this study, we recommend GBS screening and the administration of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis in pregnant Korean women.

Antenatal magnesium sulfate for both tocolysis and fetal neuroprotection in premature rupture of the membranes before 32 weeks’ gestation

Abstract Objective: We aimed to assess the impact of antenatal MgSO4 therapy given to women with PPROM before 32 weeks’ gestation on latency, maternal outcomes, perinatal outcomes, and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Methods: We undertook a retrospective cohort observational study of 184 singleton pregnancies complicated by PPROM at 23°–316 weeks who were hospitalized and received magnesium therapy for tocolysis (MgSO4 group) or did not receive tocolytic therapy (no MgSO4 group) between 2005 and 2013. Furthermore, patients were subdivided into two groups based on the gestational age at the onset of PPROM (23°–276 weeks’ gestation and 28°–316 weeks’ gestation). Results: We included 184 women, of whom 143 received magnesium therapy and 41 did not. The latency period was significantly longer in the MgSO4 group compared with no MgSO4 group (7.9 ± 9.0 versus 4.0 ± 6.0 days, p = .0017). Antenatal magnesium therapy was significantly associated with decreased stillbirth (1.4% versus 14.6%, p = .0012) and perinatal mortality (7% versus 19.5%, p = .0375) without significant increase in the risk of neonatal morbidities and chorioamnionitis. However, neonates who were exposed to antenatal MgSO4 were associated with higher Mg levels (3.63 ± 1.05 mg/dl versus 2.13 ± 0.48 mg/dl, p < .0001) and phosphate levels (6.90 ± 1.36 mg/d versus 6.40 ± 1.01 mg/dl, p = .0459) than those who were not exposed. Neonates who were exposed to MgSO4 showed significantly reduced risks of IVH (20.4% versus 58.3%; RR, 0.35; 95%CI, 0.17–0.71) and PVL (27.8% versus 58.3%; RR, 0.48; 95%CI, 0.25–0.91) in the subgroup of 23°–276 weeks’ gestation. And the incidence of developmental delay in the subgroup of 23°–276 weeks’ gestation was significantly lower in the MgSO4 group (6.5% versus 36.4%; RR, 0.18; 95%CI, 0.05–0.69). However, there were no significant differences in the development of IVH, PVL, and developmental delay between the two groups for patients in the subgroup of 28°–316 weeks’ gestation. A similar trend was observed for cerebral palsy, with 22.2% of unexposed children affected compared with only 7.0% of exposed children (RR, 0.31; 95%CI, 0.10–1.00). Conclusions: Antenatal magnesium therapy in women with PPROM before 32 weeks’ gestation could prolong latency period, allowing for corticosteroid benefit. Moreover, MgSO4 showed fetal neuroprotective effects for neonatal IVH and PVL, and for developmental delay in infancy while prolonging latency. However, these benefits were primarily limited to the subgroup of 23°–276 weeks’ gestation and prolonged in utero exposure to MgSO4 was associated with bone mineralization in the neonates.

Thrombosed Fetal Dural Sinus Malformation: Correlation Between Prenatal Ultrasound and Autopsy Findings

Abstract Introduction: Dural sinus malformations, which are characterized by massively dilated dural sinuses, are one of the etiologies of an intracranial fetal cystic mass. Thrombi within these dural sinus malformations can develop while in-utero, and can be visualized by ultrasound in fetal life. Definitive postnatal diagnosis requires an autopsy. Case Report: We report two thrombosed fetal dural sinus malformations which are prenatally suspected during the second trimester with ultrasonography and postnatally confirmed with autopsy. Conclusion: Prenatal ultrasound images and fetal autopsy findings can be useful to establish the prenatal diagnosis of thrombosed dural sinus malformation.

Is massive proteinuria associated with maternal and fetal morbidities in preeclampsia

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate whether massive proteinuria in preeclampsia is associated with maternal and fetal complications. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical records of 233 patients who were diagnosed with preeclampsia. We divided the preeclamptic patients into three groups based on the amount of proteinuria: massive (≥5 g/24 hr), moderate (2 to 5 g/24 hr) and mild (<2 g/24 hr) proteinuria group. We analyzed the clinical characteristics and maternal and neonatal complications among three groups. Results Gestational age at diagnosis and delivery were lower in women with massive and moderate proteinuria group than women with mild proteinuria group (31.5±3.1 vs. 32.3±3.6 vs. 34.0±3.5 weeks, P<0.001 for gestational weeks at diagnosis; 34.6±3.6 vs. 35.1±4.1 vs. 36.9±4.0 weeks, P=0.001 for gestational age at delivery). In maternal complications, the incidences of pleural effusion and retinal detachment were significantly different among three groups (29.9% vs. 22.4% vs. 9.0%, P=0.004 for pleural effusion; 11.5% vs. 3.0% vs. 1.3%, P=0.009 for retinal detachment). Creatinine levels were higher and albumin levels were lower in the massive proteinuria group than in the moderate and mild groups. However, other maternal and neonatal complications were not significantly different among three groups. Conclusion Massive proteinuria might be associated with renal albumin excretion-related morbidity, such as pleural effusion, retinal detachment, and low serum albumin levels. Furthermore, it was associated with early-onset preeclampsia and early delivery.

Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome: An unusual presentation with pyocolpos

Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome is a rare congenital anomaly of the urogenital tract, which is characterized by the triad of uterus didelphys, obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis. It usually presents at puberty with pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and a vaginal or pelvic mass. Although rare, it may present with purulent vaginal discharge due to secondary infection of the obstructed hemivagina, making diagnosis difficult. A careful pelvic examination to identify the cervix and vagina is the key to the diagnosis of Müllerian duct anomalies and magnetic resonance imaging can provide additional useful information. The optimal treatment is full excision and marsupialization of the obstructing vaginal septum so that both uteri can drain through the patent vagina. The authors report a case of a 22-year-old female with an unusual presentation of Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome complicated by pyocolpos, which was successfully managed by vaginal septum resection and drainage of pus.

Female with 46, XY karyotype

Disorders of sex development (DSD) are congenital conditions characterized by atypical development of chromosomal, gonadal, and phenotypic sex. 46, XY DSD can result from disorders of testicular development or disorders of androgen synthesis/action. Prophylactic gonadectomy should be considered in patients with 46, XY DSD because of the increased risk of gonadal malignancy. We report two rare cases of 46, XY DSD, including XY pure gonadal dysgenesis and complete androgen insensitivity syndrome, who underwent a prophylactic gonadectomy.