Guluzar Arzu Turan

Mid-pregnancy vitamin D levels and postpartum depression.

OBJECTIVES Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common disorder that affects 10-15% of postpartum women, and it can have negative effects on both the mother and newborn. Recent studies have suggested that low levels of vitamin D are associated with poor mood and depression. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate a possible association between PPD and serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 (25(OH)D3), a reliable measurement of vitamin D, during mid-pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN The source population consisted of all pregnant women between 24 and 28 gestational weeks from June 2012 to October 2012 at Bornova Health Research and Application Hospital, Sifa University. In order to better evaluate a possible effect between vitamin D levels and PPD, individuals with characteristics that put them at risk for developing PPD were excluded from the study. Serum 25(OH)D3 levels were evaluated mid-pregnancy in the study group. Serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations ≤20ng/mL (50nmol/L) were classified as a mild deficiency and those ≤10ng/mL (25nmol/L) were classified as a severe deficiency. Pregnant subjects having complications during birth or with the newborn after delivery were excluded from the study. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to assess maternal PPD 1 week, 6 weeks, and 6 months after delivery. A Pearson correlation was used to measure the strength of the associations between the EPDS scores and vitamin D levels analyzed during the three time periods. A logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent effects of vitamin D on PPD. RESULTS Six hundred and eighty-seven pregnant women were included in this study. After excluding women due to PPD risk factors (in two stages), 179 pregnant women were screened for vitamin D levels during mid-pregnancy and in the 6th month postpartum. Eleven percent of our study group had severe vitamin D deficiency and 40.3% had mild vitamin D deficiency. The frequency of PPD was 21.6% at the 1st week, 23.2% at 6th week, and 23.7% at the 6th month. There was a significant relationship between low 25(OH)D3 levels in mid-pregnancy and high EPDS scores, which is indicative of PPD for all three follow-up periods (p=0.003, p=0.004 and p<0.001, respectively). In addition, there was a significant negative correlation between vitamin D levels and EDPS at all three time points (r=-0.2, -0.2, -0.3, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Vitamin D deficiency in mid-pregnancy may be a factor affecting the development of PPD. More extensive studies are required to be carried out on this subject.

Uterine closure with unlocked suture in cesarean section: Safety and Quality

Objective: Comparing locked and unlocked uterine closure techniques in terms of bleeding control and uterine incision healing. Methods: The patients undergoing cesarean section in Sifa University Hospital between May - October 2012 were accepted to this prospective controlled study. Primarily, safety was evaluated. The hemoglobin count (HC) and serum creatine kinase (CK) levels of the patients in the locked (n = 47) and unlocked (n = 35) groups were measured just before and 24 hours after operation. Hemoglobin deficit, increase in CK and the additional hemostatic sutures were compared. Secondly, uterine scar healing was evaluated three months later. Scar thickness, niche and percentage of thinning of the scar region of the locked (n = 27) and unlocked (n = 32) groups were calculated and compared. Results: The hemoglobin deficit was similar in two groups. CK rise was less in the unlocked group but it was not significant (P = 0.082). Unlocked group needed more additional sutures (P = 0.016). The thickness of the niche and the percentage of thinning of the scar region were significantly less in the unlocked group (P= 0.002, P=0.000). Conclusions: Unlocked uterine closure technique is safe and has less damage to the myometrium.

Vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy may affect fetal thymus development

OBJECTIVES The aim of our study was to evaluate the association of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) during pregnancy with thymus size in full-term fetuses. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this prospective study, we evaluated mid-pregnancy serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) concentrations. The fetal thymus size was measured by ultrasound in the third trimester. Neonatal 25(OH)D3 levels were evaluated by umbilical cord blood sampling. Correlation of maternal and neonatal vitamin D levels and association between thymus size and both, maternal and neonatal vitamin D concentrations were investigated. RESULTS Serum 25(OH) D3 concentrations were within the normal range in 48 (29.8%) mothers and 10 (13.1%) new-borns. A strong correlation between mid-pregnancy maternal and neonatal 25(OH)D3 concentration (r = 0.8, p < 0.001) was found. A significant linear correlation was observed between both, maternal and neonatal 25(OH)D3 concentrations and thymus perimeter length (r = 0.45, p = 0.04 and r = 0.43, p < 0.01, respectively). Both, maternal and fetal VDDs were associated with decreased thymus perimeter (p = 0.04, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy may be associated with smaller fetal thymus. Our data suggest that VDD in pregnancy may lead to systemic inflammatory response in the fetus.

The association of HLA-G and immune markers in recurrent miscarriages.

Abstract Objective: To determine role of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G, CD8, CD16, CD56, interferon (IFN)-γ, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α for recurrent miscarriages in feto–maternal interface. Method: Chorion and decidua samples were obtained from 11 women with unwanted pregnancies (healthy pregnancy, HP) and 10 women with missed abortion diagnosis after at least two pregnancy losses (recurrent miscarriage, RM). In addition, endometrial tissues were obtained from 10 non-pregnant women (NonP). The expressions of markers were evaluated using the Western blot analysis. The values obtained between different groups were compared. Results: The highest protein expression of CD56 was found in the HP compared to NonP and RM. Meanwhile, the lowest protein expression of CD16 was observed in the NonP compared to HP and RM. The HLA-G expression exhibited the highest level in HP; however, there was no statistically significant difference between groups. CD8 and IFNγ expressions were lowest in the NonP group; however, TNF-α was highest in the RM group. Conclusions: The CD56 expression of uterine NK cells may be an indicator of a HP. However, not statistically significant, the increased expression of CD16, CD8, and also significantly increased expression of TNF may be associated with the predominant cytotoxic activity in the maternal immune system in patients with RM. Although there was no change in the expression of HLA-G, this finding may mean that the maternal immune system is unresponsive to HLA-G-mediated immunosuppressive signals originating from the fetus in these cases.

Endometrial pathology in postmenopausal women with no bleeding

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to determine the rate of unexpected uterine pathology in postmenopausal women admitted to a gynecology clinic with symptoms other than vaginal bleeding and who were scheduled to undergo hysterectomy. Materials and methods We reviewed retrospectively the medical records of 283 postmenopausal patients who had gynecological surgery between September 2007 and January 2014. We reviewed their presenting symptoms on admission, the indications for surgery, and their transvaginal ultrasonographic findings. Postoperative histopathological results based on uterine specimens were also recorded. The results were analyzed statistically. Results Of 283 patients who had surgery, 209 had no vaginal bleeding at the time of admission. From this group, 75.6% were found to have unsuspected pathology, including endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial polyps, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, and one case of endometrial carcinoma (0.5%). The remaining 74 patients had experienced postmenopausal bleeding and in 87.8% there were pathological findings including 13 cases (17.6%) of endometrial cancer (p = 0.0001). Conclusion Vaginal bleeding in postmenopausal women is indicative of a wide array of gynecological pathologies, including endometrial carcinoma. However, uterine fibroids, pelvic masses, or even endometrial cancer may develop without co-morbid vaginal bleeding. Therefore we advocate that postmenopausal women should undergo yearly screening and consultation, without waiting for an episode of vaginal bleeding.

Asymptomatic cervical diverticulum: An unusual case

Herein is presented the case report of a patient who had secondary infertility. Hysterosalpingography (HSG) and subsequent diagnostic hysteroscopy revealed an asymptomatic cervical diverticulum. In vitro fertilization (IVF) was suggested for infertility due to bilateral tubal occlusion. We also informed the patient that her diverticulum does not require surgical intervention due to the absence of symptoms.

Chromosomal abnormalities and polymorphisms among couples with recurrent in vitro fertilization (IVF) failure

Aim: The present study aims to evaluate chromosomal structure among couples with a history of recurrent in vitro fertilization (IVF) failure undergoing assisted reproduction treatment. Materials and Methods: Chromosomal structure analysis was conducted on peripheral blood samples from couples with an indication of recurrent IVF failure at the Genetic Diagnosis Center Cytogenetics Laboratory between 2007 and 2012. All data were investigated retrospectively. Results: Abnormal chromosome organization was observed in 39 (15.8%) females and in four (1.7%) males. Moreover, chromosomal polymorphism was detected in 15 (6%) females and 28 (12%) males. Almost all chromosomal abnormalities were associated with sex chromosomes. Conclusion: Highly abnormal chromosome organization was observed in couples with recurrent IVF failures. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis should be offered to these patients to evaluate the likelihood of treatment success and the establishment of a healthy pregnancy.

Does Uterine Prolapse Alter Endometrial Cyclooxygenase 2 Expression and Promote the Development of Premalignant Lesions

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and its association with the development of premalignant lesions in gland structures of the endometrium in patients with uterine prolapse, a condition which exposes the uterus to mechanical and infectious stress. Methods: The study included 102 patients who underwent hysterectomy to correct grade 3-4 uterine prolapse and 105 patients who underwent hysterectomy for other causes. Endometrial gland structures underwent immunohistochemical staining and COX-2 expression was graded. Grades 0 and 1 represent low expression; grades 2 and 3 correspond to high levels of COX-2 expression. Results: The prevalence of grade 2-3 COX-2 expression was significantly higher in the endometrial gland structures of patients with prolapse and hyperplasia compared to the remaining patients (p = 0.014). Grade 0-1 COX-2 expression was significantly more common in the endometrial gland structures of patients without uterine prolapse or hyperplasia (p = 0.004). Among the patients without endometrial hyperplasia, COX-2 expression was elevated in the endometrial gland structures of those with uterine prolapse compared to those without prolapse. Conclusion: Elevated COX-2 expression may explain the presence of unexpected premalignant lesions of the endometrium in patients with uterine prolapse.

Cesarean section and ovarian cystectomy in the patient with factor XI deficiency

Factor XI (F XI) deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder with an autosomal inheritance and generally asymptomatic. However, the incidence of primary post-partum hemorrhage and secondary post-partum hemorrhage in F XI deficiency were reported as 16% and 24%, respectively. A 35-year-old primigravida woman diagnosed with F XI deficiency was examined by the maternal-fetal medicine service of our hospital at 37 weeks 5 days′ gestation. Her blood levels of F XI and activated partial thromboplastin time were %2 and 116 s, respectively at pre-partum period. We made fresh frozen plasma (FFP) replacement 1 day before surgery and we continued transfusions until post-operative 6 th day. The most challenging problems we encountered were hypervolemia and electrolyte imbalance. The management of F XI deficiency necessitates careful consideration and replacement with FFP is believed to be the main approach.

The efficacy of platelet activation indicators for the diagnosis of tubal ectopic pregnancy.

Pak J Med Sci 2015 Vol. 31 No. 3 www.pjms.com.pk 745 We read with great interest the article “Can mean platelet volume and platelet distrubition width be possible markers for ectopic pregnancy and tubal rupture?” by Ulkumen et al. in Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences.1 We appreciate the authors for their study. We wanted to contribute to this study as it was related to our article: “The efficacy of complete blood count parameters in the diagnosis of tubal ectopic pregnancy” in Ginekologia Polska.2 Ulkumen et al.1, aimed to investigate the relationship between platelet activation indices and ectopic pregnancy (EP). They cannot find statistically significant difference in either rupture or non-rupture EP in terms of platelet (PLT), mean PLT volume (MPV) ve PLT distribution width (PDW) levels. However, they claimed that MPV levels was lower, while PDW levels was higher in EP. They showed the high grade inflammation at the implantation site of EP as a cause for both increased PDW level and decreased MPV levels. MPV is a simple PLT activation index. PDW is a stronger sign of platelet activation. The combined use of MPV and PDW could predict activation of PLT more efficiently.3 We showed no statistically significant difference between EP (8.38±0.97) and intrauterine pregnancy (8.69±1.14) in terms of MPV levels in our study. We found out that PDW was lower in EP (11.55±1.78) compared to intrauterine pregnancy (16.36±3.00) (p<0.001). Soluble factors released from active PLTs increase the invasion capacity of the trophoblast. In this way, PLTs enable maternal spiral arteries to transform into low-resistance large-caliber veins.4 In intrauterine pregnancy, its trophoblastic growth and differentiation are realized by cytokines which are released from the trophoblasts, endometrium and decidual stromal cells. However, lack of decidualization is a characteristic feature of EP, unlike in intrauterine pregnancies. Thus, EP invasion may be rather limited when compared to intrauterine pregnancies. EP needs less PLT activation. While, endometrial invasion in the intrauterine pregnancy needs more PLT activation,2 as a consequence, PDW values may decrease in EP which necessitates less PLT activation when compared to intrauterine pregnancy.