Huriye Ayse Parlakgumus

Can calcium ionophore “use” in patients with diminished ovarian reserve increase fertilization and pregnancy rates? A randomized, controlled study

OBJECTIVE To determine whether calcium ionophore solution can improve the fertilization rate in patients with diminished ovarian reserve whose partners have normal sperm parameters. DESIGN Between January 2014 and August 2014, patients with diminished ovarian reserve were randomized to make artificial oocyte activation with calcium ionophore solution. SETTING University hospital. PATIENT(S) A total of 296 patients who had diminished ovarian reserve and partners with normal sperm parameters were included in the study. INTERVENTION(S) Metaphase 2 oocytes were treated with calcium ionophore solution (GM508 Cult-Active) for 15 minutes just after intracytoplasmic sperm injection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Fertilization rate, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, ongoing pregnancy rate. RESULT(S) Fertilization, implantation, pregnancy, and ongoing pregnancy rates for the calcium ionophore and control groups were 60.7% and 55.4%, 12.8% and 10.7%, 21% and 12.8%, and 10.9% and 6.1%, respectively. CONCLUSION(S) This is the first prospective, randomized, controlled study to analyze the effect of calcium ionophore solution on fertilization rate in patients with diminished ovarian reserve. We did not observe any differences in fertilization, clinical pregnancy, or ongoing pregnancy rates between the groups. We propose that fertilization ratios could not be increased by artificial oocyte activation via application of calcium ionophore solution in patients with diminished ovarian reserve. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02045914.

First trimester maternal lipid levels and serum markers of small- and large-for-gestational age infants

Abstract Objective: To investigate if first trimester lipids, sonographic parameters and serum markers are related to small- and large-for-gestational age (SGA, LGA) infants. Methods: This study was conducted at Baskent University Adana Research Center between December 2009 and July 2011 and enrolled 433 women. Blood samples were drawn to measure fasting blood glucose, serum triglycerides, cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, fβ-hCG and pregnancy associated protein-A (PAPP-A) at the first trimester. Crown rump length and nuchal translucency were measured as suggested by the fetal medicine foundation. Results: LGA group was significantly taller (p = 0.016) and SGA group had significantly greater BMI (0.025). SGA fetuses were born at a significantly earlier gestational age (p = 0.001). Univariate analysis revealed that LGA group had significantly lower cholesterol (p = 0.038) and LDL levels (p = 0.041). PAPP-A was significantly lower in SGA Group compared with LGA Group (0.027). After controlling for age, parity, height, pre-pregnant BMI, weight gain during pregnancy and fasting blood sugar, none of the lipids, serum markers or sonographic parameters was related to LGA. PAPP-A was the only parameter significantly associated with SGA after multivariate analysis (p = 0.008). Conclusion: PAPP-A was significantly associated with SGA after controlling for confounders.

Aortic dissection accompanied by preeclampsia and preterm labor

Aortic dissection is a potentially fatal disease rarely encountered in obstetric clinics. A multiparous woman with a prior cesarean delivery was admitted with the complaint of epigastric pain at 33 weeks of gestation. The patient was diagnosed with preeclampsia and preterm labor. An emergent cesarean delivery was performed. Hypertension and epigastric pain could not be controlled after the operation. Computed tomography scan 2 days after the operation revealed aortic dissection, multiple infarct areas in the spleen and liver, and dilations of the intestine and the colon. Ascending aorta replacement followed by massive intestinal resection starting from the ligament of Trietz to the sigmoid colon was performed. Nine hours after the operation the patient had cardiopulmonary arrest. Aortic dissection should be suspected in cases of atypical epigastric pain even if the patient shows signs of preeclampsia and preterm labor.

Osseous metaplasia of the endometrium

Osseous metaplasia of the endometrium is very rare finding, and usually these cases presented with secondary infertility. Other symptoms are pelvic pain, dyspareunia, menstrual irregularities, vaginal discharge and the passage of bony fragments in menstrual blood. Suspicious lesion could see by hysterosalpingography or by ultrasonography; however, conclusive diagnosis and treatment tool is hysteroscopy. The aetiology is unknown, but theories include retained fetal bone and osseous metaplasia of endometrial tissue. We present a patient with osseous metaplasia who had treated with hysteroscopy.

Pathological assessment of follicular loss in laparoscopic endometrioma excision: Effects of cyst size and surgeon's experience

We planned to histologically demonstrate unintentional ovarian harm caused by excision of endometriomas.

Are pregnancy complications increased in poor responders

OBJECTIVE To investigate whether pregnancy complications are increased in poor responders to ovarian stimulation in IVF treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS We reviewed the antenatal follow up and birth records of 26 poor responders to ovarian stimulation and 125 normoresponder patients in an IVF program. RESULTS Eighty nine (71.2%) of the normoresponders and 22 (84.6%) of the poor responders had no pregnancy complications. Gestational diabetes was present in 18 (14.4%) of the normoresponders and 3 (11.5%) of the poor responders. Seven of the normoresponders had placenta previa (5.6%). Two of the normoresponders (1.6%) had pregnancy induced hypertension. Two (1.6%) of the normoresponders had preeclampsia. One patient from each group had fetal anomaly (3.8% for poor responders vs. 0.8% for normoresponders). Cholestasis of pregnancy was present in two of the normoresponders (1.6%) and the 2 patients (7.7%) who delivered prematurely also belonged to this group. CONCLUSION Our results revealed that pregnancy complications were not increased in patients with a reduced ovarian reserve when compared to their age matched counterparts.

Are serum markers altered in first trimester screening in poor ovarian reserve patients

Aim:  To investigate whether serum biochemical markers were altered during first trimester screenings in patients who have diminished ovarian reserve.

Fertility outcomes of patients with early stage endometrial carcinoma

Three to five percent of endometrial carcinoma patients are younger than 40 years and may desire fertility. Conservative treatment can be employed in these cases. We aimed to review treatment outcomes of patients who were diagnosed with endometrial carcinoma and who wanted to preserve their fertility.

Rescue of an intrauterine dead fetus with IUGR: a resurrection

Intrauterine growth restriction is associated with increased perinatal morbidity and mortality, as well as certain metabolic diseases such as coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes and hypertension in adult life. In this report, the authors describe a case of successful neonatal resuscitation after caesarean delivery in a severe growth-restricted fetus with absent cardiac activity following prolonged intrauterine bradycardia. The neonatal outcome was favourable, with the infant showing only unilateral hearing loss at 13 months’ follow-up.