Mete Çağlar

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.

Sperm-Associated Antigen 9 is a Promising marker for Early Diagnosis of Endometrial Cancer

BACKGROUND Sperm-associated antigen 9 (SPAG9) has been recently proposed as a novel biomarker for early diagnosis of several human tumors, including ovarian, cervical and breast cancers. Its clinical value remains to be clarified for endometrial cancer (EC). In this study, we investigated the utility of serum SPAG9 levels in diagnosis of EC and its association with important clinicopathological parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS This cross-sectional study was performed at a tertiary womens referral center in Ankara, Turkey. Preoperative serum samples were collected from patients surgically treated for endometrial cancer between June 2012-April 2013. Similar aged women with a biopsy proven benign endometrium were used as controls. Serum SPAG9 levels were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method and assessed for links with clinicopathological factors. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess power of SPAG9 levels for EC prediction. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS A total of 63 women with EC and 27 with benign endometrium were included in the study. Mean age in the EC group was 58.7±1.1. Median SPAG9 levels in the EC and control groups were 18.3 (range, 12.7-53.8) and 14.1 (range, 4.3-65.3), respectively (p<0.001). A cut-off value of 17 ng/ml for SPAG9 predicted presence of malignant endometrium with 74% sensitivity and 83% specificity [Area under curve (AUC)=0.82, p<0.001]. SPAG9 levels did not demonstrate any significant association with histological type, FIGO stage, tumor grade, size, myometrial invasion, lymphovascular space invasion, cervical involvement, adnexal involvement, peritoneal cytology or lymph node status (all p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Testing for SPAG9 may be useful for early detection of EC in asymptomatic high-risk women. Its role in post-treatment follow-up and early detection of recurrence should be assessed in future trials.

HPV Types in Turkey: Multicenter Hospital Based Evaluation of 6388 Patients in Turkish Gynecologic Oncology Group Centers Türkiye'deki HPV Tipleri: Türk Jinekolojik Onkoloji Grubuna Üye Merkezlere Başvuran 6388 Hastanin Retrospektif Analizi

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of HPV DNA and cervical cytological abnormalities, to compare cervical cytology results and HPV DNA and to define HPV types distribution in a large series of Turkish women who have undergone HPV analysis in hospitals that are members of the Turkish Gynecological Oncology Group. Material and Method: Between 2006 and 2010, a total of 6388 patients’ data was retrospectively evaluated at 12 healthcare centers in Turkey. Demographic characteristics, cervical cytology results, HPV status and types were compared. Results: The mean age of the patients was 38.9±10.2. Overall, 25% of the women were found to be HPV positive. Presence of HPV-DNA among patients with abnormal and normal cytology was 52% and 27%, respectively. There was significant difference with respect to decades of life and HPV positivity (p < 0.05). HPV was positive in (within the HPV (+) patients) 37%, 9%, 27%, 20%, 22%, and 41% of the ASCUS, ASC-H, LSIL HSIL, glandular cell abnormalities, and SCC cases respectively The most common HPV types in our study were as follows; HPV 16 (32%), HPV 6 (17%), HPV 11 (9%), HPV 18 (8%), HPV 31 (6%), HPV 51 (5%), HPV 33 (3%). Conclusion: In this hospital based retrospective analysis, HPV genotypes in Turkish women with normal and abnormal cytology are similar to those reported from western countries. Further population based prospective multicenter studies are necessary to determine non-hospital based HPV prevalence in Turkish women Öz Amaç: Türkiyedeki HPV tiplerinin geniş bir seri ile ortaya konması amacı ile Türk Jinekolojik Onkoloji grubuna üye hastanelerde HPV analizi yapılan hastaların sonuçlarının retrospektif olarak değerlendirilmesi ve sitolojik anormalliklerdeki HPV tiplerinin belirlenmesi. Gereç ve Yöntem: 2006 ve 2010 yılları arasında 12 ayrı merkeze başvuran smear ve HPV analizi yapılan toplam 6388 hasta retrospektif olarak incelenmiştir. Hastaların demografik bilgileri, smear sonuçları, HPV tipleri online olarak toplanıp analiz edilmiştir. Bulgular:Ortalama hasta yaşı 38.9±10.2 idi. Tüm grup değerlendirildiğinde, %25 hastada HPV pozitif olarak saptandı. Anormal sitolojisi olanlarda HPV pozitifliği %57 iken normal pap testi olanlarda HPV pozitifliği %27 oranında tespit edildi. Hastaların yaşam dekadları ile HPV pozitifliği arasında anlamlı bir ilişki bulundu (p<0,05) HPV pozitifliği ASCUS, ASC-H, LSIL, HSIL, glandüler anormallikler ve skuamöz hücreli karsinom için sırasıyla %37, %9, %27, %20, %22, %41 idi. En sık görülen HPV tipleri sırasıyla HPV 16 (%32), HPV 6 (%17), HPV 11 (%9), HPV 18 (%8), HPV 31 (%6), HPV 51 (%5), HPV 33 (%3) idi. Sonuç:Bu hastane temelli retrospektif analizde HPV tipleri gelişmiş batı ülkelerinde rapor edilen tiplerle benzer olarak tespit edildi. Ülkemizdeki gerçek popülasyon temelli HPV prevalansı ve tiplerinin belirlenmesi için hastane temelli olmayan çok merkezli geniş sayıda hasta içeren serilere ihtiyaç vardır

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.

Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery for acute adnexal pathology during pregnancy: preliminary experience

Abstract Objective: To report the feasibility of laparoendoscopic single port surgical approach for the management of huge adnexal cysts and adnexal torsion during pregnancy. To discuss the optimal method of entry into the peritoneal cavity for pregnant patients. Design: Two case report. Method and patient(s): Two pregnant patients with adnexal mass. First patient, suffering from persistent and progressive abdominal distention and pain on her 12th week of pregnancy, was diagnosed with an ovarian cyst in 18 cm diameter on left ovary. The other patient had IVF twin pregnancy and presented with left adnexal torsion on the 25th week of pregnancy Intervention(s): Single-port laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy on the 12th week of pregnancy in patient one and single-port left adnexectomy in a twin pregnancy on the 25th week of pregnancy in patient two. Main outcome measure(s): Feasibility of single port laparoscopic intervention during pregnancy for adnexal mass. Result(s): Complete resolution of the symptoms for both pregnant women after the surgeries. No fetal and maternal complication was diagnosed during both pregnancies. Conclusion(s): Single port laparoscopy with open-entry technique is feasible and might be a better surgical option for the pregnant patients with adnexal pathology. However, further studies with larger sample size are needed to reach clear conclusion.

Extraovarian conditions mimicking ovarian cancer: a single center experience of 15 years

ObjectiveThis study aims to review cases of extra-ovarian conditions that resembled ovarian malignancy and thus, to evaluate the distribution of primary pathology mimicking ovarian malignancy.MethodsA retrospective review of women, with final pathology of extra-ovarian diseases mimicking ovarian malignancy, which were managed at Zekai Tahir Burak Women’s Health Education and Research Hospital, from January 1995 to April 2010 was undertaken.ResultsAmong the 2,210 women treated during the study period, extra-ovarian diseases accounted for 5.11% (113/2,210) of all the cases. Of the 113 extra-ovarian diseases, 42 (37.17%) were peritoneal tuberculosis, 25 (22.13%) were gastrointestinal malignancies, 20 (17.70%) were pelvic abscess, 8 (7.08%) were pelvic echinococcosis, 8 (7.08) were schwannoma and other retroperitoneal tumors, 4 (3.53%) were malignant lymphoma, 2 (1.77%) were chronic ectopic pregnancy, gossypiboma, and mesenteric cyst, respectively.ConclusionMedical awareness of infectious diseases such as peritoneal tuberculosis, pelvic abscess, and pelvic echinococcosis in the differential diagnosis of ovarian malignancy is still lacking, especially in developing countries. In addition, in case of a pelvic mass, gastrointestinal and retroperitoneal tumors and malignant lymphoma should always be considered to avoid pitfalls in diagnosis and therapy.

Risk factors for human papillomavirus persistence among women undergoing cold-knife conization for treatment of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia

To investigate the risk factors potentially associated with high‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV) persistence in women undergoing cold‐knife conization (CKC) for treatment of high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).

Effect of pre-procedural state-trait anxiety on pain perception and discomfort in women undergoing colposcopy for cervical cytological abnormalities.

BACKGROUND Colposcopy is the gold standard procedure for evaluating cervical cytological abnormalities. Although it is essentially a minimally invasive intervention, referral for colposcopy may cause significant distress on patients. In this study, we aimed to determine if pre-procedural anxiety levels have a significant association with procedure related pain and discomfort in women undergoing colposcopy for evaluation of abnormal cervical cytology. We also assessed the impact of various clinical factors on anxiety, pain and discomfort in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective study was performed at the Gynecologic Oncology Department of Zekai Tahir Burak Womens Health Education and Research Hospital in Ankara, Turkey between January and June 2013. After taking informed consent, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) form and a 14-item questionnaire were filled for women who were admitted to our outpatient colposcopy unit for evaluation of abnormal cervical cytology. STAI scores were calculated for each participant. Immediately after the procedure, visual analog scale (VAS) scores for procedure-related pain and discomfort were obtained. Associations between STAI and VAS scores were investigated using correlation analyses. The effect of various contributing factors on anxiety, pain and discomfort were evaluated with linear regression analysis. The p values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS A total of 222 women met the inclusion criteria within the study period. Mean patient age was 38.5±9.6. Median state and trait anxiety scores were 47 and 46, respectively. Median VAS scores for pain and discomfort were 4 for both variables. State anxiety had a significant correlation with procedure related discomfort (p=0.02). Colposcopy related pain VAS scores were significantly affected by state anxiety level, marital status and prior gynecological examination (p<0.05). Colposcopy related discomfort VAS scores were significantly affected by state anxiety level, marital status, prior gynecological examination and educational status. CONCLUSIONS Additional measures should be implemented in women that carry higher risk for experiencing pain and discomfort. Social, cultural and lifestyle issues may also affect womens experiences during colposcopy, therefore further studies are needed to define specific determining factors in various populations.

Maternal and umbilical cord copeptin levels in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to compare maternal and fetal serum copeptin concentrations in pregnancies complicated by isolated fetal growth restriction (FGR), and uncomplicated pregnancies, and to investigate relationships between copeptin levels and clinical parameters. Methods: Maternal and fetal serum copeptin levels were measured in 21 women with pregnancies complicated by isolated FGR and 20 women with normal pregnancies (control group). Doppler assessment of the uterine and umbilical arteries was performed in each patient. Results: Maternal serum copeptin levels were significantly higher in women with isolated FGR compared to controls (p = 0.042). In addition, maternal copeptin levels were inversely correlated with the uterine artery pulsatility and resistance indices and positively correlated with neonatal birth weight. Umbilical vein copeptin levels were significantly increased in neonates with adverse outcomes (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Increased maternal copeptin concentration may reflect a response to stress, thus serving as a compensatory mechanism in pregnancies complicated by FGR.

Evaluation of sleep in women with menopause: results of the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index and polysomnography.

OBJECTIVE To investigate subjective sleep quality among women in the menopausal period and to confirm and diagnose the possible sleep disturbances with polysomnographic (PSG) evaluation objectively. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty-seven women with menopause were enrolled in the study. Sociodemographic characteristics and the features of menopause were recorded. We assessed subjective sleep quality with Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). To confirm sleep disturbances and further diagnose the underlying cause, PSG evaluation was performed to women with PSQI scores of >5 who gave their approval. RESULTS Mean PSQI score of women with normal PSG evaluation was 12.00±3.16, while it was 11.00±2.32 in women with abnormal PSG evaluation (p=0.466); 59.7% (n=40) of women had poor sleep quality. Among these, 11 (64.7%) had abnormal results in the PSG evaluation and were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS); 54.5% had mild OSAS, 27.3% had moderate, and 18.2% had severe OSAS. CONCLUSION PSQI and PSG evaluations would give a chance to demonstrate sleep problems and shed a light on treatment options according to the underlying causes of sleep disturbances in menopause.