Paweł Stanirowski

Growth factors, silver dressings and negative pressure wound therapy in the management of hard-to-heal postoperative wounds in obstetrics and gynecology: a review

PurposeThe last two decades witnessed the development of numerous innovative regimens for the management of patients with abnormally healing and infected wounds. Growth factors, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and antiseptic dressings containing silver are examples of methods with best documented efficacy, being widely used in the treatment of acute and chronic post-traumatic wounds, burns and ulcers of various etiology. As far as obstetrics and gynecology are concerned, prevention and treatment of infected, hard-to-heal postoperative wounds is of crucial importance. This article reviews the available literature to discuss the possibilities for use, efficacy and cost-effectiveness of growth factors, NPWT and silver dressings in the treatment of difficult-to-heal postsurgical wounds in obstetrics and gynecology.Materials and methodsAn extensive search of the English and Polish literature via PubMed and EMBASE databases was undertaken for articles published between January 1960 and April 30, 2014 to identify articles that described and assessed use, efficacy and cost-effectiveness of growth factors, silver dressings and NPWT in patients with hard-to-heal postoperative wounds following obstetric or gynecological surgery.ConclusionsLiterature review regarding the use of growth factors, NPWT and silver dressings suggests that these methods may play an important role in the management of wounds after invasive obstetric and gynecological procedures. Obese patients, patients after vulvectomy or prior radiation therapy may benefit most, however, due to non-numerous randomized reports, prospective studies on the use of above-mentioned methods in the treatment of postsurgical wounds following obstetric and gynecological interventions are required.

Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating Dialkylcarbamoyl Chloride Impregnated Dressings for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infections in Adult Women Undergoing Cesarean Section

Abstract Background: Surgical site infections (SSI) occur in 1.8%–9.2% of women undergoing cesarean section (CS) and lead to greater morbidity rates and increased treatment costs. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of dialkylcarbamoyl chloride (DACC) impregnated dressings to prevent SSI in women subject to CS. Methods: Randomized, controlled trial was conducted at the Mazovian Bródno Hospital, a tertiary care center performing approximately 1300 deliveries per year, between June 2014 and April 2015. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either DACC impregnated dressing or standard surgical dressing (SSD) following skin closure. In order to analyze cost-effectiveness of the selected dressings in the group of patients who developed SSI, the costs of ambulatory visits, additional hospitalization, nursing care, and systemic antibiotic therapy were assessed. Independent risk factors for SSI were determined by multivariable logistic regression. Results: Five hundred and forty-three women undergoing elective or emergency CS were enrolled. The SSI rates in the DACC and SSD groups were 1.8% and 5.2%, respectively (p = 0.04). The total cost of SSI prophylaxis and treatment was greater in the control group as compared with the study group (5775 EUR vs. 1065 EUR, respectively). Independent risk factors for SSI included higher pre-pregnancy body mass index (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.08; [95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0–1.2]; p < 0.05), smoking in pregnancy (aOR = 5.34; [95% CI: 1.6–15.4]; p < 0.01), and SSD application (aOR = 2.94; [95% CI: 1.1–9.3]; p < 0.05). Conclusion: The study confirmed the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of DACC impregnated dressings in SSI prevention among women undergoing CS.

Impact of pre-gestational and gestational diabetes mellitus on the expression of glucose transporters GLUT-1, GLUT-4 and GLUT-9 in human term placenta

PurposeVarious studies in placental tissue suggest that diabetes mellitus alters the expression of glucose transporter (GLUT) proteins, with insulin therapy being a possible modulatory factor. The aim of the present study was quantitative evaluation of the expression of glucose transporters (GLUT-1, GLUT-4, GLUT-9) in the placenta of women in both, uncomplicated and diabetic pregnancy. Additionally, the effect of insulin therapy on the expression of selected glucose transporter isoforms was analyzed.MethodsTerm placental samples were obtained from healthy control (n = 25) and diabetic pregnancies, including diet-controlled gestational diabetes mellitus (GDMG1) (n = 16), insulin-controlled gestational diabetes mellitus (GDMG2) (n = 6), and pre-gestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM) (n = 6). Computer-assisted quantitative morphometry of stained placental sections was performed to determine the expression of selected glucose transporter proteins.ResultsMorphometric analysis revealed a significant increase in the expression of GLUT-4 and GLUT-9 in insulin-dependent diabetic women (GDMG2 + PGDM) as compared to both, control and GDMG1 groups (p < .05). Significantly increased GLUT-1 expression was observed only in placental specimens from patients with PGDM (p < .05). No statistically significant differences in GLUT expression were found between GDMG1 patients and healthy controls.ConclusionsThe results of the study confirmed the presence of GLUT-1, GLUT-4 and GLUT-9 proteins in the trophoblast from both, uncomplicated and diabetic pregnancies. In addition, insulin therapy may increase placental expression of GLUT-4 and GLUT-9, and partially GLUT-1, in women with GDMG2/PGDM.

Expression of Glucose Transporter Proteins in Human Diabetic Placenta

Gestational diabetes mellitus and pregestational diabetes mellitus constitute carbohydrate metabolism disorders, which, if not diagnosed and adequately treated, lead to serious and often life-threatening pregnancy complications. According to a recently formulated hypothesis, some diabetes-related complications, such as fetal macrosomia, may be the result of disturbances in the transplacental transport of nutrients-in particular, excessive maternal-fetal glucose transfer. Throughout pregnancy, glucose flux across the placenta is mediated by the group of facilitative glucose transporters (GLUT), the expression of which in different placental compartments is the precondition for effective glucose uptake from maternal blood and its subsequent transfer to the fetal circulation. In diabetes-complicated pregnancies, the location, expression and activity of glucose transporters are modified to an extent that results in alterations in the maternal-fetal glucose exchange, potentially leading to an excessive supply of energy substrates to the fetus. This paper reviews the literature on the expression and activity of glucose transporter proteins-GLUT-1, GLUT-3, GLUT-4, GLUT-8, GLUT-9 and GLUT-12-in the human placenta, with a special focus on diabetes-complicated pregnancy. The characteristics of transporters in conditions of maternal normoglycemia and modifications occurring in the diabetic placenta are summarized, and the factors responsible for the regulation of the expression of selected isoforms are described. Finally, the impact of alterations in the placental expression of the aforementioned members of the GLUT family on intrauterine fetal development in pregnancies complicated by diabetes mellitus is discussed.

Spontaneous rupture of the pregnant uterus following salpingectomy: a literature review.

Background: Spontaneous rupture of the uterus is a life-threatening obstetric complication in rare cases associated with previously performed salpingectomy. Aim: This paper presents an analysis of uterine rupture cases during pregnancy in patients after surgical removal of the fallopian tubes. Methods: The English and Polish language literature was reviewed for studies published between January 1, 1980 and September 30, 2014 to identify articles that described rupture of the uterus in women with a previous history of salpingectomy. Results: Thirteen case reports and case series studies in 18 women were identified. 33% of cases of uterine rupture following salpingectomy occurred during intrauterine pregnancy, whereas the rest was associated with interstitial ectopic pregnancy. Laparoscopic salpingectomy more often resulted in rupture of the uterus during non-ectopic pregnancy as compared to laparotomy (4 vs. 2 cases, respectively). When interstitial pregnancies were excluded, uterine rupture was a cause of fetal death in 67% of reported gestations. There were no cases of maternal mortality. Conservative treatment was the preferred management option, and total hysterectomy was performed in only 2 patients. Conclusion: Particular attention should be paid to patients with a previous history of salpingectomy due to the risk of uterine rupture throughout the entire pregnancy.

Dialkylcarbamoyl chloride-impregnated dressing for the prevention of surgical site infection in women undergoing cesarean section: a pilot study

Introduction Incisional surgical site infections (SSIs) occur in approximately 1.8–9.2% of patients undergoing cesarean section (CS) and contribute to prolonged hospitalization time and increased treatment costs. Dressings impregnated with dialkylcarbamoyl chloride (DACC) are an innovative approach to wound treatment based on a solely physical mechanism of action, and therefore can be used safely and without time restrictions in women during the puerperal and lactation period. Material and methods A single-blinded randomized, controlled pilot study was conducted at the Mazovian Bródno Hospital, a tertiary care hospital, between December 2013 and March 2014, and it evaluated the presence of superficial and deep SSIs in patients during the first 14 days after a CS. Patients were randomly allocated to receive treatment with either a DACC dressing or a standard surgical dressing. Results One hundred and forty-two patients after planned or emergency CS were enrolled in the study. No significant differences between the groups were observed with regard to patients’ basic demographic and perioperative characteristics. The rate of superficial and deep SSIs was 2.8% in the group of patients who received a DACC dressing compared to 9.8% in the group with a standard surgical dressing (p = 0.08). Patients with SSIs who received a standard surgical dressing required systemic antibiotic therapy significantly more frequently (p = 0.03). Based on the logistic regression model developed, the pre-pregnancy body mass index was the only statistically significant risk factor for SSI (p = 0.015). Conclusions The results of the pilot study indicate a decreasing tendency of the SSI rate in patients after a CS who received DACC impregnated dressings.

A rare case of asymptomatic rupture of the uterine horn in the full-term pregnancy as a consequence of laparoscopic salpingectomy

A 29-year-old nulliparous patient at week 38, with a history of laparoscopic resection of the left fallopian tube performed 13 months before due to ectopic pregnancy was admitted to the Clinic on 5 August 2014 with initiating uterine contractions. According to the laparoscopy protocol the left fallopian tube was removed. The fallopian tube was excised from its uterine section with the use of electrocoagulation, without suturing. 4 months after the surgery the patient got pregnant again. The course of pregnancy was physiological. An obstetric examination performed in the admission room revealed regular uterine contractions with normal tension. No release of amniotic fluid was observed in clinical examination, although an ultrasound examination revealed a significant decrease of its amount. The general condition of the patient did not raise any doubts, and the pain did not go beyond symptoms of the first stage of labour. The patient was referred to a pre-delivery room to prepare her for a caesarean section due to a breach presentation in a nulliparous woman. In the peritoneal cavity, about 1,000 mL of clear fluid was found. The material was collected for a cytological analysis. A reproduction organ check-up revealed a non-bleeding disintegration of the uterine wall in the area of the left horn, at the scar after a removed fallopian tube, measuring about 1.5 cm in diameter, shown in Figure1. When a probe was inserted through the above-mentioned opening, it was freely moved into the uterine cavity (Fig. 2). The uterus was sewn up with single “Z” sutures. The disrupted uterine wall was closed with three sutures of the same type, approximating the opening margins, which is also documented by photographs (Fig. 3). Early puerperium and post-operative period was uneventful. A cytological examination revealed cells corresponding to characteristic elements of amniotic fluid. A review of available literature does not give many publications that would present examples of uterine ruptures following laparoscopic procedures. It seems that laparoscopic salpingectomy is currently the best method of treatment of fallopian pregnancy but in this case, salpingectomy caused uterine rupture. Additionally, laparoscopic procedure was not accompanied by laying sutures, a thermal injury resulting from electrocoagulation weakened the uterine muscle. One element of the patient’s admission to the Clinic that drew our attention was failure to notice free ascitic fluid during a transabdominal ultrasound examination. This could have resulted from inaccurate assessment of the upper abdominal organs during a standard ultrasound examination, or possibly from an uneven distribution of free fluid due to a horizontal position of the patient. In conclusion, it must be admitted that: pregnant women with a history of laparoscopic removal of ectopic pregnancy should be subject to special care. Resigning from suturing the uterine muscle may increase the risk of uterine rupture. Evaluation of the upper abdominal part should be an essential element of an ultrasound scans examination of patients with term pregnancies. Uterine rupture during pregnancy and labour may be asymptomatic. Figure 1. A non-bleeding rupture in the uterine wall, with the diameter of approx. 1.5 cm

Presurgical diagnostic difficulties in an asymptomatic patient with primary transitional cell carcinoma of the oviduct: case report

Primary transitional cell carcinoma of the fallopian tube is a very rare condition. We present a case of a 70-year-old asymptomatic Caucasian patient with an irregular solid right adnexal mass of 67 × 35 × 59 mm which was discovered during routine ultrasound pelvic examination. There was no acoustic shadow and the patient did not feel pain during examination. No evidence of metastases or ascites was found by ultrasound. There was moderate vascularization of the mass. The mass was considered malignant according to the subjective assessment of the examiner. Serum level of CA125 was elevated to 519 U/ml. The results of logistic regression model LR2 according to the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) group was 64.4%, suggesting the malignant nature of the mass. The IOTA-ADNEX model showed 97% probability of malignancy, probably (85.5%) stage II-IV ovarian cancer. The risk of malignancy being borderline, stage I and metastatic was 0.6%, 3.9% and 7%, respectively. Omitting CA125 in the IOTA-ADNEX model slightly decreased the probability of malignancy to 81.3%, still most likely (54.2%) stage II-IV ovarian cancer. The results of risk of malignancy indices RMI I-IV were 1557, 2076, 1557 and 2076, respectively, reflecting the malignant nature of the mass. The final diagnosis was transitional cell carcinoma of the fallopian tube, stage IIIc according to FIGO.

Does the Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm Provide Better Diagnostic Performance Than HE4 and CA125 in the Presurgical Differentiation of Adnexal Tumors in Polish Women

Aim This study compared the diagnostic performance of the Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA) and HE4 and CA125 for the presurgical differentiation of adnexal tumors. Material and Methods This prospective study included 302 patients admitted for surgical treatment due to adnexal tumors. The ROMA was calculated depending on CA125, HE4, and menopausal status. Results Fifty patients were diagnosed with malignant disease. In the differentiation of malignant from nonmalignant adnexal tumors, the area under curve (AUC) was higher for ROMA and HE4 than that for CA125 in both the premenopausal and postmenopausal subgroups. In the differentiation of stage I FIGO malignancies and epithelial ovarian cancer from nonmalignant pathologies, the AUC of HE4 and ROMA was higher than that of CA125. The ROMA performed significantly better than CA125 in the differentiation of all malignancies and differentiation of stage I FIGO malignancies from nonmalignant pathologies (p = 0.043 and p = 0.025, resp.). There were no significant differences between the ROMA and the tumor markers for any other variants. Conclusions The ROMA is more useful than CA125 for the differentiation of malignant (including stage I FIGO) from nonmalignant adnexal tumors. It is also as useful as HE4 and CA125 for the differentiation of epithelial ovarian cancer from nonmalignant adnexal tumors.

Can ultrasound be helpful in selecting optimal management methods for pregnancies complicated by placental non-trophpblastic tumors?

Placental chorioangioma is the most common subtype of non-trophoblastic placental tumors. Other subtypes are very rare and usually associated with an uneventful course of pregnancy. Most chorioangiomas are small and of no clinical significance. Giant chorioangiomas may be associated with serious fetal and maternal complications. So far, no established ultrasound guidelines are available for the management of placental non-trophoblastic tumors. This may be attributed to the rarity of the disease entity and its different clinical features and complications. In this article, the role of ultrasound findings such as the tumor’s size, vascularity, feeding vessels, amniotic fluid and location of the placenta in the diagnosis, treatment and follow up of these tumors is presented relying on up-todate literature review. Conservative management with serial ultrasound examinations can be an adequate method for monitoring small uncomplicated tumors. Ultrasound-guided procedures such as amnioreduction and cordocentesis can be used for amelioration of complications. Chorioangioma-specific treatment is reserved for complicated cases in the second trimester of pregnancy when prematurity is a matter of concern. Endoscopic laser ablation is indicated when the feeding vessel is superficial and small. Interstitial laser ablation is helpful when the placenta is located in the anterior uterine wall. Ligation of the feeding vessels is preferred when they are large. Alcohol injection should be performed away from the vasculature to prevent toxicity. Microcoils should be inserted as near as possible to the tumor to prevent collateral formation. Ultrasound is also a method of choice for monitoring the effectiveness of these procedures.