Tuncay Nas

Maternal cardiac risks in pre-eclamptic patients

Objective: To investigate the relationship between pre-eclampsia (PE) and maternal cardiac risk factors. Material-methods: A total of 41 pregnant women were included in this study. Patient groups consisted of 25 PE patients and 16 normal pregnant women as a control group. We measured the serum total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), homocystein, apoprotein A1, apoprotein B100, lipoprotein (a), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), cystatin C levels as cardiac risk factors. Serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol levels were calculated using Friedwald equation. Results: The levels of TG, LDL-C, homocysteine, apoprotein B100 and cystatine C were higher in the PE patients than those in the control group (p < 0.05). HDL-C and apolipoprotein’s AI levels were lower than those of normotensive pregnants (p < 0.05). HsCRP levels were also higher in the patient group but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: PE is an important and as yet, incompletely understood disorder of pregnancy. Our study showed that the blood levels for some cardiac risk factors were increased in women with PE, which may contribute to its multisystem pathology. Consideration should be given to monitoring women with PE for these cardiac risk factors in pre-eclamptic women both during pregnancy, as well as later in life.

Seroprevalence of syphilis, human immunodeficiency virus type-1, and hepatitis B virus infections among pregnant women in Turkey

Recent data indicates that incidence of syphilis is increasing in many areas of the world with a w x rate as high as 3.9]15.8% 1 . Since risk of perinatal transmission of HIV-1 has been estimated to range from 13% to 40%, all pregnant women are encouraged to be tested for HIV-1 infection to reduce risk of perinatal transmission and to protect health personnel. There is no substantial data related to prevalence of syphilis and HIV-1 infections in recent years in Turkey. HBsAg-positive pregnant women are also at significant risk of Ž . transmitting hepatitis B virus HBV to their inŽ . fants particularly if they are ‘e’ antigen HBeAg positive. The objective of this study was to find prevalence of syphilis and HIV-1 infections and HBV carriers among pregnant women who applied for antenatal care in a low-risk population. A total of 3050 pregnant women were screened for syphilis, HBsAg and HIV-1 antibody at their

Assessment of protein oxidation in women using raloxifene

AbstractObjectives. To assess the oxidative effects of raloxifene use in postmenopausal women by investigating protein carbonyl levels in the plasma. Methods. Nineteen osteoporotic postmenopausal women treated with raloxifene for 12 months were included in the study. Another seventeen postmenopausal women matched for age and postmenopausal years, without any medication were chosen as a control group. Protein carbonyl levels were determinated as oxidative stress markers by the use of Levines method in the plasma of these women. Results. Serum protein carbonyl levels of postmenopausal women treated with raloxifene (1.27 ± 0.32 nmol/mg protein) were significantly lower than the control group (2.18 ± 0.27 nmol/mg protein) (p < 0.05). Conclusions. Oxidative stress has been found responsible for several diseases including cancer. Protein carbonyl levels, which are the products of protein oxidation, are one of the indicatives of oxidative stress. Therefore, the decline in protein carbonyl levels in this study revealed the decreasing oxidative stress. According to our results, it might be interpreted that raloxifene does not cause oxidative stress, and it may even have protective effects in long-term use.

Manometric evaluation of anal sphincter function after vaginal and cesarean delivery

To compare anal sphincter function following spontaneous vaginal delivery and cesarean delivery, and assess the association of perineal length and sphincter injury with each delivery mode.

Surgical treatment alternatives in stress incontinence

Objectives: This study was performed to evaluate the different surgical treatment alternatives for urinary stress incontinence and their clinical results. Methods: Of the patients who visited our clinic between January 1989 and June 1994 complaining of urinary stress incontinence, 408 were found to have genuine stress incontinence (GSI) after undergoing clinical and laboratory investigations. These 408 patients were treated with different surgical techniques. Their postoperative results are discussed. Results: After postoperative follow‐up, the success rates of the different surgical techniques were as follows; anterior colporrhaphy (Kelly plication) 66.2%, Marshall‐Marchetti‐Krantz 88.7%, Burch procedure 94.1%, and sling urethropexy 97.5%. Conclusions: Patients with a clear‐cut diagnosis of GSI must be surgically treated. There are several different techniques, all of which have advantages and disadvantages. If the right technique is used for the right patient then the success rate is high.