scholarly journals A role of comprehensive cervix assessment in the first trimester of pregnancy for predicting preterm delivery

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 174-181
Author(s):  
V. G. Volkov ◽  
O. V. Chursina

Aim: to improve efficacy of predicting preterm labor in the first trimester of pregnancy by combining diverse parameters of cervical ultrasound examination.Materials and methods. A prospective cohort study of 1517 women with uncomplicated pregnancy was performed. Inclusion criteria were: females underwent cervicometry at 11–14 weeks of gestation, singleton pregnancy, revealing no complaints at the onset of examination. All women were subdivided into four groups: Group 1 – 27 pregnant women with shortened cervix (less than 30 mm); Group 2 – 24 pregnant women without cervical gland area (СGA); Group 3 – 30 pregnant women with two risk factors (shortened cervix less than 30 mm and lacked СGA); Group 4 (control) consisted of 1436 pregnant women with cervix length exceeding 30 mm and presence of СGA.Results. Average delivery term in Group 1 was 35.7 weeks (95 % CI = 34.7–36.8), in Group 2 – 34.7 weeks (95 % CI = 33.59–35.0), in Group 3 – 33.23 weeks (95 % CI = 31.6–34.8), in Group 4 (control) – 38.11 weeks (95 % CI = 38.06–38.17). A significant moderate correlation (Rxy = 0.534) between shortened cervix, absence of СGA and delivery term was found (p < 0.001). A regression model consisting of cervical length and presence of СGA was simulated based upon 50.8 % factors underlying probability of preterm birth, revealing 42.6 % sensitivity, 99.1 % specificity, and 96.6 % overall diagnostic value. The area under the ROC curve was 0.902 ± 0.022 (95 % CI = 0.860–0.945). The data obtained reflect diverse biochemical changes such as collagen decomposition, altered glucosamine level and fluid amount within cervical tissues. Such processes result in shortened, softened and expanded (matured) cervix. Uncovering markers for preterm cervical maturation underlies a logical strategy to predict miscarriage.Conclusion. Untrasound cervical measurement in the first trimester of pregnancy allows for revealing valuable miscarriage predictors (shortened cervix and absence of GI). Risk assessment by combining diverse ultrasound cervix parameters would allow to improve overall predictive efficacy.

Author(s):  
Е.V. Kolomiiets ◽  

The state of the cervix was studied in pregnant women with a history of infertility of various genesis by colposcopic and cytological research methods. The data obtained indicate an increased level of precancerous pathology of the cervix in pregnant women with a history of tubo-peritoneal and concomitant infertility, compared with pregnant women who had endocrine infertility. Purpose — to determine the relationship between the nature and severity of colpocoscopic and cytological changes in the cervix in pregnant women who had a history of infertility. Materials and methods. 101 women were examined: 14 pregnant women with a history of endocrine infertility, group 1; 27 pregnant women with a history of tuboperitoneal infertility — group 2; 40 pregnant women, had combined infertility — group 3, 20 healthy pregnant women with no history of infertility — group 4. Methods for assessing the state of the cervix in pregnant women — video colposcopic and cytological (on glass). Results. Normal cytological changes (NILM) were found: in group 1–8 (57.2%), in group 2 — in 15 (55.6%), in group 3 — in 23 (57.5%), in group 4, 14 (70.0%) pregnant women. Benign cytological and ASCUS signs were: in group 1 — in 5 (35.7%), in group 2 — in 6 (22.2%), in group 3 — in 10 (25.0%), in group 4 — in 5 (25%) patients. Precancer (LSIL+HSIL): in group 1 — in 1 (7.1%), in group 2 — in 6 (22.2%), in group III — in 9 (22.5%) women, and in group 4, no precancers were found cytologically. Normal colposcopic signs (stratified squamous epithelium) were found: in group 3 — in 11 (27.5%), in group 2 — in 8 (29.6%), and in group 1 — in 7 (50.0%) pregnant women. And benign colposcopic changes (ectopia, open glands, Nabotovi cysts, deciduosis): in group 3 — in 19 (47.5%), in group 2 — in 16 (59.3%), in group 1 — in 6 (42.9%), in group 4 — in 5 (35.7%) patients. Our data indicate that precancers during colposcopy occurred: in group 3 — in 9 (22.5%), in group 2 — in 3 (11.1%), in group 1 — in 1 (7.1%), in group 4 — in 1 (5.0%) women. No colposcopic signs of invasive growth were found in any of the groups. Conclusions. The study revealed an increased level of precancerous pathology of the cervix in pregnant women with a history of tubo-peritoneal and concomitant infertility. A fairly high percentage of precancerous conditions of the cervix in group 2 — in 6 (22.2%) and in group 3 — in 9 (22.5%) women indicates that in the presence of Human papillomavirus (HPV) and other genital infections and with increasing age, the probability self-elimination of the papilloma virus is reduced. After long-term infertility treatment, all pregnant women must undergo a colposcopic examination at the first visit to the antenatal clinic, in addition to taking a cytological smear. If LSIL and HSIL are found in this category of women, colposcopic and cytological control once every 3 months during pregnancy with mandatory HPV PCR HCR. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local ethics committee of all participating institution. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies. No conflict of interest was declared by the author. Key words: pathology of the cervix, pregnancy after infertility, video colposcopy, cytology.


2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (07) ◽  
pp. 671-678
Author(s):  
Amanda C. Zofkie ◽  
Angela R. Seasely ◽  
Donna Gaffney ◽  
Vanessa L. Rogers ◽  
Donald D. Mcintire ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective This study aimed to evaluate the association of ARCHITECT chemiluminescent immunoassay (CIA) signal strength (signal-to-cutoff [S/CO] ratio), with maternal syphilis stage, rapid plasma reagin (RPR) reactivity, and congenital syphilis. Study Design A prospective observational study of reverse syphilis screening was conducted. Pregnant women were screened with CIA. Reactive CIA was reflexed to RPR; particle agglutination test (Treponema pallidum particle agglutination [TPPA]) was performed for CIA+/RPR− results. Clinical staging with history and physical was performed, and disease stage was determined. Prior treatment was confirmed. We compared S/CO ratio and neonatal outcomes among the following groups: Group 1: CIA+/RPR+/TPPA+ or CIA+/RPR−/TPPA+ with active syphilis; Group 2: CIA+/RPR−/TPPA+ or CIA+/serofast RPR/TPPA+, previously treated; Group 3: CIA+/RPR−/TPPA+, no history of treatment or active disease; Group 4: CIA+/RPR−/TPPA−, false-positive CIA. Results A total of 144 women delivered with reactive CIA: 38 (26%) in Group 1, 69 (48%) in Group 2, 20 (14%) in Group 3, and 17 (12%) in Group 4. Mean (±standard deviation) S/CO ratio was 18.3 ± 5.4, 12.1 ± 5.3, 9.1 ± 4.6, and 1.9 ± 0.8, respectively (p < 0.001). Neonates with overt congenital syphilis occurred exclusively in Group 1. Conclusion Women with active syphilis based on treatment history, clinical staging, and laboratory indices have higher CIA S/CO ratio and are more likely to deliver neonates with overt evidence of congenital syphilis.


Author(s):  
Huri Güvey ◽  
Samettin Çelik ◽  
Canan Soyer Çalışkan ◽  
Zehra Yılmaz ◽  
Merve Yılmaz ◽  
...  

We investigated the question of how serum zonulin levels change in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and, in the case of the coexistence of ICP and GDM, evaluated the eventual increase in zonulin plasmatic levels. Participants were enrolled for the study between 25 February 2021 and 20 August 2021. The prospective case-control study included: group 1 of 95 pregnant women diagnosed with ICP; group 2 of 110 pregnant women diagnosed with GDM; group 3 of 16 women diagnosed with both GDM and ICP; group 4 of 136 healthy pregnant women as the control group. The groups were compared in terms of age, body mass index (BMI), gravidity, parity, gestational week of delivery, plasma zonulin levels, delivery type, birth weight, first- and fifth-minute APGAR scores, newborn intensive care unit (NICU) admission, and meconium staining of amniotic fluid parameters. The results suggested that the plasma zonulin levels of ICP (group 1), GDM (group 2), and GDM with ICP (group 3) patients were higher than those of the healthy pregnant women of group 4 (p < 0.001). Among the patient groups, the highest median plasma zonulin levels were found in group 3 (110.33 ng/mL). Zonulin levels were also associated with the severity of ICP and adverse pregnancy outcomes. High serum zonulin levels were related to GDM, ICP, and adverse perinatal outcomes. The coexistence of GDM and ICP led to higher serum zonulin concentrations.


VASA ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 281-284
Author(s):  
Atıf Yolgosteren ◽  
Gencehan Kumtepe ◽  
Melda Payaslioglu ◽  
Cuneyt Ozakin

Summary. Background: Prosthetic vascular graft infection (PVGI) is a complication with high mortality. Cyanoacrylate (CA) is an adhesive which has been used in a number of surgical procedures. In this in-vivo study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between PVGI and CA. Materials and methods: Thirty-two rats were equally divided into four groups. Pouch was formed on back of rats until deep fascia. In group 1, vascular graft with polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) was placed into pouch. In group 2, MRSA strain with a density of 1 ml 0.5 MacFarland was injected into pouch. In group 3, 1 cm 2 vascular graft with PET piece was placed into pouch and MRSA strain with a density of 1 ml 0.5 MacFarland was injected. In group 4, 1 cm 2 vascular graft with PET piece impregnated with N-butyl cyanoacrylate-based adhesive was placed and MRSA strain with a density of 1 ml 0.5 MacFarland was injected. All rats were scarified in 96th hour, culture samples were taken where intervention was performed and were evaluated microbiologically. Bacteria reproducing in each group were numerically evaluated based on colony-forming unit (CFU/ml) and compared by taking their average. Results: MRSA reproduction of 0 CFU/ml in group 1, of 1410 CFU/ml in group 2, of 180 200 CFU/ml in group 3 and of 625 300 CFU/ml in group 4 was present. A statistically significant difference was present between group 1 and group 4 (p < 0.01), between group 2 and group 4 (p < 0.01), between group 3 and group 4 (p < 0.05). In terms of reproduction, no statistically significant difference was found in group 1, group 2, group 3 in themselves. Conclusions: We observed that the rate of infection increased in the cyanoacyrylate group where cyanoacrylate was used. We think that surgeon should be more careful in using CA in vascular surgery.


2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 354-364
Author(s):  
Hassan Al-Thani ◽  
Moamena El-Matbouly ◽  
Maryam Al-Sulaiti ◽  
Noora Al-Thani ◽  
Mohammad Asim ◽  
...  

Background: We hypothesized that perioperative HbA1c influenced the pattern and outcomes of Lower Extremity Amputation (LEA). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted for all patients who underwent LEA between 2000 and 2013. Patients were categorized into 5 groups according to their perioperative HbA1c values [Group 1 (<6.5%), Group 2 (6.5-7.4%), Group 3 (7.5-8.4%), Group 4 (8.5-9.4%) and Group 5 (≥9.5%)]. We identified 848 patients with LEA; perioperative HbA1c levels were available in 547 cases (Group 1: 18.8%, Group 2: 17.7%, Group 3: 15.0%, Group 4: 13.5% and Group 5: 34.9%). Major amputation was performed in 35%, 32%, 22%, 10.8% and 13.6%, respectively. Results: The overall mortality was 36.5%; of that one quarter occurred during the index hospitalization. Mortality was higher in Group 1 (57.4%) compared with Groups 2-5 (46.9%, 38.3%, 36.1% and 31.2%, respectively, p=0.001). Cox regression analysis showed that poor glycemic control (Group 4 and 5) had lower risk of mortality post-LEA [hazard ratio 0.57 (95% CI 0.35-0.93) and hazard ratio 0.46 (95% CI 0.31-0.69)]; this mortality risk persisted even after adjustment for age and sex but was statistically insignificant. The rate of LEA was greater among poor glycemic control patients; however, the mortality was higher among patients with tight control. Conclusion: The effects of HbA1c on the immediate and long-term LEA outcomes and its therapeutic implications need further investigation.


2021 ◽  
pp. 197140092098356
Author(s):  
Marwan Alkrenawi ◽  
Michael Osherov ◽  
Azaria Simonovich ◽  
Jonathan Droujin ◽  
Ron Milo ◽  
...  

Background Cervical discopathy and demyelinating lesions often co-exist in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Our study examines the possible association between these two pathologies. Methods Medical records and cervical magnetic resonance imaging scans of MS patients with cervical discopathy who were seen at our MS clinic during 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The severity of the disc disease was classified as grade I (no compression), grade II (compression of the dural sac) and grade III (cord compression). The spinal cord in each scan was divided into six segments corresponding to the intervertebral space of the spine (C1–C6). Each segment was defined as containing demyelinating lesion and disc pathology (group 1), demyelinating lesion without disc pathology (group 2), disc pathology without demyelinating lesion (group 3) and no demyelinating lesion or disc pathology (group 4). Fisher’s exact test was used to test the association between demyelinating lesions and disc pathology. Results Thirty-four MS patients with cervical discopathy were included in the study (26 females; average age 42.9 ± 13.7 years; average disease duration 8.4 ± 5.4 years). A total of 204 spinal cord segments were evaluated. Twenty-four segments were classified as group 1, 27 segments as group 2, 52 segments as group 3 and 101 segments as group 4. There was no association between demyelinating lesions and the grade of disc disease ( p = 0.1 for grade I, p = 0.3 for grade II and p = 1 for grade III disc disease). Conclusion Our study did not find any association between cervical disc disease and demyelinating spinal cord lesion.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Liu ◽  
Jing Li ◽  
Wanyu Zhang ◽  
Yihong Guo

AbstractOestradiol, an important hormone in follicular development and endometrial receptivity, is closely related to clinical outcomes of fresh in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycles. A supraphysiologic E2 level is inevitable during controlled ovarian hyper-stimulation (COH), and its effect on the outcome of IVF-ET is controversial. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the association between elevated serum oestradiol (E2) levels on the day of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) administration and neonatal birthweight after IVF-ET cycles. The data of 3659 infertile patients with fresh IVF-ET cycles were analysed retrospectively between August 2009 and February 2017 in First Hospital of Zhengzhou University. Patients were categorized by serum E2 levels on the day of hCG administration into six groups: group 1 (serum E2 levels ≤ 1000 pg/mL, n = 230), group 2 (serum E2 levels between 1001 and 2000 pg/mL, n = 524), group 3 (serum E2 levels between 2001 and 3000 pg/mL, n = 783), group 4 (serum E2 levels between 3001 and 4000 pg/mL, n = 721), group 5 (serum E2 levels between 4001 and 5000 pg/mL, n = 548 ), and group 6 (serum E2 levels > 5000 pg/mL, n = 852). Univariate linear regression was used to evaluate the independent correlation between each factor and outcome index. Multiple logistic regression was used to adjust for confounding factors. The LBW rates were as follows: 3.0% (group 1), 2.9% (group 2), 1.9% (group 3), 2.9% (group 4), 2.9% (group 5), and 2.0% (group 6) (P = 0.629), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidences of neonatal LBW among the six groups. We did not detect an association between peak serum E2 level during ovarian stimulation and neonatal birthweight after IVF-ET. The results of this retrospective cohort study showed that serum E2 peak levels during ovarian stimulation were not associated with birth weight during IVF cycles. In addition, no association was found between higher E2 levels and increased LBW risk. Our observations suggest that the hyper-oestrogenic milieu during COS does not seem to have adverse effects on the birthweight of offspring after IVF. Although this study provides some reference, the obstetric-related factors were not included due to historical reasons. The impact of the high estrogen environment during COS on the birth weight of IVF offspring still needs future research.


Genetics ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 163 (1) ◽  
pp. 133-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Louvet-Vallée ◽  
Irina Kolotuev ◽  
Benjamin Podbilewicz ◽  
Marie-Anne Félix

Abstract To compare vulva development mechanisms in the nematode Oscheius sp. 1 to those known in Caenorhabditis elegans, we performed a genetic screen for vulva mutants in Oscheius sp. 1 CEW1. Here we present one large category of mutations that we call cov, which affect the specification of the Pn.p ventral epidermal cells along the antero-posterior axis. The Pn.p cells are numbered from 1 to 12 from anterior to posterior. In wild-type Oscheius sp. 1 CEW1, the P(4-8).p cells are competent to form the vulva and the progeny of P(5-7).p actually form the vulva, with the descendants of P6.p adopting a central vulval fate. Among the 17 mutations (defining 13 genes) that we characterize here, group 1 mutations completely or partially abolish P(4-8).p competence, and this correlates with early fusion of the Pn.p cells to the epidermal syncytium. In this group, we found a putative null mutation in the lin-39 HOM-C homolog, the associated phenotype of which could be weakly mimicked by injection of a morpholino against Osp1-lin-39 in the mother’s germ line. Using cell ablation in a partially penetrant competence mutant, we show that vulval competence is partially controlled by a gonadal signal. Most other mutants found in the screen display phenotypes unknown in C. elegans. Group 2 mutants show a partial penetrance of Pn.p competence loss and an abnormal centering of the vulva on P5.p, suggesting that these two processes are coregulated by the same pathway in Oscheius sp. 1. Group 3 mutants display an enlarged competence group that includes P3.p, thus demonstrating the existence of a specific mechanism inhibiting P3.p competence. Group 4 mutants display an abnormal centering of the vulval pattern on P7.p and suggest that a specific mechanism centers the vulval pattern on a single Pn.p cell.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Chimenti ◽  
Romina Verardo ◽  
Andrea Frustaci

Abstract Aim To investigate the contribution of unaffected cardiomyocytes in Fabry disease cardiomyopathy. Findings Left ventricular (LV) endomyocardial biopsies from twenty-four females (mean age 53 ± 11 ys) with Fabry disease cardiomyopathy were studied. Diagnosis of FD was based on the presence of pathogenic GLA mutation, Patients were divided in four groups according with LV maximal wall thickness (MWT): group 1 MWT ≤ 10.5 mm, group 2 MWT 10.5–15 mm, group 3 MWT 16–20 mm, group 4 MWT > 20 mm. At histology mosaic of affected and unaffected cardiomyocytes was documented. Unaffected myocytes’ size ranged from normal to severe hypertrophy. Hypertrophy of unaffected cardiomyocytes correlated with severity of MWT (p < 0.0001, Sperman r 0,95). Hypertrophy of unaffected myocytes appear to concur to progression and severity of FDCM. It is likely a paracrine role from neighboring affected myocytes.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 340.2-341
Author(s):  
V. Orefice ◽  
F. Ceccarelli ◽  
C. Barbati ◽  
R. Lucchetti ◽  
G. Olivieri ◽  
...  

Background:Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease mainly affecting women of childbearing age. The interplay between genetic and environmental factors may contribute to disease pathogenesis1. At today, no robust data are available about the possible contribute of diet in SLE. Caffeine, one of the most widely consumed products in the world, seems to interact with multiple components of the immune system by acting as a non-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor2.In vitrodose-dependent treatment with caffeine seems to down-regulate mRNA levels of key inflammation-related genes and similarly reduce levels of different pro-inflammatory cytokines3.Objectives:We evaluated the impact of caffeine consumption on SLE-related disease phenotype and activity, in terms of clinimetric assessment and cytokines levels.Methods:We performed a cross-sectional study, enrolling consecutive patients and reporting their clinical and laboratory data. Disease activity was assessed by SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2k)4. Caffeine intake was evaluated by a 7-day food frequency questionnaire, including all the main sources of caffeine. As previously reported, patients were divided in four groups according to the daily caffeine intake: <29.1 mg/day (group 1), 29.2-153.7 mg/day (group 2), 153.8-376.5 mg/day (group 3) and >376.6 mg/day (group 4)5. At the end of questionnaire filling, blood samples were collected from each patient to assess cytokines levels. These were assessed by using a panel by Bio-Plex assays to measure the levels of IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IL-27, IFN-γ, IFN-α and Blys.Results:We enrolled 89 SLE patients (F/M 87/2, median age 46 years, IQR 14; median disease duration 144 months, IQR 150). The median intake of caffeine was 195 mg/day (IQR 160.5). At the time of the enrollment, 8 patients (8.9%) referred a caffeine intake < 29.1 mg/day (group 1), 27 patients (30.3%) between 29.2 and 153.7 mg/day (group 2), 45 patients (51%) between 153.8 and 376.5 mg/day (group 3) and 9 patients (10.1%) >376.6 mg/day (group 4). A negative correlation between the levels of caffeine and disease activity, evaluated with SLEDAI-2K, was observed (p=0.01, r=-0.26). By comparing the four groups, a significant higher prevalence of lupus nephritis, neuropsychiatric involvement, haematological manifestations, hypocomplementemia and anti-dsDNA positivity was observed in patients with less intake of caffeine (figure 1 A-E). Furthermore, patients with less intake of caffeine showed a significant more frequent use of glucocorticoids [group 4: 22.2%,versusgroup 1 (50.0%, p=0.0001), group 2 (55.5%, p=0.0001), group 3 (40.0%, p=0.009)]. Moving on cytokines analysis, a negative correlation between daily caffeine consumption and serum level of IFNγ was found (p=0.03, r=-0.2) (figure 2A); furthermore, patients with more caffeine intake showed significant lower levels of IFNα (p=0.02, figure 2B), IL-17 (p=0.01, figure 2C) and IL-6 (p=0.003, figure 2D).Conclusion:This is the first report demonstrating the impact of caffeine on SLE disease activity status, as demonstrated by the inverse correlation between its intake and both SLEDAI-2k values and cytokines levels. Moreover, in our cohort, patients with less caffeine consumption seems to have a more severe disease phenotype, especially in terms of renal and neuropsychiatric involvement. Our results seem to suggest a possible immunoregulatory dose-dependent effect of caffeine, through the modulation of serum cytokine levels, as already suggested byin vitroanalysis.References:[1]Kaul et alNat. Rev. Dis. Prim.2016; 2. Aronsen et alEurop Joul of Pharm2014; 3. Iris et alClin Immun.2018; 4. Gladman et al J Rheumatol. 2002; 5. Mikuls et alArth Rheum2002Disclosure of Interests:Valeria Orefice: None declared, Fulvia Ceccarelli: None declared, cristiana barbati: None declared, Ramona Lucchetti: None declared, Giulio Olivieri: None declared, enrica cipriano: None declared, Francesco Natalucci: None declared, Carlo Perricone: None declared, Francesca Romana Spinelli Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Consultant of: Novartis, Gilead, Lilly, Sanofi, Celgene, Speakers bureau: Lilly, cristiano alessandri Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Guido Valesini: None declared, Fabrizio Conti Speakers bureau: BMS, Lilly, Abbvie, Pfizer, Sanofi


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