scholarly journals Transvaginal ultrasound compared with serum β-hCG level for diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy in symptomatic patients

Author(s):  
Somayeh Zeynizadeh Jeddi ◽  
Noushin Mobaraki ◽  
Akbar Pirzadeh

Background: Ultrasonography (US) is the most important imaging modality in detecting both intrauterine and ectopic pregnancies. The aim of this study was to comparison transvaginal ultrasound with serum β-hCG level for diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy (Ep) in referred women to Ardabil city hospital.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 207 women with diagnosis of Ep were enrolled during 2018. All women underwent transvaginal US in the first 24 hours and US done by an expert radiologist. Serum levels of β-hCG at first 24 hours and the time gap between US examination and last menstrual period (LMP) were compared between women with positive and negative US findings. Data collected by a checklist and analyzed by statistical method in SPSS version 21.Results: The primary US were positive in 174 women (84.1%) and negative in 33 women (15.9%). The mean of time gap between US and LMP in women with diagnosed EP was significantly higher than other women (median, 42 days versus 45 days, p=0.042). Also, the mean of serum level of β-hCG had significant difference between two groups. In logistic regression analysis results showed that the time gap between US and LMP hadn’t significant impact on EP diagnosis. The best discriminative zone was set at a serum β-hCG level of 105.65 mIU/ml with a sensitivity and specificity of 82% and 27%, respectively and the under-ROC area was 58%.Conclusions: According to our findings, the median serum level of β-hCG in women with undiagnosed Ep were significantly lower than women with correct diagnosis of Ep but the mean and median of time gap between US and LMP in women with diagnosed EP was more than women without Ep. Also, the proposed discriminative zone for serum level of β-hCG in our study is different from the previous studies.

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Divya Mirji ◽  
Shubha Rao ◽  
Akhila Vasudeva ◽  
Roopa P.S

Background: Pregnancy of unknown location (PUL) is defined as the absence of intrauterine or extrauterine sac and Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin levels (β-HCG) above the discriminatory zone of 1500 mIU/ml. It should be noted that PUL is not always an ectopic; however, by measuring the trends of serum β-HCG, we can determine the outcome of a PUL. Objective: This study aims to identify the various trends β-HCG levels in early pregnancy and evaluate the role of β-HCG in the management strategy. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study of pregnant women suspected with early pregnancy. Cases were classified as having a pregnancy of unknown location (PUL) by transvaginal ultrasound and ß-HCG greater than 1000 mIU/ml. Expectant management was done until there was a definite outcome. All the collected data were analyzed by employing the chi-square test using SPSS version 20. Results: Among 1200 women who had early first trimester scans, 70 women who fulfilled our criteria of PUL and ß-HCG > 1000 mIU/ml were recruited in this study. In our study, the mean age of the participants was 30±5.6yrs, and the overall mean serum ß-HCG was 3030±522 mIU/ml. The most common outcome observed was an ectopic pregnancy, 47% in our study. We also found the rate of failing pregnancy was 27%, and that of intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) was 25%. Overall, in PUL patients diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy, 9% behaved like IUP, and 4% had an atypical trend in their ß-HCG. Those who had an IUP, 11% had a suboptimal increase in ß-HCG. Conclusion: PUL rate in our unit was 6%. Majority of the outcome of PUL was ectopic in our study. Every case of PUL should be managed based on the initial ß-HCG values, clinical assessments and upon the consent of the patient.


2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 234
Author(s):  
Zahra Heidari ◽  
Zahra Sepehri ◽  
Aleme Doostdar

<p>In addition to known risk factors, the role of different micronutrients such as selenium in diabetes incidence has been proposed. Some previous studies have shown an association of selenium deficiency and type 2 diabetes mellitus, while other studies have not confirmed such a relationship. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum level of selenium in patients with Type 2 diabetes compared with the control group. This cross-sectional study was carried out on patients with type 2 diabetes in Zahedan, southeastern Iran. One hundred newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients were evaluated for serum selenium level. One hundred subjects from the general population who had normal fasting blood sugar levels were selected as the control group. The control group subjects were matched in pairs with each of patients on the basis of sex, age (± one year), and body mass index (±1). Serum level of selenium was determined by spectrometry method. Results were compared using t-test. The mean serum level of selenium in patients was 94.47±18.07 µg/L whereas in control group was 142.79±23.67 µg/L. The mean serum level of selenium was significantly different between the two groups (P&lt;0.001). Serum levels of selenium in diabetic patients with significant difference statistically were lower than the control group. In order to evaluate serum level of selenium in patients with diabetes, studies with larger sample size are required. Likewise, prospective studies along with selenium supplementation and investigating its effect on incidence of diabetes are accordingly needed.</p>


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 37-45
Author(s):  
Vesna Micevska ◽  
Tatjana Jakovska Mareti ◽  
Ilija Kirovski ◽  
Olivera Jordanova

Asthma is a chronical disease of the airways characterized by reversible obstruction of the bronchi and airway inflammation. In recent decades, the scientific interest of the vitamin D system and its role in development of asthma and other alergic diseases has been increased. Aims of this study are to mesure and compare the serum level of 25 OHD in asthmatic and healthy children and corelate the level of 25OHD and total IgE in asthmatic children. This prospective study includes 70 children at age 2 to 14, of which 32 are children with diagnosed asthma and 38 healthy children. In both  of the groups the serum level of 25 OHD was measured  and by the results 18 % of the healthy children (C) and 28% of the asthma children (E) had 25OHD  deficiency, 45%  of C and 50% of E were insufficient and 37 % of C / 22% of E were with normal 25 OHD serum level. The mean level of 25OHD in C was 27,83 +/- 10,24 and in E 20,9 ng/ml +/- 10,72. The mean levels in both groups had statistic significant difference with p-value < 0,05. According to age no statistic significant difference was found in both of the groups. There was a statisticaly significant decreased serum level of 25 OHD in asthmatic females.In the examined group (children with asthma) there was a negative linear correlation (association) of the level of 25OHD and total IgE serum level with r=- 0,55  Vitamin D serum level measurements in asthma patients gives the possibility for discovering the connection between its deficiency and development of asthma symptoms.


2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (21) ◽  
pp. 70
Author(s):  
Manafa P.O. ◽  
Osmond E.O. ◽  
Onyenekwe C.C. ◽  
Okeke C.O. ◽  
Chukwuma G.O. ◽  
...  

This study was designed to assess tumour necrosis factor-alpha and creatinine levels in Echis ocellatus bite victims. A total of 50 subjects were recruited. Out of this number, 40 were victims of E. ocellatus bite and the remaining 10 were non-victims of snake bite who served as the control group. Blood samples were collected from the victims within 24 hours of the snake bite and EchiTAb-G antivenom administered within the same period. Another batch of blood sample was collected 48 hours post-administration of the anti-venom. Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels were estimated by the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay technique while creatinine levels were determined using kinetic-spectrophotometric procedure. The mean serum levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha and creatinine were significantly increased in E. ocellatus bite victims compared with the control group (P<0.05). Furthermore, the mean serum level of TNFalpha was significantly lower in E. ocellatus bite victims, post-administration of anti-venom, compared with the pre-administration of anti-venom (P<0.05). In contrast, no significant difference was observed in the mean serum level of creatinine in E. ocellatus bite victims, post-administration of anti-venom, compared with the pre-administration of anti-venom (P>0.05). Moreover, the mean serum level of creatinine was found to be significantly increased in E. ocellatus bite victims, post-administration of anti-venom, compared with the control group (P<0.05), while no significant difference was observed in the mean serum level of tumour necrosis factor-alpha in E. ocellatus bite victims, post-administration of anti-venom, compared with the control group(P>0.05). A positive correlation existed between tumour necrosis factor-alpha and creatinine levels in E. ocellatus bite subjects (r= 0.782). Echis ocellatus bite is a risk factor for renal damage indicated by an elevated serum creatinine, thus health authorities should make EchiTAb-G anti-venom freely available in health facilities and administered as quickly as possible to reduce the risk of renal damage in Echis ocellatus bite-prone areas.


2009 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. CMENT.S2565
Author(s):  
Amr A El Badry ◽  
Ismail Elmofty ◽  
Amira Helmy

This work assess serum levels of soluble Fas form (sFas) in patients with different stages of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma(LSCC) to investigate its prognostic significance. We correlate its levels with the morphological changes of peripheral blood cells via buffy coat examinatin. The study population included 70 patients clinically diagnosed and pathohistologically confirmed LSCC in addition to 20 healthy controls. According to TNM classification 33(47.1%) patients were in stage I (group I) and 24(34.3%) in stage II (group II), 13(18.5%) in stage III (group III). The results revealed that the mean serum level of sFas (pg/ml) in the control group was 51.2, in group I was 66.33, in group II was 81.33 and in group III was 112.45. Statistical analysis of the mean of sFas by ELISA test in the patients' groups in comparison to the control revealed a significant increase of both group II and III in comparison to the control group (P < 0.01) but there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between group I in comparison to either the control or group II. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between group I in comparison to group III. LM examination revealed massive extent of the apoptotic cells in group III when compared to both group I and group II. EM examination of the buffy coat revealed apoptotic changes, mainly in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs), represented by surface membrane ruffles and blebs with clumped nuclear chromatin and vacuolated cytoplasm. In conclusion, this study may help us to better understand one of the escape mechanisms in cancer larynx. This mechanism is represented by the significant increase in both the serum level of sFas and the morphological apoptotic changes that detected in PBMNCs. Soluble Fas may contribute to the progression of laryngeal cancer. It can be used as an attractive target for anticancer therapy and may be considered as a marker of disease progression and poor prognosis in laryngeal cancer.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kakale SB ◽  
Tabari AM ◽  
Isyaku K ◽  
Yunusa A

Ultrasound is a non-invasive, cheap and readily available imaging modality for studying the infant hip. Early detection of developmental hip subluxation, acetabular dysplasia and the prevention of late presentation of a developmentally dislocated hip with consequent secondary premature degenerative arthritis are goals that all practitioners should strive for. Provision of axial indices of alpha and beta angles of the infant hip joint in Kano, Nigeria using ultrasonography to establish a normogram as reference values for further studies is the objective of this study. This descriptive prospective study was conducted at the Radiology Department of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano state, Nigeria. Successive four hundred appropriately consented infants were recruited for this study. The axial angle relationships of both hip joints were measured using 7.5 MHz linear transducer of Mindray DP-8800 Digital plus ultrasound machine. The mean alpha and beta angles for both hips in females were 56.590 and 49.580 respectively while those for males were 56.730 and 50.530 respectively. Minimum and maximum alpha angle for both hips ranged from 380 to 780 while the beta angles ranged 290 to 660 respectively. The age group 1-3 months has the highest frequency of respondents (251) while age group 10 - 12 months has the lowest (22). There was no statistically significant difference in the alpha and beta angles between males and females hips and age of the infants did not affect the hip indices. The study showed no statistical significant difference in the measured alpha and beta angles between males and females. Age of measurement in infants did not affect the hip indices.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 01-08
Author(s):  
Emadeldin R. Matar ◽  
Mohammed H. Goda ◽  
Tamer M. Abuama

Functional TLR4 expression has been linked to HCC development. TLR4 may serve an important role in HCC development by promoting the malignant transformation of epithelial cells and tumor growth. The consequences might be dependent on the complex signaling networks triggered by TLR4 activation and the tumor microenvironment. The study included 90 consecutive subjects classified into 3 group their age from 40 to 70 years old. Group (I): HCC patients on top of chronic HCV infection. they were 45 patients 30 male and 15 females, their age ranged from 45 to 55 who were subdivided into 3 subgroups according to Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC): Group (Ia): included 8 HCC patients in early stage. (stage A). Group (Ib): included 12 HCC patients in intermediate stage (stage B). Group (Ic): included 25 HCC patients in advanced stage. (stage C). Group (II): 30 Cirrhotic patients with chronic HCV, 21 male and 9 females, their age ranged from 50 to 60. This group was subdivided into 2 subgroups according to Child–Pugh score Group (IIa): included 8 Child–Pugh A. Group (IIb): included 22 Child–Pugh B and C. Group (III): controlled group included 15 normal subjects. 10 male and 5 females, their age ranged from 45 to 60. They were selected to match patients’ groups in demographic and socioeconomic standards. In our study where 15 persons are control showed lower level in TLR4 with mean 1.0±0.2, however 30 patients with HCV and other 45 patients with HCC showed higher level in TLR with mean 2.27±0.6 and 4.2±1.06 respectively. In our study there is statistically significant difference in serum TLR4 level between group (Ia) (2.25±0.5) and other subgroups which shows more increase in serum level of TLR4 in Group IB (3.2-1.06) than Group IA. Also shows more increase in serum level of TLR4 in Group IC (4.0±2.0) than Group IA and IB In our study HCC group showed higher level of LPS with mean 4.5±1.26 however lower in HCV group with mean 2.9-1.0 and least in control group with mean 1.1±0.4 In our study there is statistically significant difference in serum LPS level between group (IA) with mean 3.0±0.5 and other subgroups which shows more increase in serum level of LPS in Group IB with mean 4.4-1.0 than Group IA. Also shows more increase in serum level of LPS in Group IC with mean 4.0±1.76 than Group IA and IB In our study there is statistically significant difference in serum LPS level between group (IIB) and group (IIA) which shows more increase in serum level of TLR4 in Group IIB with mean 2.7±1.1 than Group IIA with mean 2.20±0.2 In our study there is statistically insignificant difference of the mean value ± SD of sex as regard to LPS and TLR expression (t = 1.2, p = 0.22). (t = 0.16, p = 0.87) respectively.In our study there is statistically significant positive correlation between ALT, AST, Platelets, alpha fetoprotein and LPS as regard to TLR4 expression in group II more in IIB,C than IA . but insignificant of the mean value ± SD of other parameters. In our study there is statistically significant difference of the mean value ± SD of ALT, AST, Platelets, alpha fetoprotein and TLR4 as regard to LPS expression in group I more in IB, C than IA. but insignificant of the mean value ± SD of other parameters.In our study there is statistically significant difference of the mean value ± SD of ALT, AST, Platelets and TLR4 as regard to LPS expression in group II more in IIB than IIA. but insignificant of the mean value ± SD of other parameters. Conclusion: TLR4 and LPS measurement should be carried for all patient with HCV Who are at risk for HCC with close monitoring. Conduct a study on a Gut microbiota as therapeutic targets for HCC.


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamidreza Abdolsamadi ◽  
Mohammad vahedi ◽  
Farnaz Fariba ◽  
Alireza Soltanian ◽  
Meghdad Zakavati Avval ◽  
...  

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency is a major public health problem. Low vitamin D levels associated with adverse health consequences such as musculoskeletal health, cognitive decline and progression of cancer and death. The lack of vitamin D associated with major risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) includes hypertension is considered. The ability to assess the general health, disease and treatment outcomes through saliva as a non-invasive, inexpensive and simple method of interest is located. The aim of this study was a comparative study of salivary and serum levels of vitamin D3 in patients with a history of developing high blood pressure and a healthy person.Methods: This study was a case - control survey, in which 40 patients with high blood pressure were examined. The control group including 40 healthy subjects. Both groups were matched in terms of age and gender. After collecting samples of serum and saliva, the amount of vitamin D level samples were measured using ELISA method by electrochemiluminescence (ELC), and then analyzed the results using software SPSS 16 and statistical test including Chi Square Test, Independent-Samples, linear regression model, the Mann-Whitney Test and Spearman correlation coefficient.Results: There was no significant difference in the mean serum levels of vitamin D among patients and healthy subjects (p= 0.588). In addition, there was no significant difference in the mean salivary levels of vitamin D between patients and healthy subjects (p= 0.833). There was no significant relationship between salivary and serum level of vitamin D in healthy individuals (p= 0.095). As well as there was no significant correlation between salivary and serum level of vitamin D in patients (p= 0.5).Conclusions: This study showed that vitamin D is a measurable marker in saliva, but its analysis in saliva, may not be a reliable tool for determining the vitamin D levels.


Author(s):  
Sidra Arshad ◽  
Sonia Andeel ◽  
Samia Asghar ◽  
Sana Hafeez ◽  
Sana Asghar ◽  
...  

Background: Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is an important cause of maternal morbidity as well as mortality in the 1st trimester. This study was done to compare outcome in medical versus expectant management in patients with unruptured tubal pregnancy having β-hCG 1000-3000 IU/L.Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 82 (41 in each group) women with tubal ectopic pregnancy (TEP) having β-hCG levels between 1000-3000 IU/L and 18 to 40 years of age were enrolled. Women having non-tubal pregnancy, ruptured ectopic pregnancy, heterotopic pregnancy, hypersensitivity to methotrexate were excluded. Included women were randomly assigned to either Group-A (expectant management) or Group-B (medical management). Outcome was measured after one week and considered successful if patient had β-hCG levels negligible i.e. <10 IU/L and complete resolution on ultrasonography (absence of adnexal mass, pelvic free fluid, gestational sac).Results: Overall mean age was 30.65±6.37 years. The mean gestational age in Group-A was 7.12±2.12 weeks and 7.63±2.41 weeks in Group-B. The mean β-hCG levels in Group-A was 1984.63±515.81 IU/L and 1937.33±519.68 IU/L in Group-B. Outcome was successful in 90.24% in Group-A and 63.41% in Group-B (p-value=0.004).Conclusions: Expectant management is associated with better outcome as compared to medical management in tubal ectopic pregnancy having β-hCG between 1000-3000 IU/L.


2018 ◽  
Vol 91 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-47
Author(s):  
Iulia Ioana Roman ◽  
Teodora Mocan ◽  
Meda-Sandra Orasan ◽  
Elena Mihaela Jianu ◽  
Carmen-Angela Sfrangeu ◽  
...  

Background and aim. Psoriasis vulgaris, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, requires a long term medication, in order to avoid relapsing episodes. TNF-alpha, one of the targeted molecule in psoriasis therapy, seems to be also involved in thyroid disorders etiopathogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between anti TNF-alpha therapy and thyroid parameters: serum level of triiodothyronine (T3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and antithyroidperoxidase antibody (AbTPO) in psoriasis treated population.Methods. The study was performed on 44 patients with psoriasis vulgaris (20 patients under antiTNF-alpha treatment (etanercept), 24 patients with no previous systemic therapy). Serum concentrations of hormones, AbAntiTPO and TNF-alpha were measured and a thyroid ultrasonographic evaluation was performed for each patient.Results. The mean serum level of FT4 was significantly higher in patients with no systemic treatment (p<0.05). The patients treated with etanercept had a significantly higher level of TNF-alpha (p<0.05). No significant difference was observed for the other evaluated parameters. Also, we found a significant negative correlation between TNF-alpha and TSH levels (r=-0.366, p=0.015).Conclusions. We only found that the mean level of FT4 was significantly higher in patients with no systemic treatment. Also, a negative strong correlation was seen between serum level of TSH and TNF-alpha. Based on our data, comparison with other anti TNF-alpha therapies might be of interest in future studies.


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