Persistant Left Superior Vena Cava with and Without Right Superior Vena Cava: Significance of Prenatal Diagnosis.

This study aims to define the associated anomalies with PLSVC, and to compare single PLSVC and bilateral superior vena cava in terms of accompanying anomalies and pregnancy outcomes. This was a retrospective study of the fetuses diagnosed with single and/or bilateral SVC at a tertiary fetal medicine center during 8 years. We detected 16 cases of single PLSVC and 84 cases of bilateral SVC.

The association between fetal Doppler and uterine artery blood volume flow in term pregnancies: a pilot study.

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between uterine artery blood volume flow and fetal Doppler indices in term pregnancies.

Materials And Methods: A prospective observational study in a tertiary-care university hospital was performed between December 2021 and May 2022. We included only term pregnancies that received accurate ultrasound scans until a week before the birth.

CA15 (DSM 33960) strain as a new driver in restoring the normal vaginal microbiota: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Probiotics play a key role in maintaining the health of the female reproductive tract, representing a promising alternative to safeguard or restore the homeostasis of the vaginal microbiota. The present randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study was performed to evaluate the ability of the potential probiotic CA15 (DSM 33960) strain, orally administrated, to balance the vaginal microbiota of women with vaginal dysbiosis. Sixty women, with signs and symptoms of vaginal dysbiosis, were recruited and randomly allocated to receive oral capsules containing the CA15 (DSM 33960) strain at 1.

Oral Intake of the Commercial Probiotic Blend Synbio for the Management of Vaginal Dysbiosis.

A healthy vaginal microbiota is Lactobacillus-dominated. Several factors can interfere with the state of balance leading to dysbiosis, such as vaginal infections caused by bacteria and Candida species. The present single-arm, uncontrolled open-label study aimed to evaluate the ability of the SYNBIO probiotic combination, taken as an oral formulation, to contribute to vaginal health.

Clinical implications of first-trimester ultrasound dating in singleton pregnancies obtained through in vitro fertilization.

Background: In pregnancies obtained by in-vitro fertilization (IVF) the exact day of conception is known. For that reason, IVF pregnancies are currently dated according to the day of oocytes retrieval and consequent embryo transfer. The aim of the present study is to determine whether the knowledge of the exact day of conception in IVF pregnancies is a sufficient argument against dating these pregnancies by first trimester ultrasound measurement of the crown-rump length (CRL), as it is recommended in natural conceptions.

Use of pentoxifylline during ovarian stimulation to improve oocyte and embryo quality: A retrospective study.

Objective: This study aims to investigate if the administration of pentoxifylline during ovarian stimulation have an impact on the quantity and quality of oocytes recovered for in vitro fertilization (IVF), the quality of zygotes and embryos resulting from IVF, the serum estradiol and progesterone concentrations, the endometrial thickness and pregnancy outcomes after embryo transfer.

Methods: Retrospective crossover study including 18 women with recurrent implantation failur, defined as having a history of at least two consecutive cycles of implantation failure and 25-45 years of age at the time of embryo transfer. Pentoxifylline was added during their following IVF attempt aiming to improve endometrial function.

How Does Contraceptive Use Affect Women's Sexuality? A Novel Look at Sexual Acceptability.

Among the components of a healthy life, sexuality is essential, contributing to both the psychophysical and social well-being of women and, consequently, to their quality of life. A poorly investigated standpoint is the acceptability of contraceptive methods, both in terms of their tolerability and metabolic neutrality and in terms of their impact on sexual life. In this context, we will provide an overview of the different methods of contraception and their effects on female sexuality, from biological changes to organic, social, and psychological factors, which can all shape sexuality.

The Role of Genital Tract Microbiome in Fertility: A Systematic Review.

The human microbiome plays a crucial role in determining the health status of every human being, and the microbiome of the genital tract can affect the fertility potential before and during assisted reproductive treatments (ARTs). This review aims to identify and appraise studies investigating the correlation of genital microbiome to infertility. Publications up to February 2021 were identified by searching the electronic databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Embase and bibliographies.

Cerebroplacental doppler ratio and perinatal outcome in late-onset foetal growth restriction.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether gestational age-specific levels of the cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) as a third-trimester ultrasound marker has benefits in the prediction of perinatal morbidity and mortality on foetuses with late-onset foetal growth restriction (FGR). A retrospective study of singleton pregnancies diagnosed with late-onset FGR was performed. Of 407 pregnancies meeting our inclusion criteria, 313 had normal (Group 1) and 94 had abnormal CPR (Group 2).

Effects of hormone therapy containing 2 mg drospirenone and 1 mg 17β-estradiol on postmenopausal exacerbation of Meniere's disease: Preliminary study.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of 2 mg drospirenone (DRSP) and 1 mg 17β-estradiol (E2) hormone therapy (HT) in combination with rehabilitation therapy for postmenopausal women with Meniere's disease (MD). The combined drug hormone treatment was denoted as DRSP/E2. A total of 65 postmenopausal female patients with MD and severe distress were enrolled in the present prospective study.

Liposomal ferric pyrophosphate and ascorbic acid supplementation in pregnant women with iron deficiency anaemia: haematochemical, obstetric, neonatal and psychological outcomes in a prospective observational study.

This study aimed to determine the effects of liposomal iron pyrophosphate/ascorbic acid on clinical and psychological outcomes in pregnant women. Women at the 11th-13th weeks of gestation with iron deficiency anaemia assuming Sideremil™ from April 2018 to May 2019 were recruited. Haematochemical, obstetric, neonatal and psychological outcomes were investigated at the enrolment, 21-23 weeks of gestation, 30-32 weeks of gestation and after 6 weeks from childbirth.

A clinical pilot study on the effect of the probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus TOM 22.8 strain in women with vaginal dysbiosis.

Lactobacilli with probiotic features play an essential role in maintaining a balanced vaginal microbiota and their administration has been suggested for the treatment and prevention of vaginal dysbiosis. The present study was aimed to in vitro and in vivo investigate the probiotic potential of the Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus TOM 22.8 strain, isolated from the vaginal ecosystem of a healthy woman.

Sexual activity and contraceptive use during social distancing and self-isolation in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objectives: The aims of the study were to investigate the effects of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic on the use of hormonal contraceptives, their discontinuation and the risk of unplanned pregnancy.

Methods: The study enrolled 317 women listed in the database of the Department of General Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Italy, family planning clinic who were known to be using hormonal contraceptives. The women were contacted by telephone and asked whether they would like to participate in the study.

Impact of physician attire on patients' impression of their gynecologist: Results from a large single-center survey analysis.

Objective: To assess the impact of physician attire in a gynecology office setting on a patient's level of trust and perception regarding medical advice, performing vaginal exams, and physician's ability to perform major and minor procedures.

Study Design: Cross sectional anonymous survey at a large academic medical center. The survey was distributed to 200 patients of a single-physician gynecology office, between January 1st 2018 and March 31st 2018.

Tolerability considerations for gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues for endometriosis.

Introduction: The second-line treatment of endometriosis-related pain symptoms includes injectable depot formulations of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs (GnRH-as). These drugs improve the symptomatology by inducing a hypoestrogenic status and a consequent regression of endometriotic implants. However, GnRH-a may cause a not negligible rate of adverse events, in particular vasomotor symptoms and bone mineral density loss, that may limit patients' adherence and safety on long-term treatment.

Quality of life of women using the etonogestrel long-acting reversible contraceptive implant after abortion for unplanned pregnancy.

Objectives: The aims of the study were to investigate the effect of a subcutaneous etonogestrel-containing contraceptive implant on the quality of life (QoL) and sexual function of women who had undergone termination of an unplanned pregnancy.

Methods: At pregnancy termination 140 women received contraceptive counselling on the etonogestrel implant. The Short Form-36 questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index and the Female Sexual Distress Scale were used to investigate, respectively, the QoL, sexual function and sexual distress of the women at baseline and at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months of follow-up.

Scoring systems for the evaluation of adnexal masses nature: current knowledge and clinical applications.

Adnexal masses are a common finding in women, with 20% of them developing at least one pelvic mass during their lifetime. There are more than 30 different subtypes of adnexal tumours, with multiple different subcategories, and the correct characterisation of the pelvic masses is of paramount importance to guide the correct management. On that basis, different algorithms and scoring systems have been developed to guide the clinical assessment.

The effect of obesity on the onset of spontaneous labor and scheduled delivery rates in term pregnancies.

Objective: To determine the effect of obesity on the onset of spontaneous labor, scheduled delivery rates and perinatal outcomes in term pregnancies.

Material And Methods: 242 obese and 244 non-obese pregnant women ≥37 gestational weeks were compared in terms of the onset of spontaneous labor, scheduled delivery rates and perinatal outcomes.

Results: Obese pregnant women had statistically significantly lower onset of spontaneous labor and higher rates of scheduled delivery.

Unpasteurised milk consumption as a potential risk factor for toxoplasmosis in females with recurrent pregnancy loss.

In women with a bad obstetric history, certain infections are associated with recurrent foetal loss. One of the common infectious agents is a protozoan parasite, . The aim of this study was to assess unpasteurised milk consumption as a potential risk factor for toxoplasmosis in females with recurrent pregnancy loss from the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Perinatal Outcomes in Mexican Women with Untreated Mild Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Diagnosed by the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups Criteria.

Purpose: To compare the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes (APO) between pregnant women with mild gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) diagnosed by the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria, on no specific treatment, versus pregnant women without GDM.

Patients And Methods: A retrospective cohort study of pregnant women referred to the Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, in Mexico City, for prenatal care and delivery. Eligibility criteria were singleton pregnancy, age >18 years, gestational age 20-28 weeks, and no history of pre-gestational diabetes.

Management of endometrial, ovarian and cervical cancer in the elderly: current approach to a challenging condition.

Purpose: Gynaecological cancer management in older people represents a current challenge. Therefore, in the present paper, we aimed to gather all the evidence reported in the literature concerning gynecological cancers in the elderly, illustrating the state of art and the future perspectives.

Methods: We searched MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, IBECS, BIOSIS, Web of Science, SCOPUS and Grey literature (Google Scholar; British Library) from January 1952 to May 2017, using the terms "ovarian cancer", "endometrial cancer", "cervical cancer", "gynecological cancers" combined with 'elderly', 'cancer', 'clinical trial' and 'geriatric assessment'.

Isoflavones, calcium, vitamin D and inulin improve quality of life, sexual function, body composition and metabolic parameters in menopausal women: result from a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study.

Introduction: Menopause results in metabolic changes that contribute to increase risk of cardiovascular diseases: increase in low density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides and decrease in high density lipoprotein (HDL), weight gain are associated with a correspondent increase in incidence of hypertension and diabetes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a preparation of isoflavones, calcium vitamin D and inulin in menopausal women.

Material And Methods: We performed a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study.

Effects of combined oral contraception containing drospirenone on premenstrual exacerbation of Meniere's disease: Preliminary study.

Objectives: Meniere's disease is caused by an augmented endolymph pressure in the inner ear; symptoms are vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss and tinnitus. Exacerbations has been noted during premenstrual phase. The study aims to evaluate the effects of a 20 μm Ethinylestradiol (EE) and 3 mg Drospirenone (DRSP) oral contraceptive (20 μmEE/3mgDRSP) in continuous regimen, associated with rehabilitation therapy on Meniere's disease.