The Relationships between Prenatal Attachment, Basic Personality Traits, Styles of Coping with Stress, Depression, and Anxiety, and Marital Adjustment Among Women in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy.

Objective: The importance of prenatal attachment, probably as the initial attachment of a pregnant woman to the fetus and which turn into the maternal-baby attachment after birth, for the well-being of the newborn and mother is well known. The aim of the present study was to explore the possible socio-demographic and clinical factors (personality features, styles used in coping with stress, depression, and situational anxiety levels, and marital adjustment) affecting maternal-fetal attachment.

Materials And Methods: Eighty women on their third trimesters of pregnancy were included in the study.

Is Striae Gravidarum related to Cesarean Scar and Peritoneal Adhesions?

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between striae gravidarum (SG) score and abdominal scar characteristics together with intraperitoneal adhesion (IPA) grades of patients who were hospitalized for second cesarean delivery.

Methods: A total of 145 consecutive women undergoing scheduled cesarean section (CS) in a tertiary level maternity hospital between November 2013 and January 2014 were included in the study. All women had transverse suprapubic skin incision due to the previous CS and none of them had a history of vaginal delivery.

Comparison of Serum A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin Motifs-19 Levels in Different Fertility Situations: Could It Be a Serum Marker of Ovarian Function and Oocyte Pool?

Background/aims: A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) enzymes take part in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling which has been shown to contribute to the ovulation and follicular functions. We aimed to compare serum levels of ADAMTS-19 in patients with different fertility situations.

Methods: A total of 86 women were enrolled to this cross sectional and case-control study.

Influenza infections in the 2014-2015 season and pregnancy outcomes.

Introduction: The most recent influenza season saw a prominent infectious burden over a period of six months in the Turkish capital, reminding observers of the pandemic in 2009 year. The aim of the present study was to investigate the consequences of seasonal outbreaks in pregnant women during the 2014-2015 influenza season.

Methodology: Forty-seven pregnant female patients with symptoms of influenza-like illness who were admitted to tertiary perinatal care center in Ankara, Tukrey, between October 2014 and May 2015 were included in this case-control study.

Effects of the morbid obesity and skin incision choices on surgical outcomes in patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of obesity on surgical outcomes in patients who underwent gynecologic surgery.

Materials And Methods: In total, we evaluated 132 patients who underwent total abdominal hysterectomy with or without salpingo-oophorectomy for benign gynecologic procedures at our tertiary referral gynaecology clinic.

Results: The non-morbid obese group [body mass index (BMI) <40 kg/m] included 94 patients, and the morbid obese group (BMI ≥40 kg/m) included 38 patients.

Maternal venous SHARP1 levels in preeclampsia.

Aim: Owing to its mysterious etiology, pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE) remains controversial. Here we aimed to compare the levels of an angiogenesis marker, split and hairy related protein-1 (SHARP1), in PE vs. normal pregnancy.

Prediction of the length of repeat post C-section hospital stay and comparison of perinatal outcomes in patients with ≥3 versus <3 previous C-section.

Objective: To create a model for prediction of repeat post cesarean section (CS) length of hospital stay (LOHS) in patients undergoing repeat CS. Our other aim was to compare the perinatal outcomes in patients with ≥3 versus <3 previous CS procedures.

Methods: Individual characteristics, pre-, intra- and post-operative data of 186 pregnant women who had ≥3 previous CS were compared with 195 pregnant women with <3 previous CS.

An Unusual Origin of Fetal Lymphangioma Filling Right Axilla.

Fetal lymphangioma is a hamartomatous congenital anomaly of the lymphatic system, which is embracing the fetal skin (sometimes mucous membranes) and the subcutaneous tissue. The general consensus is that it occurs as a result of failure in lymphatic drainage. A 36-year-old pregnant woman was referred to our perinatology clinic at 22 weeks' gestation, because of a fetal right-sided axillary mass revealed by ultrasonography.

The Association between N-terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels in the Umbilical Vein and Amniotic Fluid Volume Abnormalities.

Purpose The amniotic fluid volume (AFV) is known as a predictor for the wellness of a fetus. We aimed to investigate whether N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) levels reflect AFV abnormalities in otherwise normal fetuses. Methods We recruited 24 women with isolated oligohydramnios, 23 women with isolated polyhydramnios, and 36 women with normal AFV at a tertiary referral center.

Are progranulin levels associated with polycystic ovary syndrome and its possible metabolic effects in adolescents and young women?

Purpose: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an important disease that may alter metabolic balances of the whole body. Progranulin is a growth factor which is related to epithelial, neuronal growth and oogenesis. Here, we aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of the levels of Progranulin in the clinical setting of PCOS, and its metabolic effects.

Is it possible to prevent striae gravidarum?

Background: Striae gravidarum (SG), commonly called stretch marks, is an important cosmetic problem which is not treatable, although preventive measures might be effective. The aim of this study was to determine individual risk factors causing SG and the degree to which preventive measures could be effective.

Methods: This prospective observational study included 211 singleton primiparous pregnant women who were hospitalized for birth and who did not have systemic diseases or other risk factors, like drug use or polyhydramnios.

A novel mutated sequence in the T-box transcription factor-5 (TBX-5) gene (c.241A>T) in Holt-Oram syndrome.

We report a case of a 31-year-old pregnant woman who was admitted to our perinatology outpatient clinic because of a fetal ventricular septal defect and limb reduction in the upper extremities of fetus revealed by ultrasonographic investigation diagnosed in the 16(th) week of gestation. First child of the family was diagnosed with Holt-Oram syndrome who had atrial septal defect and upper limb anomalies, whereas the father was documented to have arrhythmia and shortening of upper limbs. The pregnancy was terminated in the 16(th) week of gestation with the consent of the family.

Decreased placental and maternal serum TRAIL-R2 levels are associated with placenta accreta.

Objectives: TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor-2 (TRAIL-R2) is produced both by decidual and trophoblast cells during pregnancy and known to participate in apoptosis. In this study, we aimed to determine and to compare maternal serum and placental TRAIL-R2 levels in patients with placenta accreta, non-adherent placenta previa and in healthy pregnancies. We also aimed to analyze the association of placenta accreta with the occurrence of previous C-sections.

Mercury concentration in maternal serum, cord blood, and placenta in patients with amalgam dental fillings: effects on fetal biometric measurements.

Aim: We aimed to determine the extent to which mercury is transmitted from the mother to fetus via the umbilical cord in patients with amalgam dental fillings, and its effect on fetal biometric measurements.

Methods: Twenty-eight patients as the study group with amalgam fillings, and 32 of them as the control group were included in this prospective case-control study. The mercury levels were measured in the maternal and cord venous sera, and the placental samples.

Can venous ProBNP levels predict placenta accreta?

Aim: Placenta previa (PP) is a potential life-threatening pregnancy complication. Pro-brain natriuretic peptide (ProBNP), creatine kinase (CK), cardiac form of CK (CK-MB) and Troponin I are circulatory biomarkers related to cardiac functions. We aimed to determine whether these biomarkers are related to PP and placenta accreta.

Prediction of Preeclampsia by First Trimester Combined Test and Simple Complete Blood Count Parameters.

Introduction: Preeclampsia is a serious disease which may result in maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. Improving the outcome for preeclampsia necessitates early prediction of the disease to identify women at high risk. Measuring blood cell subtype ratios, such as the neutrophil to lymphocyte (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte (PLR) ratios, might provide prognostic and diagnostic clues to diseases.

Serum Thiol/Disulphide Homeostasis in Preeclampsia.

Objective: To determine the serum thiol/disulphide homeostasis in preeclampsia and to investigate the association with clinical parameters.

Methods: Forty-three pregnant women with preeclampsia and 43 healthy, uncomplicated pregnancies were included in the study. Native thiol, disulphide, and total thiol concentrations were measured by a novel automated method.

Vitamin D deficiency and placental calcification in low-risk obstetric population: are they related?

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the relationship between placental calcification and maternal and cord blood 25-hydroxyvitamin-D3 [25(OH)D] and calcium concentrations in low-risk obstetric population at term and their consequences.

Methods: Sixty non-complicated pregnant women at term admitted to maternity clinic were included in this prospective case-control study and classified into one of two groups according to grade of placental calcification by defined the Grannum classification: Group 1 (n=30), with Grade 3 placenta and Group 2 (n=30), the control group, no placental calcification noted. Baseline characteristics, maternal serum and umbilical cord 25(OH)D and calcium levels were compared between groups.

Increased levels of serum clusterin is associated with intrauterine growth restriction and adverse pregnancy outcomes in preeclampsia.

Aim: Our aim was to investigate serum clusterin levels in preeclampsia and to determine whether any changes in clusterin levels are useful in distinguishing the presence of concomitant intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and in predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Methods: A prospective case-control study was carried out which included 86 pregnant women (47 patients with preeclampsia and 39 healthy controls). Maternal serum samples obtained from all participants and clusterin levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Granulin levels in patients with idiopathic premature ovarian failure.

Objective: With the prolongation of expected lifespan, premature ovarian failure (POF) has gained increased significance as a crucial female health problem. Here we aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of the levels of the growth factor Granulin, which has been associated with epithelial ovarian carcinoma, in the pathogenesis of POF.

Study Design: Thirty-one patients with POF and 57 patients as a control group were recruited for this study in a tertiary referral center in the capital of Turkey.

Prediction of gestational diabetes mellitus by first trimester serum secreted frizzle-related protein-5 levels.

Objective: The main aim of this study was to investigate the first trimester maternal serum secreted frizzle-related protein-5 (Sfrp-5) levels and to evaluate the predictive value on the subsequently developed gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods: A total of 40 pregnant women who subsequently developed GDM and 44 age- and pre-pregnancy BMI-matched healthy pregnant women were enrolled in this prospective case-control study. First trimester serum Sfrp-5 levels were evaluated to determine if there is an association with the onset of GDM, by using logistic regression analysis.

The role of interleukin-17 in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

Objective: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is the most common pregnancy-specific liver disease, is characterized by pruritus, abnormal liver function and elevated serum bile acid levels. The main cause of ICP has not yet been identified. We aimed to provide a new perspective to the pathogenesis of by investigating the possible association of circulating interleukin-17 (IL-17) that is a recently discovered proinflammatory cytokine levels with ICP.

Maternal and fetal serum levels of caspase-cleaved fragments of cytokeratin-18 in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

Objective: We aimed to investigate the relationship between intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and caspase-cleaved fragments of cytokeratin-18, also referred to as M30, a marker of apoptosis.

Methods: In this case-control study, maternal and umbilical cord blood venous samples were obtained from 21 pregnant women with ICP and 22 healthy pregnant women as a control group. M30 levels were compared among the groups.

Can routine laboratory parameters predict adverse pregnancy outcomes in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy?

Aim: Our aim was to investigate whether any hematological changes readily detectable by simple complete blood count (CBC), as well as fasting and postprandial total serum bile acid (SBA) levels, have diagnostic values for the prediction of adverse pregnancy outcomes in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP).

Methods: A prospective, case control study was carried out including 217 pregnant women (117 women with ICP and 100 healthy controls). The main outcome measures investigated were preterm delivery, APGAR scores, and neonatal unit admission.