The use of sonographic myometrial thickness measurements for the prediction of time from induction of labor to delivery.

Background: Several attempts have been made to find tools for the prediction of successful induction of labor. Sonographic myometrial thickness has not yet been investigated regarding its use as a clinical tool for the course of labor induction.

Objective: To evaluate the role of sonographic measurement of myometrial thickness in the prediction of the time interval to successful vaginal delivery after induction of labor.

The effect of attending a prenatal childbirth preparedness course on labor duration and outcomes.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of attending a prenatal childbirth preparation course (CPC) on labor duration and outcomes.

Methods: A cross sectional study of 53 primiparous women who attended and 54 women who did not attend a CPC was conducted. The state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) score was used to diagnose anxiety.

Fertility treatment as a risk factor for maternal request of cesarean delivery in twin pregnancies.

Objective: A marked increase in the overall cesarean delivery (CD) rate of twin pregnancies has recently been observed. We sought to examine the obstetrical characteristics of patients who chose a non-indicated CD and to investigate the trends in the rate of CD for maternal request over a 5 years period.

Study Design: A cross sectional retrospective study of twin pregnancies, compared obstetrical characteristics between patients who chose a non-indicated CD and those who delivered vaginally.

The use of sonographic cervical length assessment for the prediction of time from induction to delivery.

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the role of trans-vaginal cervical length measurement in the prediction of the interval to successful vaginal delivery after induction of labor with balloon catheter.

Methods: In this prospective study of cervical length measurement before induction of labor, singleton pregnancies that underwent induction of labor between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation were included. The data collected included trans-vaginal sonographic cervical measurements followed by digital cervical assessment.

The clinical utility of sonographic cervical length in the management of preterm parturition at 28-32 weeks of gestation.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of cervical length measurement in early third trimester (28-32 weeks) as a predictor of preterm delivery (PTD), in women presenting with preterm parturition.

Methods: Cervical length was measured prospectively, in singleton pregnancies at 28-32 weeks with preterm contractions (PTC). A multivariate linear regression model was performed to assess the association between cervical length and gestational age at delivery.

Umbilical artery peak systolic velocity measurements for prediction of perinatal outcome among IUGR fetuses.

Background: To evaluate the role of umbilical artery (UA) peak systolic velocity (PSV) measurements in the prediction of perinatal outcome in fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

Methods: A prospective study was performed, including patients with a suspected diagnosis of IUGR. Exclusion criteria were multiple gestations, unreliable gestational age, and known fetal malformations.

Obstetric outcomes after restrictive bariatric surgery: what happens after 2 consecutive pregnancies?

Background: The objective of this study was to compare the outcomes of 2 consecutive pregnancies of the same women who conceived after restrictive bariatric surgeries.

Methods: A retrospective study comparing consecutive pregnancy outcomes of the same women, who conceived before and twice after a restrictive bariatric surgery, was conducted.

Results: This study included 109 women, and therefore, 327 paired pregnancies: 109 pregnancies preceded and 218 followed restrictive bariatric surgery (87% had laparoscopic banding, and 13% had silastic ring vertical gastroplasty).

The effect of cervical cerclage on pregnancy outcomes in women following conization.

Objectives: To determine the effect of cervical cerclage on obstetrical complications and perinatal outcomes of patients following conization.

Design: A retrospective population based cohort study.

Setting: Tertiary academic medical center that covers all the deliveries of the region.

Detection of S100B in maternal blood before and after fetal death.

Background: S100B is a brain damage biomarker. When measured immediately after birth, it reflects neonatal brain damage following asphyxia. In this study, we used feticide as a novel model of fetal brain damage.

Macrophage infiltration and stress-signaling in omental and subcutaneous adipose tissue in diabetic pregnancies.

Objective: To examine if, as in obesity, pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) exhibit increased macrophage infiltration and activated MAP-kinases in omental adipose tissue.

Methods: Paired omental (OM) and abdominal subcutaneous (SC) fat samples were collected from 11 GDM and 20 normal pregnancies during cesarean delivery. Tissues were stained to detect macrophages, and analyzed to assess MAP-kinases.

Clinical and microbiological characteristics of Bartholin gland abscesses.

Objective: To examine the clinical course and causative microorganisms of Bartholin gland abscesses.

Methods: This was a retrospective study of all patients treated for Bartholin gland abscesses between the years 2006 and 2011 at the Soroka University Medical Center, a regional medical center in southern Israel.

Results: During the study period, 219 women were admitted as a result of an abscess of the Bartholin gland, 63% of which were primary abscesses and 37% recurrent abscesses (occurrence of a second clinical event).

Postpartum uterine artery Doppler velocimetry among patients following a delivery complicated with preeclampsia.

Objective: To evaluate postpartum uterine artery (UtA) velocimetry in patients following severe preeclampsia (PET) as compared with normotensive controls.

Study Design: Postpartum UtA velocimetry was obtained prospectively during the early postpartum period. The right and left UtA pulsatility index (PI) was measured and the presence of an early diastolic notch was noted.

Association between first trimester vaginal bleeding and uterine artery Doppler measured at second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of first trimester vaginal bleeding among patients with abnormal second and third trimester uterine artery Doppler.

Methods: A prospective study of patients with a uterine artery Doppler measurement between 27 and 42 weeks' gestation was undertaken. A comparison was made between two groups: patients with and without first trimester vaginal bleeding.

Can we find the perfect oil to protect the perineum? A randomized-controlled double-blind trial.

Objective: To determine whether perineal massage during the second stage of labor using oil enriched with vitamins, increases the chances of delivering with an intact perineum as compared to perineal massage using pure liquid wax.

Method: A prospective, randomized, double-blind study was conducted. Women were assigned to liquid wax (jojoba oil) versus purified formula of almond and olive oil, enriched with vitamin B1, B2, B6, E and fatty acids.

[What do ultrasound performers in Israel know regarding safety of ultrasound, in comparison to the end users in the United States?].

Objective: The goal was to examine the knowledge of ultrasound end users regarding safety of ultrasound in pregnancy, and to compare it to ultrasound end users in the United States.

Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to ultrasound users at obstetrics and gynecology conventions and wards throughout the country, between the years 2008-2010, and compared to an identical questionnaire distributed in the United States.

Results: A total of 143 end users completed the questionnaire; 92% of them are physicians, 71% gynecologists; 3.

Spinal versus general anesthesia in cesarean sections: the effects on postoperative pain perception.

Objective: To compare postoperative pain perception and analgesia requirements in patients undergoing cesarean section (CS) using general versus spinal anesthesia.

Study Design: A prospective, observational study of patients undergoing elective CS during 2009 under either general or spinal anesthesia. Postoperative pain intensity and analgesia requirements were evaluated for up to 48 h after surgery.

Downsizing pregnancy complications: a study of paired pregnancy outcomes before and after bariatric surgery.

Background: Overweight and obesity have been shown to be associated with increased adverse pregnancy outcomes. Weight reduction improves maternal health status and reduces the risk of pregnancy complications, as well as long-term consequences. Our objective was to compare the pregnancy outcomes of the same women who delivered before and after bariatric surgery.

Severe pre-eclampsia is associated with abnormal trace elements concentrations in maternal and fetal blood.

Objective: The study was aimed to compare trace elements concentrations in women with and without severe pre-eclampsia (PE).

Methods: A prospective case-control study was conducted comparing 43 parturients with severe PE (who received magnesium sulfate [MgSO4]) and 80 healthy parturients and their newborns, matched for gestational age and mode of delivery. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) was used for the determination of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), selenium (Se) and magnesium (Mg) levels in maternal as well as arterial and venous umbilical cord serum.

Preoperative analgesia with local lidocaine infiltration for post cesarean delivery pain management.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of local lidocaine incision-site injection in patients undergoing cesarean deliveries (CD), on post operative pain and analgesic requirements.

Study Design: In this prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study, patients undergoing elective CD were randomly assigned to receive 1% lidocaine solution or placebo to the incision site, prior to the performance of a Pfannenstiel incision. Pain intensity was evaluated for up to 48 hours after surgery and analgesic requirements of the patients were recorded.

Trace elements' concentrations in maternal and umbilical cord plasma at term gestation: a comparison between active labor and elective cesarean delivery.

Objective: Trace elements are minerals required in minute quantities to maintain proper physical functioning. The role of trace elements in the process of parturition is poorly understood. This study was aimed to determine levels of trace elements' concentration in maternal plasma and umbilical venous and arterial plasma at term during active labor vs elective cesarean delivery (CD).

Pregnancy outcome in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome.

Objective: To investigate pregnancy outcome of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).

Methods: A retrospective cohort study comparing pregnancies of women with and without FMS was conducted. Multivariable logistic regression models was performed to control for confounders

Results: Deliveries of 112 women with FMS were compared with a control group of 487 deliveries of women without FMS.

The activation of β2-adrenergic receptors in naïve rats causes a reduction of blood glutamate levels: relevance to stress and neuroprotection.

This study examines the effects of the activation of β1 and β2-adrenergic receptors on glutamate homeostasis in the blood of naïve rats. Forty five male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into one of seven treatment groups that were treated with various β-adrenergic receptor agonist and antagonist drugs. Blood glutamate levels were determined at t = 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min.

Pregnancy outcome of patients who conceive during or after the first year following bariatric surgery.

Objective: We sought to compare pregnancy outcome of patients who conceived during or after the first year postbariatric surgery.

Study Design: A retrospective study comparing pregnancy outcome between patients who conceived during or after the first postoperative year was conducted.

Results: The study included 104 pregnancies of patients who conceived during and 385 who conceived after the first postoperative year.

Three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound in ovarian cancer and its correlation with histology.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate and quantify intraovarian blood flow with 3D power Doppler histogram analysis before surgical intervention in women suspected of having ovarian carcinoma and to determine the correlation with histology findings.

Methods: A prospective study was designed and 17 consecutive patients undergoing oophorectomy were included. Two groups of women were evaluated: high-risk women for ovarian pathologies and low-risk women with no known ovarian disease scheduled for bilateral oophorectomy for nonmalignant related pathology.

A piece in the puzzle of intrauterine fetal death: pathological findings in placentas from term and preterm intrauterine fetal death pregnancies.

Objective: To compare pathological findings of placentas from term and preterm pregnancies complicated by intrauterine fetal death (IUFD).

Study Design: A retrospective cohort study was conducted including deliveries complicated by IUFD. A comparison was made between placentas from term and preterm (<37 weeks' gestation) pregnancies complicated by IUFD.