Synbiotics in patients at risk for spontaneous preterm birth: protocol for a multi-centre, double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial (PRIORI).

Background: Prematurity remains one of the main causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Approximately two thirds of preterm births are spontaneous, i.e.

Cell-free DNA methylome analysis for early preeclampsia prediction.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a leading cause for peripartal morbidity, especially if developing early in gestation. To enable prophylaxis in the prevention of PE, pregnancies at risk of PE must be identified early-in the first trimester. To identify at-risk pregnancies we profiled methylomes of plasma-derived, cell-free DNA from 498 pregnant women, of whom about one-third developed early-onset PE.

A cross-country comparison of pregnant women's decision-making and perspectives when opting for non-invasive prenatal testing in the Netherlands and Belgium.

Background: The Netherlands and Belgium have been among the first countries to offer non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) as a first-tier screening test. Despite similarities, differences exist in counseling modalities and test uptake. This study explored decision-making and perspectives of pregnant women who opted for NIPT in both countries.

Enhancing the value of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio for the prediction of preeclampsia: Cost analysis from the Belgian healthcare payers' perspective.

Objective: To evaluate the economic impact of introducing the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase (sFlt-1) to placental growth factor (PlGF) ratio test into clinical practice in Belgium for the prediction of preeclampsia (PE).

Study Design: We developed a one-year time-horizon decision tree model to evaluate the short-term costs associated with the introduction of the sFlt-1/PlGF test for guiding the management of women with suspected PE from the Belgian public healthcare payers' perspective. The model estimated the costs associated with the diagnosis and management of PE in pregnant women managed in either a test scenario, in which the sFlt-1/PlGF test is used in addition to current clinical practice, or a no test scenario, in which clinical decisions are based on current practice alone.

A nationwide population-based cohort study of peripartum hysterectomy and arterial embolisation in Belgium: results from the Belgian Obstetric Surveillance System.

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of major obstetric haemorrhage managed with peripartum hysterectomy and/or interventional radiology (IR) in Belgium. To describe women characteristics, the circumstances in which the interventions took place, the management of the obstetric haemorrhage, the outcome and additional morbidity of these women.

Design: Nationwide population-based prospective cohort study.

Mutations in CEP120 cause Joubert syndrome as well as complex ciliopathy phenotypes.

Background: Ciliopathies are an extensive group of autosomal recessive or X-linked disorders with considerable genetic and clinical overlap, which collectively share multiple organ involvement and may result in lethal or viable phenotypes. In large numbers of cases the genetic defect remains yet to be determined. The aim of this study is to describe the mutational frequency and phenotypic spectrum of the CEP120 gene.

Comparison and reproducibility of nuchal translucency measurements using two-dimensional and volume nuchal translucency ultrasound: a prospective study.

Objective: To assess the reproducibility and feasibility of automated nuchal translucency (NT) measurement (Volume NT©) in comparison to the two-dimensional (2D) manual approach. The Volume NT technique reveals the correct midsagittal plane automatically and measures the NT at the maximum distance with minimal manipulation.

Methods: In this prospective study, 70 patients underwent NT screening.

Bilateral Mammary Tuberculosis Associated with a Borderline Ovarian Tumor.

BACKGROUND: Mammary tuberculosis is rare in the Western world. It has no defined clinical or imaging features, and has to be differentiated from breast cancer and an abscess. CASE REPORT: We present a case of mammary tuberculosis combined with borderline ovarian cancer.

Knowledge of cervix cancer, human papilloma virus (HPV) and HPV vaccination at the moment of introduction of the vaccine in women in Belgium.

Aim: To test the knowledge of women, attending a gynecology clinic, on HPV, cervix cancer awareness and the knowledge and willingness to use HPV vaccine for themselves or their children.

Setting: Routine gynecological and obstetrical care with ambulatory service in a medium-sized general hospital in a small town in Belgium (Heilig Hart Hospital, Tienen).

Methods: Questionnaire to be filled out by 381 consecutive women while in the attendance room for consultation with one of the four gynecologists.