The role of fibroblast growth factor 2 in patients with uterine smooth muscle tumors: an immunohistochemical study.

Objective: Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) is considered to be a potent stimulator of angiogenesis and seems therefore to play an important role in the growth of tumors. We compared the immunohistochemical profile of FGF-2 in patients with uterine leiomyomas, smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP) and leiomyosarcoma (LMS). Furthermore, we tried to clarify the prognostic role of FGF-2 in uterine leiomyosarcoma.

The impact of GnRH agonists in patients with endometriosis on prolactin and sex hormone levels: a pilot study.

Objective: Gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) decrease the expression of growth factors involved in the development of human endometriotic tissue. As endometriosis has been found to be associated with a mild increase in prolactin (PRL) serum levels, we aimed to evaluate changes in PRL serum levels as well as other hormones relevant to endometriosis and infertility during long-term administration of GnRHas in women with endometriosis.

Study Design: In this prospective pilot study we obtained blood samples on the first day of leuporeline administration and then subsequently after 4, 8 and 12 weeks in 22 patients.

Perioperative androstenedione kinetics in women undergoing laparoscopic ovarian drilling: a prospective study.

We evaluated perioperative androstenedione levels in laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and whether an intraoperative androstenedione change was predictive for spontaneous ovulation. In a prospective study, 21 anovulatory women with clomiphene citrate-resistant PCOS who underwent LOD and eight female controls who underwent diagnostic laparoscopy for infertility were included. Perioperatively, blood was drawn one day before surgery, directly before skin incision, ten minutes after surgery, and after two days.

The impact of thyroid function on intrauterine insemination outcome--a retrospective analysis.

Background: Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common endocrinopathy in premenopausal women, and is associated with various gynecological problems, including recurrent miscarriage and unexplained infertility. A possible influence of Hashimoto's thyroiditis on the success of intrauterine insemination seems likely, but has not been evaluated as yet. Therefore, the aim of our study was to retrospectively analyze the impact on intrauterine insemination outcome of thyroid function and markers suggestive for Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Relaxin and gonadal steroid receptors in uterosacral ligaments of women with and without pelvic organ prolapse.

Introduction And Hypothesis: This study evaluates the expression of estrogen receptor isoforms alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ), progesterone receptor (PR), and relaxin receptor isoforms 1 and 2 (LGR7, LGR8) in uterosacral ligament (USL) tissue of women with pelvic organ prolapse and controls.

Methods: Tissue samples of USL from women with and without pelvic organ prolapse (POP) were subjected to immunohistochemistry against ERα, ERβ, PR, and LGR7 proteins. The respective mRNA expression as well as of LGR8 was assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

A modified technique of laparoscopic ovarian drilling for polycystic ovary syndrome using the monopolar hook electrode.

The aim of our study was to review our experience with a modified technique of laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) using a monopolar hook electrode. We retrospectively included 38 clomiphene-resistant women with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing LOD. A laparoscopic monopolar hook electrode was used to make three to six incisions in the ovarian capsule.

Elevated antithyroid peroxidase antibodies indicating Hashimoto's thyroiditis are associated with the treatment response in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

In infertile women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies values exceeding the upper level of normal were found in significantly more clomiphene citrate resistant patients compared clomiphene citrate responders and metformin responders. Thus, elevated antiTPO levels are associated with poor treatment response in infertile women who suffer from PCOS.

Laparoscopic ovarian tissue harvesting for cryopreservation: an effective and safe procedure for fertility preservation.

Objective: To critically review our experience with the method of laparoscopic ovarian tissue harvesting for ovarian cryopreservation.

Study Design: In a retrospective cohort study 85 patients undergoing surgery for cryopreservation of ovarian tissue were included. One random ovarian cortical slice was histologically examined in order to determine the presence of primordial follicles and to detect possible malignant cells.

Pregnancy outcome in women with polycystic ovary syndrome comparing the effects of laparoscopic ovarian drilling and clomiphene citrate stimulation in women pre-treated with metformin: a retrospective study.

Background: Ovarian stimulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) increases the risk for perinatal complications. Ovulation induction by laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) might improve the overall pregnancy outcomes. The aim of our study was to assess the adverse events or effects on pregnancy of LOD and clomiphene citrate (CC) stimulation in patients who received metformin.

Luteinizing hormone and androstendione are independent predictors of ovulation after laparoscopic ovarian drilling: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Our objective was to investigate luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, and androstenedione as predicitve markers for ovulation after laparoscopic ovarian drilling.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 100 clompihen-resistant patients with the polycystic ovary syndrome who underwent laparoscopic ovarian drilling at our department. The main outcome measure was spontaneous postoperative ovulation within three months after laparoscopic ovarian drilling.

Bipolar vessel sealing increases operative safety in laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy.

Background: To compare laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) with and without bipolar vessel sealing (BVS) using the LigaSure™ device by meanings of intra- and postoperative course.

Methods: In a retrospective case-control study 362 female patients (mean age 54.3 ± 9.

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation for non-malignant indications.

Background: Ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) is not restricted to patients suffering from malignancies. Benign haematopoietic diseases such as autoimmune diseases and others have been mentioned to be feasible indications. The aim of our study was to demonstrate that surgery for OTC is a safe procedure for fertility preservation in patients with non-malignant diseases.

Expression of thrombospondin 1 (TSP 1) in patients with uterine smooth muscle tumors: an immunohistochemical study.

Objective: Angiogenesis is an essential component for tumor development regulated by both proangiogenic and antiangiogenic factors. Thrombospondin 1 (TSP 1) suppresses angiogenesis by inhibiting endothelial cell proliferation and inducing endothelial cell apoptosis. The aim of this study was to compare the expression of TSP 1 in cases with leiomyoma, uterine smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP) and leiomyosarcoma (LMS).

Influence of labor induction on obstetric outcomes in patients with prolonged pregnancy: a comparison between elective labor induction and spontaneous onset of labor beyond term.

Background: Prolonged pregnancy is the most frequent reason for induction of labor. This study aims to determine the effects of labor induction on delivery outcome and to quantify the risks of cesarean delivery associated with labor induction in post-date pregnancies.

Patients And Methods: This retrospective case-control study included a total of 205 women who reached 42 weeks' gestation (41 weeks and 3 days) between January 2002 and April 2004 and who were scheduled for induction of labor with vaginal prostaglandins.

Expression of p16 protein in patients with uterine smooth muscle tumors: an immunohistochemical analysis.

Objective: The loss of cell cycle control is a critical step in the development of neoplasia. The p16 protein has been identified as a tumor suppressor protein, which binds specifically to the cyclin-dependent kinase CDK-4, inhibiting the catalytic activity of the CDK4-cyclin D complex, and thereby acts as a negative cell cycle regulator. In the present study, we compared the expression of p16 protein in cases with leiomyoma, uterine smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP), and leiomyosarcoma (LMS).

Ki-67 expression in patients with uterine leiomyomas, uterine smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP) and uterine leiomyosarcomas (LMS).

Background: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the expression of Ki-67 in uterine smooth muscle tumors, comparing leiomyomas, uterine smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP) and uterine leiomyosarcomas (LMS) and to prove the accuracy of a Ki-67 expression as a useful parameter in the diagnosis of LMS.

Methods: Ki-67 was assessed using immunohistochemistry from paraffin-embedded tissue in 20 patients with uterine LMS, 22 cases of STUMP and 25 cases of leiomyomas.

Results: Ki-67 was present in 10/20 (50%) LMS, in 0/22 (0%) STUMP and in 2/25 (8%) leiomyomas.

Influence of the birth attendant on maternal and neonatal outcomes during normal vaginal delivery: a comparison between midwife and physician management.

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the obstetric outcome of low-risk maternity patients attended by certified midwives with that of low-risk maternity patients attended by obstetricians.

Patients And Methods: Obstetric outcome of 1352 midwife patients was compared with that of 1352 age- and parity-matched physician patients with normal spontaneous vaginal delivery at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the University Hospital Vienna during the period from January 1997 to July 2002. Our analysis was restricted to a sample of low-risk pregnant women.

Estrogen and progesterone receptor expression in patients with uterine smooth muscle tumors.

Objective: To investigate the expression of estrogen and progesterone receptor in uterine leiomyomas, smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP), and leiomyosarcomas (LMS), and to assess the correlation between steroid receptor expression and clinicopathologic parameters in LMS.

Design: Estrogen/progesterone receptor expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry.

Setting: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of the University Hospital of Vienna.

Bcl-2 receptor expression in patients with uterine smooth muscle tumors: an immunohistochemical analysis comparing leiomyoma, uterine smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential, and leiomyosarcoma.

Objective: Bcl-2 protein is an apoptosis-inhibiting gene product that prevents the normal course of apoptotic cell death in a variety of cells. Additionally, bcl-2 can promote cell replication by reducing the requirement for growth factors. This protein seems, therefore, to play an important role in the growth of tumors.

Bcl-2 expression and other clinicopathologic parameters in uterine leiomyosarcoma.

Background: The bcl-2 protein, which is involved in cell-cycle regulation and apoptosis, seems to play an important role in the growth of tumors. Until recently, only one study described the frequent expression of bcl-2 in uterine leiomyosarcomas (LMS) and indicated its important prognostic role. Thus, the aims of the present study were to examine bcl-2 expression in patients with uterine LMS and to determine if the expression of this protein would influence the prognosis.

Ki-67 and vascular endothelial growth factor expression in uterine leiomyosarcoma.

Objective: Uterine leiomyosarcomas (LMS) are rare female neoplasms of high malignant potential. The importance of different prognostic parameters in these malignancies remains controversial. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic value of Ki-67 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in uterine LMS.

Women's position during labour: influence on maternal and neonatal outcome.

Aim: To assess the maternal, perineal and neonatal outcomes of an upright position compared with a supine position during vaginal delivery, in terms of defined outcome variables.

Methods: This case-control study was carried out at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the University Hospital Vienna between 1997 and 2002. A total of 307 women who delivered in an upright position were enrolled in the study.

Thrombocytosis and anaemia in women with recurrent ovarian cancer prior to a second-line chemotherapy.

Background: To investigate the incidence and the prognostic value of platelet count and serum haemoglobin (Hb) in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer prior to second-line chemotherapy.

Materials And Methods: Clinical records were reviewed for 31 patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. Survival analysis was evaluated by univariate (Kaplan-Meier product limit method and log-rank test) analysis.

Immunohistochemical analysis of a primary ovarian leiomyosarcoma. Case report.

Background: Primary ovarian leiomyosarcoma is an extremely rare malignant smooth muscle neoplasm. We report a case of a primary leiomyosarcoma of the ovary managed at our institution.

Case Report: Surgical exploration in a 71-year-old woman revealed a large left adnexal tumor and one separate metastatic implant in one part of the omentum, being classified as a primary ovarian leiomyosarcoma stage III C.

Management of the perineum during forceps delivery. Association of episiotomy with the frequency and severity of perineal trauma in women undergoing forceps delivery.

Objective: To examine the association of the frequency and severity of perineal trauma with episiotomy performed at forceps delivery.

Study Design: This retrospective study analyzed all forceps deliveries at the Semmelweis Women's Hospital Vienna between February 1999 and July 1999. Evaluation of a possible association of episiotomy with the frequency and severity of perineal trauma was the main objective of the study.