Managing fertile women under lithium treatment: the challenge of a Teratology Information Service.

Background: The objective of the present study is to review the literature regarding the management of fertile patients under lithium treatment for bipolar disorder and to report the experience of our Teratology Information Service over the past thirteen years in managing women treated with lithium during preconception, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Methods: This research focuses on a selective review of the literature and a retrospective survey has been carried out on fertile women under lithium treatment who called our service at A. Gemelli University Hospital in Rome from May 2002 to December 2015.

Chronic exposure to high doses of selenium in the first trimester of pregnancy: Case report and brief literature review.

Background: Obstetricians usually prescribe supplements during pregnancy without actual indication. The use of selenium during pregnancy has increased, due to its function in several antioxidant mechanisms.

Case: A pregnant woman received 200,000 micrograms (μg) per day of a selenium galenic formulation, since gestational week (g.

Glaucoma Drug Therapy in Pregnancy: Literature Review and Teratology Information Service (TIS) Case Series.

Background: There are many contradictions about pregnancy and fetal/neonatal outcomes after topical use of timolol alone or timolol in combination with other antiglaucoma medications.

Methods: Seventy-five pregnant women exposed to antiglaucoma medications were followed prospectively by phone interviews. 27 women used timolol as monotherapy, 48 women used timolol as a part of multidrug therapy.

Screening and management of maternal colonization with Streptococcus agalactiae: an Italian cohort study.

Introduction: Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B streptococcus [GBS]) is the most common cause of sepsis and meningitis in infants <3 months of age. Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) is effective in preventing the transmission of GBS to newborns. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines suggest vaginal and rectal cultures to assess GBS colonization between 35 and 37 weeks' gestation.

Laparoscopic management of a large, twisted, ovarian dermoid cyst during pregnancy: a case report.

Background: Mature cystic teratomas, commonly known as dermoid cysts, are the most frequent ovarian tumors discovered during pregnancy. They are present in 0.3% of pregnancies from weeks 16-20 of gestation.

Syphilis Infection during pregnancy: fetal risks and clinical management.

Congenital syphilis is still a cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Untreated maternal infection leads to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including early fetal loss, stillbirth, prematurity, low birth weight, neonatal and infant death, and congenital disease among newborns. Clinical manifestations of congenital syphilis are influenced by gestational age, stage of maternal syphilis, maternal treatment, and immunological response of the fetus.

Folic acid use in planned pregnancy: an Italian survey.

It is well known that periconceptional folic acid supplementation decreases the risk of neural tube defects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the attitudes and practices of women with planned pregnancies regarding periconceptional folic acid intake and to identify factors associated with the use of this supplement. During 2 years of observation, we surveyed women with planned pregnancies who called our Teratology Information Service.

Smoke, alcohol consumption and illicit drug use in an Italian population of pregnant women.

Objective: High-risk behaviours are associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Exposure to drugs, infection or radiation is a cause of concern for pregnant women, who contact Teratology Information Services (TIS) to have a counseling but with an accurate medical history is possible to detect additional behavioural risk factors that can significantly interfere with pregnancy outcome. The aim of this study is to describe risk behaviours in a population of Italian women calling our TIS and to identify related maternal factors.

Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in the management of ovarian cancer.

Among the pharmaceutical options available for treatment of ovarian cancer, much attention has been progressively focused on pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD), whose unique formulation, which entraps conventional doxorubicin in a bilayer lipidic sphere surrounded by a polyethylene glycol layer, prolongs the persistence of the drug in the circulation and potentiates intratumor drug accumulation. These properties enable this drug to sustain its very favorable toxicity profile and to be used safely in combination with other drugs. PLD has been already approved for treatment of advanced ovarian cancer patients failing first-line platinum-based treatment.

Treatment of cervical cancer in Italy: strategies and their impact on the women.

Treatment of cervical cancer greatly varies according to the stage of the disease. Laparoscopic surgical staging is emerging as a valid approach, compared to clinical and imaging staging, to better identify the treatment plan. Minimally invasive surgery plays the greatest role in the treatment of early cervical carcinoma (ECC).