Maternal second trimester blood levels of selected heavy metals in pregnancies complicated with neural tube defects.

Purpose: Neural tube defects (NTDs) are the most common malformations of the central nervous system (CNS). There is continuing research for the identification of risk factors and interventions for prevention of NTDs. The aim of this study was to investigate the maternal second trimester blood levels of selected heavy metals namely, arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) and their possible relation with the occurrence of NTDs.

25-Hydroxy vitamin D levels in premenopausal Turkish women with uterine leiomyoma.

We aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels and the risk of uterine fibroids in premenopausal women in Turkish population in this prospective observational cross-sectional study. Sixty-eight women with at least one uterine leiomyoma ≥10 mm were compared with 56 healthy controls. Serum 25-(OH) vitamin D levels were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay.

The value of acute phase reactants in predicting preterm delivery.

Objective: We aimed to determine the potential value of maternal serum levels of acute phase reactants in the prediction of preterm delivery in women with threatened preterm labor (TPL).

Methods: Ninety-one pregnant women diagnosed with TPL and 83 healthy pregnant women as a control group were included in this prospective controlled study. All the pregnant women were followed until delivery and obstetric data and the serum levels of acute phase reactants were recorded for each participant.

Impact of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Maternal Obesity on Cord Blood Dynamic Thiol/Disulfide Homeostasis.

Aim: Our aim in this study was to investigate the effect of maternal obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on cord blood dynamic thiol/disulfide homeostasis.

Methods: A prospective case-control study was carried out in 125 pregnant women (27 GDM, 30 obese, 68 controls). Cord blood samples were collected from all participants and native thiol-disulfide exchanges were examined with automated method enabling the measurement of both sides of thiol-disulfide balance.

Role of ADAMTS5 in Unexplained Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR).

Aim: We aim to determine the role of serum and placental A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motif 5 (ADAMTS5) in fetal growth restriction (FGR).

Material And Methods: 43 pregnancies suffering FGR and 45 healthy ones were homogenized for their body mass indices, ages, and gestational weeks. Expression of ADAMTS5 in placental samples was determined by immunohistochemical methods and concurrent maternal serum ADAMTS5 levels were determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Risk factors for adverse clinical outcomes in patients with tubo-ovarian abscess.

This study assessed the risk factors for poor clinical outcomes in patients with tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA). Patients managed with medical therapy and discharged within 7 days without complications constituted the favourable prognosis group (n = 22), whereas those who were managed surgically or discharged after 7 days of antibiotic therapy constituted the poor prognosis group (n = 87). Variables including age, gravidity, number of dilation and curettage procedures, caesarean delivery, smoking status, serum C-reactive protein levels, serum white blood count, body temperature, abscess diameter, presence of an intrauterine device (IUD), duration of IUD placement and length of hospitalisation were evaluated to assess their relationship with the clinical prognosis of TOA.