2025-04-30 2025, Volume 52 Issue 4

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  • systematic-review
    Yiyi Kong, Jingli Liang, Yanhua Chen, Xin Zeng, Min Xu
    Background:

    To systematically evaluate the clinical effect and safety of acupuncture (AC) in the treatment of patients with infertility due to luteal phase defects.

    Methods:

    We conducted a systematic review and meta-analyses of AC’s clinical outcome and safety in treating infertility due to luteal phase defects. We searched for databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMBASE, CNKI, CBM, Wanfang, Weipu, and VIP, and retrieved articles from inception to February 28, 2022. We used the STATA 12.0 software to conduct the meta-analyses. Egger’s test was conducted to assess publication bias.

    Results:

    A total of 9 randomized controlled trials involving 638 eligible patients were included in our study. The results of the meta-analysis showed that compared with a group of drug treatment, AC-based combination therapeutic regimes can significantly improve total effective rate (TER; odds ratio (OR) = 1.56, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.11–2.18, p = 0.010), and pregnancy rate (PR; OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.20–2.13, p = 0.001) for patients with infertility due to luteal phase defect. Significant differences were observed in serum progesterone (P4) (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.06–1.98, p = 0.000) and estradiol (E2) (SMD = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.47–1.45, p = 0.000) levels between AC-based combination therapeutic regimes group and the drug treatment group.

    Conclusions:

    AC combined with other drug treatments for luteal phase deficiency (LPD) infertility therapy can significantly increase the TER and PR and improve the serum P4 and estradiol (E2) levels of patients compared to drug treatment alone. Considering the low quality of the included studies, the results of this meta-analysis still need to be carefully interpreted. Well-designed clinical studies with large sample sizes are still required to confirm our results.

    Registration:

    The study has been registered on https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ (registration number: CRD42023472727).

  • research-article
    Jie Jiang, Jing Tan, Xian Zhang, Dahong Yu, Qing Ye, Xuemei Deng
    Background:

    Pregnancy presents significant physical, emotional, and psychological challenges for women. Prenatal yoga exercise has been increasingly recognized for its potential to address these aspects of maternal health. However, the specific impact of prenatal yoga exercise remains an area of ongoing investigation. This study aimed to investigate the effects of prenatal yoga exercise on stress levels, psychological resilience, the duration of the second stage of labor, and pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women. Understanding these effects is crucial for improving maternal and neonatal health, as well as informing antenatal care practices.

    Methods:

    A retrospective cohort study was conducted on expectant mothers admitted to our hospital from January 2023 to June 2023. They were divided into a non-prenatal yoga exercise group (n = 67) and a prenatal yoga exercise group (n = 64). Prenatal yoga exercise involved a tailored program from the 16th week of pregnancy until delivery. A range of measurements including stress levels, psychological resilience, duration of labor stages, and pregnancy outcomes were assessed.

    Results:

    Post-intervention stress levels decreased significantly in the prenatal yoga group (p = 0.018) compared to the non-prenatal yoga group. Post-intervention psychological resilience scores were higher in the prenatal yoga group (p = 0.014) compared to the non-prenatal yoga group. The second stage of labor was shorter in the prenatal yoga group (p = 0.010) than in the non-prenatal yoga group. The prenatal yoga group also exhibited lower rates of forceps delivery, episiotomy, oxytocin use, cesarean section, and a higher rate of vaginal delivery, all with significant differences (p < 0.05). Significant correlations were found between prenatal yoga and maternal outcomes (p < 0.05).

    Conclusions:

    This study provides insights into potential benefits of prenatal yoga exercise in reducing stress, enhancing psychological resilience, promoting efficient labor progress, and improving pregnancy outcomes.

  • research-article
    Reshmy Mohan, Priya Ramesh Prabhu, Gopika Mohanakumaran Nair Geetha, Jissa Vinoda Thulaseedharan
    Background:

    As one of the most populous countries in the world, India plays a significant role in contributing to the global burden of female-specific cancers. This paper aims to provide a clearer understanding of this burden by comparing the situation in India with that of other countries and regions. Such an understanding will help policymakers assess the adequacy of cancer control measures in India.

    Methods:

    The age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR) and age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) of all cancers among women, as well as the rates of six female-specific cancers, i.e., of the breast, cervix uteri, ovary, corpus uteri, vagina, and vulva, were obtained from the Global Cancer Observatory for the year 2022. The estimates for India were compared with those of countries such as the United States of America (USA), Australia, the United Kingdom (UK), South Africa, El Salvador, and China.

    Results:

    Among the selected countries, India exhibited the lowest incidence and mortality rates for all-cause cancer among women, with rates of 100.83 and 62.61 per 100,000 person-years, respectively. It also reported the lowest incidence of breast cancer (26.6 per 100,000 person-years) and corpus uteri cancer (2.46 per 100,000 person-years) among the selected countries. However, the ASIR and ASMR of cervical cancer were the second highest in India (17.71 and 11.15 per 100,000 person-years) after South Africa (33.18 and 19.03 per 100,000 person-years). The incidence rates in India are below the global median for all cancers (157.66), breast cancer (46.21), and corpus uteri cancer (7.03), but they are above the global median for cervix uteri cancer (14.10). A similar trend was observed concerning cancer-related mortality rates among Indian women. Nearly 54% of cancer incidence and 50% of cancer mortality among women in India are attributed to these six female-specific cancers.

    Conclusions:

    Although India contributes significantly to the global burden of female-specific cancers, the ASIR and ASMR for these cancers are lower than those in many other countries. It is essential to study how sociodemographic transitions influence the patterns of female-specific cancers in high-, low-, and middle-income countries to inform the implementation of effective cancer control strategies by health systems in countries like India.

  • research-article
    Moyi Jiang, Kexin Zhang, Ying Jin
    Background:

    Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been associated with various cancers, including breast and endometrial cancer. However, its role in the severity of ovarian cancer remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between MetS and the severity of ovarian cancer.

    Methods:

    A retrospective analysis was performed on 309 ovarian cancer patients hospitalized at Beijing Friendship Hospital from January 2013 to January 2024. The Chinese Diabetes Society criteria were used to define MetS. The association between ovarian cancer severity and MetS was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression models.

    Results:

    The overall prevalence of MetS in ovarian cancer was 15.69% (48/306), with 15% (17/113) in Stage I, 10% (3/31) in Stage II, 17% (18/103) in Stage III, and 17% (10/59) in Stage IV. After adjusting for confounding variables (fully adjusted Model 3), logistic regression analysis showed that ovarian cancers in Stage II (odds ratio (OR): 0.814, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.192–3.440), Stage III (OR: 1.121, 95% CI: 0.478–2.629), and Stage IV (OR: 1.315, 95% CI: 0.479–3.609) was not significantly associated with MetS compared to Stage I.

    Conclusion:

    MetS was not found to be associated with ovarian cancer severity. Further prospective studies are needed to determine the causal relationship between MetS and ovarian cancer severity.

  • systematic-review
    Sixuan Guo, Yaqing Liu, Pengyan Xiong, Xun Liu, Yiting Pan, Li Liao
    Background:

    Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema (BCRL) is a chronic condition requiring lifelong care, impacting survivors’ quality of life. Social relationships play a crucial role in survivorship, yet research on their broader impact remains limited. Many Breast Cancer Survivors with Lymphedema (BCSWL) struggle with work, relationships, and self-esteem. This review explores their social experiences to inform healthcare strategies and improve self-management.

    Method:

    Based on the Joanna Briggs Institute meta-aggregation approach, article screening and data analysis were conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The quality of the screened articles was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research (JBI-QARI), and the Confidence in the Qualitative Synthesis of Findings (ConQual) approach was conducted to grade aggregated findings.

    Results:

    This review included 14 studies and focused primarily on 4 types of relationships: family, work colleagues, romantic relationships, and all relational partners (with some papers discussing overlapping relationship themes). We identified 4 synthesized findings that explore the experiences of BCSWL under different social relationships: (a) negotiating health and role expectations, (b) experiencing psychosocial pressure and stigmatization, (c) experiencing support from social networks, and (d) developing adaptive resilience and identity reconstruction.

    Conclusions:

    BCSWL experience complex and multifaceted outcomes within various social relationships, with both positive and negative experiences shaping their health and well-being. Findings indicate that BCSWL often face heightened role conflicts in workplace and family settings, compounded by a lack of adequate support. They are also particularly vulnerable to psychosocial pressures and stigmatization in romantic relationships. Despite these challenges, BCSWL demonstrate remarkable resilience, effectively navigating these difficulties across different relational contexts. Receiving support from relational networks throughout their lifelong treatment is crucial for their overall health and well-being.

    The PROSPERO Registration:

    The study has been registered on https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ (registration number: CRD42024541249).

  • research-article
    Manna Sun, Haiwen Zhuo, Yunyong Fang, Jiezhen Liang, Jiwu Lou, Bingmei Dai, Xinghe Wang, Jingsi Chen
    Background:

    Abnormal concentrations of maternal thyroid hormones are risk factors for certain obstetrical complications. However, the influence induced by different types of maternal thyroid dysfunction on obstetrical complications and outcomes remains controversial. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the prevalence of distinct thyroid dysfunction subtypes in pregnant women and their specific associations with adverse obstetric outcomes, thereby clarifying clinical management priorities.

    Methods:

    In a retrospective cohort study, a total of 17,219 pregnant women underwent a thyroid function test, including thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free tetraiodothyronine (fT4). All participants were divided into seven groups based on their blood test results, and their pregnancy outcomes were followed up. The isolated hypothyroxinemia group was divided into two cohorts, depending on whether the patients received levothyroxine. Complications during pregnancy and the outcomes were observed and analyzed in both cohorts.

    Results:

    A total of 2621 (15.22%) women were identified with an abnormal thyroid function, including 1150 with subclinical hypothyroidism, 562 with gestational transient thyrotoxicosis, 419 with subclinical hyperthyroidism, 336 with isolated hypothyroxinemia, 78 with hyperthyroidism, and 76 with hypothyroidism. After adjusting for maternal characteristics, no significant associations were found between specific hyperthyroidism groups and the risk of pregnancy complications. However, mothers with overt hypothyroidism had nearly a 3-fold increased risk of developing postpartum hemorrhage (odds ratio (OR): 2.76; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.19–6.38; p = 0.018). Subclinical hypothyroidism was associated with an increased risk of premature membrane rupture (OR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.25–1.64; p < 0.001) and therapeutic abortion related to fetal anomalies (OR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.13–3.74; p = 0.019). Additionally, both subclinical hypothyroidism, overt hypothyroidism, and isolated hypothyroxinemia were linked to more than a 2-fold increase in the risk of preeclampsia. Mothers with subclinical hypothyroidism exhibited a lower risk for gestational diabetes mellitus (OR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.57–0.79; p < 0.001), while those with isolated hypothyroxinemia had approximately a 1.5-fold increased risk for gestational diabetes mellitus (OR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.11–1.80; p = 0.005). There were no significant differences in outcomes between those receiving levothyroxine treatment in the isolated hypothyroxinemia group and those who did not.

    Conclusions:

    Our results showed a high incidence of thyroid dysfunction in pregnant women, with subclinical hypothyroidism being the most common, followed by gestational transient thyrotoxicosis. In general, pregnant women with hypothyroidism presented with a high risk of complications during pregnancy. Isolated hypothyroxinemia in pregnant women is concerning, and levothyroxine treatment did not improve pregnancy outcomes and obstetrical complications.

  • research-article
    Mehmet Nuri Duran, Süreyya Sarıdaş Demir, Lokman Semih Demirkaya, Serem Kel Ilgin, İbrahim Eren Pek, Bülent Demir
    Background:

    The presence of increased resistance in uterine artery Doppler measurements is associated with preeclampsia and other adverse pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate whether a full or empty bladder affects uterine artery Doppler results.

    Methods:

    This study included 213 women with singleton pregnancies between 11–13 weeks. The first measurement for bilateral uterine artery Doppler parameters was performed while the patients experienced a full bladder, while the second measurement was conducted immediately following urination.

    Results:

    Uterine artery notching presented statistically significant results when the bladder was evaluated as full and empty. While the mean values calculated for the left uterine artery pulsatility index were 1.82 ± 0.04 before micturition, this value was calculated as 1.74 ± 0.04 after micturition (p = 0.011). The mean value for the right uterine artery while the mean value was 1.85 ± 0.042 before micturition, it was calculated as 1.81 ± 0.041 after micturition (p < 0.001). Uterine artery resistance indices were also statistically different before and after micturition. The mean values calculated for the left uterine artery resistance index were 0.77 ± 0.008 before micturition and 0.74 ± 0.007 after micturition (p = 0.003). For the right uterine artery, it was calculated as 0.76 ± 0.008 before micturition and 0.75 ± 0.01 after micturition (p = 0.047).

    Conclusions:

    Although there are minimal studies on this subject in the literature are limited, physiological principles and the results of the present study show that emptying the bladder before arterial Doppler evaluation of spaces such as the abdominal compartment, will provide more accurate results.

  • research-article
    Trong Thach Than, Duc Thang Le, Ha Ngoc Thien Thanh Nguyen, Thi Ngoc Chau Duong, Thai Thanh Khue Le, Manh Ha Nguyen, Hoang Le
    Background:

    Progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) using dydrogesterone (DYG) has emerged as a potential alternative to conventional gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH-ant) protocols for controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) cycles. However, the efficacy of the DYG-based PPOS regimen has not been well established. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the DYG-based PPOS protocol compared to the conventional GnRH-ant regimen during the various stages of COS and intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedures.

    Methods:

    A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted on 200 infertile women who underwent COS using either the GnRH-ant (n = 100) or PPOS (n = 100) protocols. Generalized linear regression analysis with the appropriate distribution was applied to estimate the adjusted effect of the PPOS protocol on oocyte maturation and retrieval, fertilization, and embryo formation.

    Results:

    Both treatment groups had comparable hormonal profiles and procedural characteristics. Compared to the GnRH-ant protocol, the PPOS protocol resulted in an average increase of 1.67 oocytes per retrieval (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.29; 3.04; p = 0.017). The PPOS protocol demonstrated a modest yet significant improvement in the likelihood of oocyte maturation, with an adjusted mean difference of 4.2% (95% CI: 0.4; 8.0; p = 0.03), corresponding to an odds ratio of 1.23 (95% CI: 1.02; 1.47; p = 0.03). The fertilization and embryo development rates (cleavage embryos and blastocysts) were similar between the two protocols.

    Conclusions:

    Our findings suggest that the PPOS protocol using DYG offers a slight yet significant advantage over the GnRH-ant protocol regarding the total number of retrieved oocytes and the maturation rate, while maintaining comparable fertilization rates and embryo development outcomes.

    Clinical Trial Registration:

    The study has been registered on https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ (registration number: NCT06191809).

  • research-article
    Haiyan Chen, Dan Zhong, Dake Li
    Background:

    Ovarian yolk sac tumor (OYST) is a rare and malignant subtype of malignant ovarian germ cell tumors (MOGCT). Due to its rarity, few large-scale studies have systematically evaluated the prognostic factors for this tumor type. In the present study, our aim was to identify independent prognostic factors for OYST and develop a nomogram to predict patient survival.

    Methods:

    Data from 427 OYST patients diagnosed between 1992 and 2019 were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Patients were randomly divided into training (n = 299) and validation (n = 128) cohorts. Univariate Cox regression, Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression, and multivariate Cox analysis were used to identify prognostic factors. A nomogram was constructed based on age, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage, regional lymph node status, and liver metastasis. The model’s accuracy and clinical utility were evaluated using the concordance index (C-index), calibration curves, time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA).

    Results:

    Age, AJCC stage, regional lymph node status, and liver metastasis were identified as independent prognostic factors for OYST. The nomogram demonstrated strong predictive accuracy, with C-indices of 0.868 and 0.813 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Calibration curves confirmed the agreement between predicted and observed survival rates. The time-dependent ROC curves showed area under the curves (AUCs) exceeding 0.8 for 3-, 5-, and 10-year survival predictions. DCA revealed that the nomogram provided a superior net benefit compared to the AJCC staging system. A risk stratification system based on the nomogram effectively differentiated high- and low-risk patients, with Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicating significantly worse outcomes for high-risk patients.

    Conclusions:

    The nomogram developed in this study provides accurate and clinically relevant predictions for the survival of OYST patients. Furthermore, it offers a valuable tool for individualized prognostic assessment and postoperative decision-making. Prospective, multicenter studies are needed to validate and further refine this model.

  • research-article
    Xia Liu, Fangyuan Zheng, Wanting Zeng, Yingying Wu
    Background:

    This study focuses on fetal distress, a condition associated with long-term health risks such as diabetes and heart disease. It highlights the crucial role of early detection and management, particularly through improving the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of pregnant women. This research aims to assess the KAP regarding fetal distress among pregnant women at a tertiary care hospital in China, with the goal of informing future prevention programs and health education strategies.

    Methods:

    This cross-sectional study utilized a custom-designed questionnaire focused on the KAP related to fetal intrauterine distress. The survey targeted pregnant women attending prenatal consultations at a specific hospital in China. Influential factors affecting maternal KAP levels toward preventing fetal intrauterine distress were identified through multiple linear regression analysis.

    Results:

    Out of the 502 questionnaires distributed, all were effectively retrieved, resulting in a 100% response rate. The average knowledge score for fetal distress prevention was 5.00 (2.00). The average attitude score toward fetal distress was 42.00 (8.00), whereas the average behavioral score for prevention was 34.00 (8.00). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed planned pregnancy, educational attainment, and monthly household income per capita were pivotal determinants influencing pregnant women’s KAP toward preventing fetal distress (p < 0.05).

    Conclusions:

    Although pregnant women generally adopt a proactive approach to preventing fetal intrauterine distress, limited knowledge hinders the application of this awareness. Key factors, including pregnancy planning, education, and income, significantly affect KAP related to fetal distress prevention, highlighting the need for targeted perinatal education to reduce its incidence.

  • research-article
    Rifat Sener, Sitki Ozbilgec, Fatih Akkus, Elif Ceyda Serin, Oguzhan Günenc
    Background:

    Ovarian torsion is a medical emergency caused by ovarian rotation and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications such as ovarian necrosis. In our study, we aimed to predict ovarian torsion by evaluating preoperative neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio (NPAR) and inflammatory parameters among patients with ovarian cyst and ovarian torsion.

    Methods:

    This retrospective study includes 167 patients who underwent surgery for ovarian cysts or ovarian torsion between January 2021 and May 2024 at Konya City Hospital. Clinical characteristics, along with preoperative hematologic and inflammatory parameters, were compared between patients with and without torsion.

    Results:

    There was no significant difference in ovarian cyst size or cyst lateralization between the ovarian cyst and ovarian torsion groups (p = 0.595 and p = 0.932, respectively). Neutrophil percentage, neutrophil count, white blood cell (WBC) count, NPAR, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were higher in the ovarian torsion group (n = 83) compared to the ovarian cyst group (n = 84) (all p < 0.01). Lymphocyte count was lower in the ovarian torsion group. Although the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) was higher in the torsion group, the difference was not statistically significant. A correlation analysis was performed between patient age, ovarian cyst size, and inflammatory parameters in the ovarian torsion group. When the NPAR cut-off was set at 1.66, high sensitivity (80.7%) and specificity (95.2%) were observed for ovarian torsion. The positive predictive value (PPV) was 94.3%, and the negative predictive value (NPV) was 83.3%. The area under the curve (AUC) for NPAR was 0.892 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.837–0.947), indicating strong predictive performance (p = 0.001).

    Conclusions:

    The higher levels of NPAR, NLR, WBC count, neutrophil percentage, and neutrophil count observed in ovarian torsion cases suggest that these parameters may be useful in diagnosing ovarian torsion. In addition, the high sensitivity and specificity values of NPAR highlights its potential for future studies in the diagnosis of ovarian torsion.

  • research-article
    Hae Ji Han, Kyoung Chul Chun, Eun Hee Ha
    Background:

    Maternal nutritional requirements change with each trimester, making it crucial to provide appropriate vitamin supplementation tailored to each stage. In this study, we investigated the trimester-specific patterns of various vitamin supplements in pregnant women.

    Methods:

    In this multicenter cross-sectional study, we analyzed a total of 816 singleton pregnant women who visited hospitals for prenatal care from April 2023 to December 2023. Participants were grouped by trimester, with 140 in the first trimester, 365 in the second, and 311 in the third trimester. A stratified analysis by trimester was performed using multiple linear regression and logistic regression models to examine trimester-specific differences in vitamin supplement intake. A one-way analysis of variance was conducted to compare the total vitamin supplement intake across trimesters.

    Results:

    Among the 816 pregnant women, 98.16% (801/816) reported taking at least one supplement, with the mean number of supplements increasing from 2.92 ± 1.27 in the first trimester to 4.04 ± 1.63 in the second and 4.37 ± 1.52 in the third trimester. Notably, iron supplementation increased significantly across trimesters. Stratification analysis revealed that maternal age significantly influenced calcium intake (p-value for interaction = 0.03), with women aged ≥35 years exhibiting higher intake in the third trimester. However, parity and body mass index (BMI) did not show significant interactions with any supplement type. Vitamin D and folic acid intake remained consistently high across trimesters, indicating widespread awareness of their importance. These findings suggest that supplementation practices vary based on pregnancy stage and maternal characteristics.

    Conclusions:

    Our study examined the patterns of vitamin supplement intake among pregnant women in Republic of Korea across trimesters. We anticipate that this research will serve as a foundational study, providing valuable insights for future investigations into trimester-specific supplement use among pregnant women.

  • research-article
    Jessica Han, Julia Unterscheider
    Background:

    Stillbirth is a devastating pregnancy outcome. In 2020, there were 2273 stillbirths in Australia. Up to 80% of affected patients become pregnant again within 12 to 18 months. However, subsequent pregnancies are often accompanied by both medical and emotional challenges. The primary aim of this study was to describe the antenatal, birth, and neonatal outcomes of pregnancy following a previous stillbirth, and to inform the establishment of a Pregnancy After Loss Clinic (PALC) at our institution. Secondary aims were to describe the characteristics of the index stillbirth and to explore potential differences in antenatal care and pregnancy outcomes in the subsequent pregnancy based on the gestational age and mode of the index stillbirth.

    Methods:

    This was a 3-year, single-centre retrospective quantitative cohort study investigating patients who completed a pregnancy beyond 20 weeks at the Royal Women’s Hospital between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2022, following a previous pregnancy that ended in stillbirth. Descriptive statistical analyses and subgroup analyses were conducted to investigate the extent of care and outcomes in the subsequent pregnancy, based on the gestational age (<28 weeks or ≥28 weeks) and mode (fetal death in utero or termination of pregnancy) of index stillbirth.

    Results:

    Our study included 114 women and 120 infants. On average, 38 women with a history of stillbirth presented to the Royal Women’s Hospital each year. Most pregnancies followed fetal death in utero due to fetal anomaly. These women conceived again within 1.8 years of their index stillbirth and received increased antenatal surveillance. There were high rates of labour induction (39.5%, n = 45) and caesarean delivery (41.3%, n = 47). Nearly a quarter of neonates were admitted to subsequent neonatal care (23.3%, n = 28). However, overall neonatal outcomes were reassuring, with most infants born at term (75.4%, n = 86) and a mean birthweight of 2945.0 g (95% confidence interval (CI): 2795.3–3094.5 g).

    Conclusions:

    Pregnancy following a previous stillbirth involves increased care provision and higher rates of intervention, but both pregnancy and neonatal outcomes are otherwise reassuring.

  • research-article
    Celal Akdemir, Mücahit Furkan Balci, Neşe Gürel Kandemir, Özgür Erdoğan, Serkan Karaoğlu, Ayşe Gül Besler, Arda Batuhan Karaduman, Hasan Baran Livdumlu, Mehmet Ferdi Kıncı, Muzaffer Sanci
    Background:

    Postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction remains a significant problem in patients undergoing gynecologic oncology surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of a preoperative exercise regimen, including abdominal massage and rectal digital stimulation, on postoperative bowel function in patients undergoing gynecologic oncology surgery.

    Methods:

    This randomized controlled study was approved by the Tepecik Training and Research Hospital Ethics Committee and conducted between January 1 and August 31, 2023. Patients in the exercise group received abdominal exercises one week before surgery, including abdominal massage and rectal digital stimulation, which they practice throughout the week leading up to the operation. Patients who did not perform exercises were included in the control group.

    Results:

    A total of 97 patients were included in the study, with 51 assigned to the exercise group and 46 to the control group. There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics between the two groups. The time to first flatus, first defecation, return of normal bowel sounds, and tolerance of solid food was significantly shorter in the exercise group (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of length of hospital stay (p = 0.671).

    Conclusions:

    Preoperative abdominal exercises performed before gynecologic malignancy surgeries enhance bowel motility, reduce the time to first flatus and first defecation, and expedite the patient’s ability to tolerate solid food during the postoperative period.

    Clinical Trial Registration:

    The study has been registered on https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ (registration number: NCT06113718).

  • research-article
    Necim Yalcin, Aysun Alci, Mustafa Gokkaya, Mehmet Goksu, Tayfun Toptas, Isin Ureyen
    Background:

    Colposcopy-directed cervical biopsy (CDB) is the most commonly used diagnostic method for the detection of cervical precancerous lesions, while the loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is the most common surgical technique for treatment. However, discrepancies between CDB and LEEP results have been reported in the literature. Therefore, identifying the factors that influence concordance between these two procedures is crucial for accurately diagnosing precancerous lesions and preventing over- and under-treatment.

    Methods:

    A retrospective analysis was conducted on women who underwent conization between January 2015 and December 2023 due to a preoperative CDB revealing lesions classified as ≥ cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 (CIN2+), including CIN 2, CIN3, and invasive cancer. Demographic data, along with colposcopy and conization results, were obtained from patient records and the electronic gynecologic oncology clinic database.

    Results:

    A total of 358 patients were included in the analysis. The overall concordance between CDB and LEEP pathology was 68.7% (n = 246/358). In the univariate analysis, age, menopausal status, and endocervical curettage (ECC) result were identified as factors associated with concordance between CDB and LEEP result (p = 0.006, 0.008, and 0.005, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 positivity, premenopausal status, and absence of preoperative positive ECC result were identified as independent predictors of high concordance between CDB and LEEP results [odds ratio (OR): 1.72, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05–2.83, p = 0.031; OR: 2.47, 95% CI: 1.46–4.17, p = 0.001; and OR: 0.345, 95% CI: 0.193–0.616, p < 0.001, respectively].

    Conclusion:

    The detection rate of ≥ CIN2 lesions in LEEP is predicted to be higher in patients with HPV type 16 positivity, premenopausal status, and the presence of a ≥ CIN2 lesion in the preoperative ECC.

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ISSN 0390-6663 (Print)
ISSN 2709-0094 (Online)