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Biomedical subjects

Ebru Tarim

Publications and source records attributed to Ebru Tarim.

15 recordsLinked to original sources

How best is to discontinue postmenopausal hormone therapy: immediate or tapered?

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the differences between the immediate and tapered cessation protocols of hormone therapy in terms of recurrence of menopausal symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective, randomized clinical study 70 consecutive patients in whom hormone therapy was no longer preferred were recruited from the menopause clinic of a university hospital and rank randomized into two groups. In group 1 (n=35) hormone therapy was immediately discontinued and in group 2 (n=35) the medication was tapered. Every patient was questioned about vasomotor symptoms before the initiation of hormone therapy at the first visit, and then revisited at the end of 2 and 4 weeks. RESULTS: We did not find any statistically significant difference between two protocols in terms of symptom severity and frequency at the end of 2 and 4 weeks of discontinuation. Although statistically insignificant, the symptoms tended to recur in fewer patients and in a less severe form in both groups when compared with their pretreatment status. CONCLUSIONS: Tapering or immediate discontinuing of hormone therapy did not affect the recurrence rate and severity of menopausal symptoms at the end of 4 weeks.

Drug Administration Schedule↗

Effects of aspirin on placenta and perinatal outcomes in patients with poor obstetric history.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare a low-dose aspirin treatment on placental and perinatal effects in the patients with poor obstetric history such as preeclampsia, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) in previous pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective study of 86 pregnant women was conducted between April 2002 and June 2005. In this study period 364 placentas were examined and the patients with poor obstetric history such as IUGR and preeclampsia were selected. Then the patients were assigned to three groups; group 1 (n = 30) was composed of women with no risk in previous pregnancy; group 2 (n = 27) was composed of patients with poor obstetric history (e.g., preeclampsia, IUGR) who were treated with aspirin and patients in group 3 (n = 29) had poor obstetric history without any treatment (patients who were started to follow-up after 14 weeks of gestation). Patients in group 2 were treated with a low-dose aspirin (80 mg/day) as soon as a urinary pregnancy test was positive. Treatment was usually stopped at 34 completed weeks of gestation. On histopathologic examination of the placenta, uteroplacental vascular pathologic features and secondary villous damage (such as fibrinoid necrosis of desidual vessels, villous infarct, severely increased villous fibrosis, severely increased syncytiotrophoblast knotting, obliteration of the vessel lumen, severely increased villous hypervascularity) and also lesions involving coagulation (such as excessive perivillous fibrin deposition, multiple occlusive thrombi in uteroplacental vessels, avascular villi ) were examined. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to maternal age, body mass index at the first trimester and delivery. Also there were no significant differences among groups with respect to placental weight, fetal height, weight, gestational week, umbilical artery pH, pO2, pCO2 and base excess status. The incidences of preeclampsia were 3.3, 7.4, 6.8% and the incidences of IUGR were 6.7, 11.1, 6.8% in the groups, respectively (P > 0.05 for both). Although the percentages of all pathologic findings were higher in groups 2 and 3, these differences were not statistically important. CONCLUSION: When low-dose aspirin is taken, starting at the beginning of pregnancy in patients with poor obstetric history, there are still high frequencies of uteroplacental vascular and related villous lesions persisted on placental bed. Also it has no beneficial effects on perinatal outcomes in these patients.

Adult↗

A case of unicornuate uterus with ipsilateral ovarian and renal agenesis.

OBJECTIVE: To present a case of a unicornuate uterus with ipsilateral ovarian and renal agenesis. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: Baskent University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Adana, Turkey. PATIENT(S): A 48-year-old gravida 3 (para 3 with term deliveries) woman with a 6-month history of menometrorrhagia was admitted to our clinic. Our diagnosis was a pedunculated submucous leiomyoma that protruded into the vagina. INTERVENTION(S): The patient chose to have a total abdominal hysterectomy and unilateral salpingoopherectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): During laparotomy, a unicornuate uterus with a noncommunicating horn, together with ipsilateral ovarian agenesis, was observed. A total abdominal hysterectomy and unilateral salpingoopherectomy were performed successfully. Because we could not detect the left ovary and left ureter during the operation, we planned an abdominal ultrasonography and intravenous pyelography (IVP) postoperatively to demonstrate possible urinary tract abnormalities. RESULT(S): We detected left renal agenesis by IVP. CONCLUSION(S): We presented a very rare clinical condition that demonstrates a unicornuate uterus with a noncommunicating horn, and ipsilateral ovarian and renal agenesis concomitantly. The absence of one ovary and one kidney in our case may be explained by the abnormal development of organs derived from a unilateral urogenital ridge.

Fallopian Tubes↗

Administration of B-group vitamins reduces circulating homocysteine in polycystic ovarian syndrome patients treated with metformin: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the current study was to assess the effects of B-group vitamins and folic acid administration on serum levels of homocysteine (Hcy) in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) on short-term metformin treatment. METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups. Group 1 patients (n = 20) received metformin (850 mg twice daily); group 2 patients (n = 20) received metformin (850 mg twice daily) and B-group vitamins (vitamin B1, 250 mg; vitamin B6, 250 mg; vitamin B12, 1000 microg twice daily); and group 3 patients (n = 20) received metformin (850 mg twice daily) and folic acid (174 microg twice daily). In all groups, lipid profiles and plasma total Hcy, vitamin B12, folic acid and glucose levels were recorded at baseline and at 3 months. RESULTS: A 26.5% increase in Hcy levels was seen after 12 weeks of metformin therapy, while 21.17 and 8.33% decreases in Hcy levels were detected when B-group vitamins or folic acid plus metformin were given respectively. There were no statistically significant differences recorded in insulin sensitivity using homeostasis model assessment in the three groups. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that B-group vitamins and folic acid administration counteract the Hcy-increasing effect seen with metformin therapy.

Adolescent↗

Are amniotic fluid C-reactive protein and glucose levels, and white blood cell counts at the time of genetic amniocentesis related with preterm delivery?

OBJECTIVE: To compare women with spontaneous preterm delivery before 37 weeks and women who delivered at term with respect to amniotic fluid C-reactive protein (CRP), glucose levels, and white blood cell counts at the time of genetic amniocentesis. STUDY DESIGN: The study was conducted on 216 pregnant women who underwent genetic amniocentesis between the 15th and 18th weeks of gestation at Baskent University Obstetrics and Gynecology Department. All patients were followed until delivery for the occurrence of pregnancy complication. Indications for amniocentesis included abnormal triple test results showing increased risk for Down's syndrome, advanced maternal age and sonographic findings indicative for chromosomal abnormalities. The samples were carried immediately to the laboratory for cytogenetic and biochemical examination. Women with spontaneous preterm delivery before 37 weeks (n = 20) and those who delivered at term (n = 196) were compared with respect to some maternal and infant characteristics, amniotic fluid C-reactive protein, glucose levels, and amniotic fluid white blood cell counts. RESULTS: During the study period 244 patients underwent amniocentesis. A chromosomal abnormality was present in 11 patients. 1 patient had a spontaneous pregnancy loss within 3 weeks after the procedure and 16 patients were delivered for fetal or maternal indications (preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, placenta previa). The remaining 216 women were included in the study and investigated for the risk of preterm delivery. The prevalence of spontaneous preterm delivery before 37 weeks was 9.3% (20/216). There were no significant differences between the preterm delivery and the term delivery groups with respect to C-reactive protein levels and white blood cell counts. Mean amniotic glucose levels were significantly lower in the preterm delivery group (P<0.05). Amniotic fluid glucose levels of < or = 46 mg/dL had a sensitivity of 100% and NPV of 100%. CONCLUSION: Amniotic fluid glucose levels at the time of genetic amniocentesis are lower in women with spontaneous preterm delivery before 37 weeks compared to those who delivered at term. Amniotic fluid glucose levels of < or = 46 mg/dL at the time of genetic amniocentesis may be more sensitive, cheaper and have higher negative predictive value than C-reactive protein levels and white blood cell counts for the prediction of patients in spontaneous preterm labor. The greatest benefit of amniotic fluid glucose testing might be when the physician judges the patient to be at low risk for preterm delivery.

Amniocentesis↗

Sjögren's syndrome diagnosed in pregnancy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: As in most other autoimmune diseases, Sjögren's syndrome is seen predominantly in women. Since the peak age is around the late reproductive and early postmenopausal period, the obstetric aspect has not been well studied. CASE: A 28-years-old woman, pregnant for 22 weeks and 5 days, was admitted with worsening general status, skin lesions, arthralgias, and oral and ocular symptoms typical of Sjögren's syndrome. She underwent hemodialysis for renal insufficiency. To prevent autoantibody formation, progression of the disease, therapy with methyl prednisolone, 100 mg/d intravenously; cyclophosphamide, 500 mg/month in a single intravenous application; hemodialysis 3 times a week; and plasmapheresis 7 times was instituted. An 1,100-g, male infant at 27 weeks and 5 days was delivered by cesarean section because of premature preterm rupture of membranes and severe late decelerations on cardiotocography. The infant was discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit after 30 days, weighing 1,800 g. Postnatal echocardiographic examination of the infant revealed neither cardiac malformations nor arrhythmias. CONCLUSION: Since the presence of autoantibodies against SS-A and SS-B are reported to accompany congenital heart block, the primary goal of therapy should be preventing this untoward effect of the disease. Close monitoring during pregnancy is mandatory to detect preeclampsia, intrauterine growth retardation and preterm labor.

Adult↗

Homocysteine levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome treated with metformin versus rosiglitazone: a randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Elevated levels of plasma homocysteine (Hcy) have been implicated as a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Although long-term treatment with metformin can increase Hcy levels in patients with type II diabetes mellitus or coronary heart disease, it is becoming an increasingly accepted and widespread medication in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In the literature, only one study has demonstrated that metformin increases Hcy levels in PCOS patients, but the effect of other insulin sensitizers on Hcy levels have not been reported previously in women with PCOS. We aimed to assess the effects of metformin and rosiglitazone on plasma Hcy levels in patients with PCOS. METHODS: Thirty women were randomized to two groups: 15 women in group 1 received 850 mg of metformin twice daily for 3 months. In group 2, 15 women received 4 mg of rosiglitazone for 3 months. In both groups, body mass index, menstrual pattern, and plasma total Hcy, insulin, glucose and lipid metabolism parameters were recorded at baseline and at 3 months. RESULTS: Hcy levels increased from 8.93+/-0.49 to 11.26+/-0.86 micromol/l (P = 0.002) and from 10.70+/-0.86 to 12.36+/-0.81 micromol/l (P = 0.01) in the metformin and rosiglitazone groups, respectively. Apolipoprotein (Apo) A1 levels increased from 127.10+/-6.85 to 145.7+/-7.18 mg/dl (P = 0.018) in the metformin group. Total cholesterol (total-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), lipoprotein (a) and Apo B levels decreased in the metformin group, but the change was not significant. Total-C levels decreased from 161.15+/-8.94 to 150.23+/-8.73 mg/dl (P = 0.026), HDL-C decreased from 43.13+/-2.65 to 39.15+/-2.52 mg/dl (P = 0.005) and LDL-C levels decreased from 93.83+/-6.06 to 80.7+/-2.30 mg/dl (P = 0.021) in the rosiglitazone group. CONCLUSION: Treatment with insulin sensitizers in women with PCOS may lead to increases in Hcy levels.

Adult↗

Effects of estrogen therapy on hearing in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to investigate how hormone therapy affects hearing in postmenopausal women. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective study involved 109 postmenopausal women. Twenty of the women were using estrogen therapy (ET group), 30 women were using hormone therapy (HT group), and 59 had not received hormone therapy of any kind (control group). Otoscopic examination revealed normal tympanic membranes in all 109 subjects. Each individual was tested with low- (250-2000 Hz) and high-frequency audiometry (4000-16000 Hz). Duration of hormone therapy was recorded, and patient characteristics (age, type of menopause, time since onset of menopause), body mass index (BMI), and hearing test results in the ET, HT, and control groups were compared. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the treatment (ET and HT group) and control groups with respect to age, BMI, or time since onset of menopause. The mean time on HT and ET was 4.13+/-2.41 years and 3.35+/-2.20 years, respectively. The mean air conduction results at low frequencies (250, 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz) in the ET group were significantly higher than the corresponding findings in the control group (P<.001) and than the HT group (P<.001). When the same comparisons were made between the HT group and the control group, none of the differences was statistically significant (P>.05). The mean air-conduction results at high frequencies (4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 kHz) in the ET group were significantly higher than the corresponding results in the HT group (P<.008). ET versus controls and HT versus controls at high frequencies revealed no significant differences (P>.05). The mean bone conduction results in the ET group were significantly higher than the corresponding findings in the control group (P<.016). Analysis of the same comparisons between the HT-ET and HT-control groups revealed no significant differences (P>.05). CONCLUSION: Estrogen therapy may slow down hearing loss in aging postmenopausal women; however, further studies of larger series are needed to confirm this, and the sites of hormonal action must also be explored.

Audiometry↗

Elevated plasma homocysteine levels in gestational diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: This prospective study investigated the occurrence of hyperhomocysteinemia in a population of patients with gestational diabetes. The aim was to determine whether elevated plasma homocysteine is associated with gestational diabetes in Turkish women. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective controlled study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Baskent University Faculty of Medicine between April 2002 and June 2003, and involved 304 Turkish women with uncomplicated pregnancies who were at 24-28 weeks gestation. The women in the study were assigned to one of three groups according to the results of the 50-g glucose screening and the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): group 1 comprised women who had normal glucose levels (< or = 135 mg/dL) after the 50-g challenge; group 2 comprised women with abnormal screening test results (> 135 mg/dL) but normal OGTT results; and group 3 comprised patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) according to the OGTT. Levels of fasting glucose, homocysteine, vitamin B(12) and folic acid, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol levels were measured in the three groups. Levels of insulin sensitivity were calculated using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) formula. RESULTS: The mean level of homocysteine in group 1 was significantly lower than the levels in groups 2 and 3 (p < 0.001) The mean triglyceride and VLDL levels in group 3 were significantly higher than the corresponding levels in group 1 (p < 0.05 for both). There were no significant differences among the groups with respect to levels of total cholesterol, vitamin B(12), folic acid, creatinine, fasting glucose or insulin. The mean HOMA value in group 3 was significantly higher than that in group 1 (p < 0.05). Only the blood glucose level after the 50-g glucose screening [p = 0.000, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.009-0.027] had a significant correlation with homocysteine levels. CONCLUSION: In this prospective study of Turkish women, we found that patients with gestational diabetes and women with abnormal screening test results (> 135 mg/dL) but normal OGTT results have higher homocysteine levels than normal pregnant women. This increased level seems to be related to an abnormal 50-g test but not to insulin resistance. Further investigations are needed to follow up for these patients in the postpartum period and later in their life.

Adult↗

Angular pregnancy.

Angular pregnancy, a type of cornual pregnancy, is a rare obstetric complication that can be life-threatening. In this situation, the embryo is implanted in the lateral angle of the uterine cavity, medial to the uterotubal junction and round ligament. Angular pregnancy must be distinguished from interstitial pregnancy, in which the embryo is implanted lateral to the round ligament. The report presented here describes a case of angular pregnancy that was diagnosed by endovaginal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. Laparoscopy can be useful for guiding dilatation and curettage in angular pregnancies, and may circumvent the need for invasive surgery or hysterectomy.

Adult↗

Large pseudocyst of the umbilical cord associated with patent urachus.

Cystic masses of the umbilical cord have been detected in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy in association with fetal abdominal wall defects and chromosomal anomalies. We present a case of an umbilical cord pseudocyst diagnosed using routine ultrasound at the 20 weeks of gestation. Serial sonography followed the progression of the cystic masses. A 2960-g male infant was delivered at term, in whom a patent urachus was detected. The infant underwent repair with closure of the patent urachus and plastic reconstruction of the abdominal wall, and the postoperative course was uneventful. This case demonstrated an uneventful outcome despite the persistent multiple cord cysts.

Adult↗

Vulvar syringoma aggravated by pregnancy.

Syringoma is a benign tumors of eccrine sweat gland. They appear as multiple, tiny, firm, skin-colored papules. Vulvar involvement of syringoma is rare. Only 24 cases with vulvar syringoma have been previously reported in the literature. The majority of patients with vulvar syringomas are asymptomatic. A case of syringoma of the vulva exacerbated during pregnancy is presented. The case appears remarkable for the experienced aggravated pruritic symptoms of the patient during her pregnancy.

Adult↗

The effects of short-term medroxyprogesterone acetate and micronized progesterone on glucose metabolism and lipid profiles in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a prospective randomized study.

In this prospective, randomized study we determined 10-d effects of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) and micronized progesterone (MP) either orally or per vaginally on hormonal parameters, glucose metabolism and lipid profiles in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Twenty-eight consecutive women with PCOS were randomized to receive 10-d MPA, oral MP, or vaginal MP. Hormonal parameters, insulin levels, oral glucose tolerance test, lipid profiles, and homeostasis model assessment and quantitative insulin sensitivity check indexes were assessed in all groups before and after treatment. Oral MPA and oral MP decreased LH (15.64 +/- 13.17 to 7.27 +/- 4.35 IU/liter, P = 0.028, and 18.85 +/- 11.86 to 10.49 +/- 6.48 IU/liter, P = 0.009, respectively) and total testosterone (5.85 +/- 2.80 to 3.40 +/- 1.72 nmol/liter, P = 0.013, and 5.29 +/- 2.98 to 3.43 +/- 2.10 nmol/liter, P = 0.037, respectively) levels. Hormonal parameters did not change with vaginal MP. Basal insulin (123.42 +/- 97.50 to 87.38 +/- 48.68 pmol/liter; P = 0.021) and homeostasis model assessment levels decreased, and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index increased significantly in the oral MPA group. Low density lipoprotein cholesterol and lipoprotein (a) levels decreased only in the MPA group. In conclusion, short-term oral MP and especially oral MPA might ameliorate insulin sensitivity in patients with PCOS. Vaginal MP has no effect on glucose metabolism and lipid profiles. LH, total testosterone, and insulin levels may be affected from the short-term progesterone treatment.

Administration, Intravaginal↗

Moclobemide in the treatment of hot flashes in postmenopausal women.

This randomized, prospective, double-blind study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of moclobemide, a reversible, selective inhibitor of monoamine oxidase-A, in reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes. Thirty postmenopausal women were enrolled, and 28 were allocated to 5 weeks of treatment with moclobemide 150 mg (group 1, n = 10), moclobemide 300 mg (group 2, n = 11), or placebo (group 3, n = 9). Data on hot flashes were recorded in a daily diary. Mean reductions in the hot flash severity score were 24.4% in the placebo group, 69.8% in group 1, and 35.0% in group 2. This large difference suggests that the beneficial effects were not due to a placebo effect. Moclobemide may be a new nonhormonal option for reducing the incidence, severity, and duration of hot flashes in postmenopausal women who do not wish to take estrogen or have contraindications to its use.

Adult↗

Spontaneous regression and reaccumulation of pleural effusion in a fetus. A case report.

Isolated pleural effusion is rare and occurs when varying degrees of fluid surround the fetal lung without concomitant hydrops. The effusion may regress spontaneously, remain stable in size, or progress to involve both sides of the chest causing fetal hydrops. This may result in pulmonary hypoplasia and fetal or neonatal demise. In this article, we report a case in which spontaneous resolution of an isolated right-sided fetal pleural effusion occurred at 23 weeks of gestation and reappeared bilaterally at 34 weeks. Serial ultrasonographic evaluation of the fetus should be continued even if a spontaneous resolution of a preexisting pleural effusion has occurred.

Adult↗