Conservative possibilities influencing PCOS syndrome – the importance of nutrition

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common pathological condition in women. Conservative treatment is used in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome. Conservative treatment options include increased physical activity and diet. The main aim of the article is to discuss the therapeutic treatment of infl uencing PCOS from a nutritional point of view. PCOS is associated with several comorbidities, including infertility, metabolic syndrome, obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes mellitus II, and increased cardiovascular risk. Several therapeutic diets can be used in the treatment of PCOS, such as the DASH diet, the low-carbohydrate diet, and a diet based on a low glycemic index. A change in eating habits is associated with improvement in PCOS symptoms. Key words: polycystic ovary syndrome – nutrition – diet – metabolic syndrome

Epidural fever

Epidural analgesia (EPA) is the most eff ective method of intrapartum pain relief and is considered to be very safe. Recently, it has been used in up to 34% of parturients with EPA and is also associated with maternal temperature elevations during labor. The mechanism of this epidural-associated fever remains incompletely understood. The most likely etiology seems to be non-infectious infl ammation caused by an epidural catheter. However, some authors deny this association. They theorize it is caused by selection bias only, as EPA is more often required by women with more painful and prolonged or more complicated labor, where temperature elevation is due to other causes. They point out that in some studies, fever was correlated to EPA only with concurrent placental infl ammation. Maternal fever, despite the cause, either infectious or non-infectious origin, carries important clinical and public health implications. Further research that evaluates maternal epidural status and its infl uence on maternal or neonatal fever could improve sepsis evaluation and lead to worldwide decrease of unnecessary antibio tic exposure. Key words: epidural fever – epidural analgesia – thermoregulation

Maternal and neonatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by eclampsia – analysis of cases from 2008–2018

Objective: Evaluation of perinatal results in a set of pregnancies complicated by eclampsia. Methods: Analysis of 67,304 births performed at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Masaryk University, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Brno from 2008–2018. During the given period, eclampsia was dia gnosed in 16 mothers (0.2‰). The during the time of eclampsia (week of gestation, prepartum, intrapartum, postpartum) fetal and neonatal status (signs of intrauterine distress, pH of the umbilical artery, Apgar score, intrauterine fetal death, death in the early neonatal period) were evaluated. Symptoms and course of the eclamptic attack, maternal comorbidities, associated obstetric complications (placental abruption, surgical complications, blood loss, hysterectomy) and non-obstetric complications (coagulopathy, renal and hepatic impairment, neurological complications) were monitored. Results: Out of a total of 16 cases of eclampsia, 13 cases (81.3%) were confi rmed during pregnancy, one case (6.2%) during childbirth, and two cases (12.5%) within 24 hours after childbirth. The mean gestational week of eclampsia was 33 weeks and 3 days. The typical course of an eclamptic attack characterized by headache and visual disturbances followed by a rapid onset of convulsions was noted in fi ve cases (31%). Fetal hypoxia with a pH of the umbilical artery less than 7.10 occurred in four cases (25%). The dependence of the decrease in pH value on the time interval from the dia gnosis of eclampsia to the termination of pregnancy was demonstrated. The pH of the umbilical artery decreased on average by 0.054 every 30 minutes from the onset of the eclamptic attack until the end of pregnancy. There were 3 perinatal deaths in the group (19%). Intrauterine fetal death occurred in one case due to partial abruption of the placenta during an eclamptic attack; two newborns died in the early neonatal period. The cause of death was sepsis in one case and perforation of the intestine in necrotizing enterocolitis in the other. The death of the mother was not recorded in the fi le. The incidence of preeclampsia in subsequent pregnancies reached 18.8%. Non-obstetric and neurological complications (amaurosis, subarachnoid hemorrhage, amnesia) occurred in the group in three cases (18.8%), and renal failure occurred in two cases (12.5%). Conclusion: The incidence of eclampsia at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Masaryk University, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Brno reached 0.2‰ and was stable for a long time. Associated serious maternal complications occurred in 37.5% of cases and neonatal complications in 31.3% of cases. Early dia gnosis of eclampsia and minimization of the time delay until the end of pregnancy is a prerequisite for reducing the risk of associated complications. An interdisciplinary approach is needed. Key words: eclampsia – convulsions – urgent conditions in obstetrics – perinatal outcomes – hypoxia

Pregnancy of women with type 1 diabetes mellitus – the eff ect of preconception care on perinatal results. Ten years of experience

Introduction: Despite the ever-improving medical care, pregnancies of women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) are at increased risk of complications for both mother and child. Optimal compensation of diabetes before and during pregnancy is an essential protective factor reducing the risk of congenital malformations, pregnancy loss, and other complications. The pregnancy of women with T1DM should be planned, ideally at a time of optimal diabetes compensation. Target glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values until the range of 42–48 mmol/mol should be achieved at least three months before pregnancy. Our work aimed to evaluate the perinatal results of pregnancies in women with T1DM and the eff ect of preconception counseling and adequate T1DM compensation before pregnancy on perinatal outcomes. Methods and results: Retrospective analysis of pregnancy and perinatal outcomes of women with T1DM were followed up at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, General University Hospital in Prague and First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University between 2008 to 2018. A total of 221 women with T1DM were included in the analysis. Adequate (HbA1c ≤ 48 mmol/mol at least 3 months before conception) and inadequate diabetes compensation at the beginning of the pregnancy had 59 (26.7%) and 162 (72.3%) women, respectively. Pregnancies of women with adequate diabetes compensation were more often planned (55.9 vs. 24.7%; P < 0.0001), had a lower incidence of any form of diabetic microangiopathy (13.6 vs. 37.7%; P = 0.001), pre-eclampsia (0 vs. 6.8%; P = 0.036), better compensation of diabetes during pregnancy (mean HbA1c during pregnancy 39.9 ± 6.7 vs. 49.9 ± 12.2; P < 0.0001), and their pregnancy was less often terminated from medical indication (congenital malformation of the fetus or decompensation of T1DM) (0 vs. 7.4%; P = 0.032). Pregnancies of women with adequate diabetes compensation before conception were less often complicated by fetal macrosomia (birth weight > 95th percentile; 22.0 vs. 35.8%; P = 0.027). Conclusion: The pregnancy of women with T1DM is burdened by a number of perinatal and neonatal complications. In the study group, most women with T1DM became pregnant unintentionally at a time of inadequate diabetes compensation. Women who achieved adequate diabetes compensation before pregnancy had a lower incidence of perinatal complications. Therefore, it is advised that women with T1DM should plan their pregnancy, attend preconception and antenatal care, and give birth in perinatal centers, which provide coordinated care from diabetologists, gynecologists, obstetricians, and neonatologists. Key words: preconceptual counseling – type 1 diabetes mellitus – perinatal outcomes

Cerebral venous thrombosis after caesarean section

Objective: Case report of a patient with cerebral venous thrombosis after caesarean section. Case report: We present a case of a 22-year-old patient after an acute caesarean section, which was complicated by cerebral venous thrombosis. The etiology of the thrombosis was multifactorial. Diagnosis was determined using imaging methods once the neurological symptoms were expressed. Follow-up care for the patient included comprehensive care in the intensive care unit, including a temporary decompresive craniectomy. Conclusion: Cerebral venous thrombosis is a rare disease with a varied clinical manifestation whose development is aff ected by a number of acquired and congenital factors. The incidence is increased in women in the puerperium, but we can also see it in gynecological practice in young contraception users. Contextual knowledge is essential in early dia gnosis as well as using a correct treatment strategy with a multidisciplinary approach and interdisciplinary collaboration. Key words: cerebral venous thrombosis – caesarean section – laparotomy dehiscence – headache

Uterine laceration – a rare case of postpartum hemoperitoneum

Postpartum haemorrhage is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early dia gnosis and treatment are essential to prevent sequelae or even death. We describe a rare case of early postpartum haemorrhage with hemoperitoneum due to a laceration of the uterine serosa with exposure of a uterine vessel solved by laparotomy. Key words: postpartum haemorrhage – uterine rupture – parturition

Cushing’s syndrome in pregnancy caused by an adrenal adenoma

Objective: The description of a rare case of Cushing’s syndrome caused by an adrenal adenoma in pregnancy with successful treatment. Case presentation: 30-ear-old Gravida 3 female was admitted to our hospital with hypertension at the 18th week of gestation. Hormonal analyses revealed primary Cushing’s syndrome with high plasma cortisol levels and low levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a mass on the right-side of the adrenal gland. Adrenalectomy was performed in the 28th week of gestation and the following histopathology revealed an adrenocortical adenoma. Pregnancy continued until the 38th week of gestation with glucocorticoid replacement therapy and the patient gave birth vaginally to a healthy boy in the 38th week of gestation. Conclusion: Cushing’s syndrome in pregnancy rarely occurs; dia gnosis may be dismissed or determined after birth in most cases. Misdia gnosis of Cushing’s syndrome is common because of physiological increase of corticotropin hormones and cortisol levels and overlapping symptoms that can occur even during physiological pregnancy. Cushing’s syndrome should have a place in the diff erential dia gnosis of hypertension in pregnancy (especially before the 20th week of gestation). Analysis of the urinary free cortisol level and circadian rhythm blood cortisol can provide a reasonable strategy to diagnose Cushing’s syndrome in pregnant women. Early dia gnosis and surgical treatment can signifi cantly reduce maternal and fetal complications. Key words: adenoma – Cushing’s syndrome – pregnancy – hypertension

Pigmented vulvar lesions – review and case report focusing on pigmented basal cell carcinoma

Summary: Pigmented vulvar lesions represent a wide range of dia gnostic units with the essential role of precise histopathologic identifi cation. The article reviews pigmented vulvar lesions. Furthermore, it deals with basal cell carcinoma in more detail and presents a case of an 85-year-old female with vulvar pigmented basal cell carcinoma. Key words: vulva – pigmented lesions – basal cell carcinoma

Comparison of the quality of life between women undergoing medical and surgical terminations of pregnancy

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the relation between the quality of life, level of depression and some other psychological characteristics of women and the method (pharmacological or instrumental) they chose to terminate their pregnancy up to 49 days of amenorrhoea. Methods: From Jan 1st, 2019 to Aug 31st, 2020 we prospectively analyzed data obtained by evaluating questionnaires from 106 women with a choice of pharmacological (faUUT) and 105 women with a choice of surgical (iUUT) termination of pregnancy. The questionnaires focused on their quality of life and other characteristics. Results: Women undergoing faUUT have a statistically signifi cantly higher quality of life (P = 0.001), they are physically (P = 0.003) and mentally (P = 0.027) healthier, they have a higher socioeconomic status, and they are more satisfied with their environment (P = 0.022). Conclusion: Women with a diff erently chosen method of termination of pregnancy had a statistically signifi cantly diff erent quality of life as a whole. This diff erence is statistically signifi cant in the sub-areas of the quality of life: feeling of physical health and mental well-being, satisfaction with the environment, and subjective perception of the quality of life. The result doesn’t confi rm a statistically signifi cant diff erence between both groups on the level of depression and their cohabitation. Key words: quality of life – depression – termination of pregnancy on request – pharmacological termination of pregnancy – surgical termination of pregnancy

The role of endocannabinoids in pregnancy

Objective: In this paper, we summarize the role of the endocannabinoid system in relation to pregnancy and childbirth and its potential for dia gnosis of preterm birth. Methods: Review of articles in peer-reviewed journals using the PubMed database. Results: Endocannabinoid system plays a signifi cant role in embryo development, transport and implantation as well as in placentation. It consists of numerous endogenous ligands; however, in relation to pregnancy there are mainly two studied representatives: anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol. There is increasing evidence, in addition to early pregnancy events, that anandamide plays a regulatory role in pregnancy maintenance and the timing of labour. The activity of anandamide depends on its metabolic pathway and the enzymatic activity that ensures its conversion. Ultimately, changes in anandamide concentration lead to increased production of prostaglandins or prostamides, with inverse eff ects on pregnancy. The abuse of exogenous cannabinoids in pregnancy has substantial impact on the unborn child in many ways and may result in detrimental eff ects including preterm birth. Conclusion: Measuring anandamide concentration and the prostaglandin to prostamide ratio could be a useful tool in assessing the risk of preterm birth. Key words: endocannabinoid system – pregnancy – labour