Given the limited and conflicting evidence about maternal and fetal angiogenic/antiangiogenic factors in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) that exists in the known literature. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association of maternal and cord soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF) serum levels and sFlt-1/PlGF ratios in normotensive pregnancies complicated by GDM. This prospective cohort study consists of 51 pregnant women diagnosed with GDM and 57 control groups. Maternal and cord serum sFlt-1 and PlGF levels were measured at 30th and 34th weeks of gestation and at the time of delivery. The maternal and cord sFlt-1/PlGF ratios were calculated. Obstetric and perinatal outcomes were evaluated. No significant differences were found in maternal serum levels of PlGF and sFlt-1 between the control and GDM groups (median 0.2 pg/mL vs. 0.2 pg/mL, p = .106; median 6.1 pg/mL vs. 5.27 pg/mL, p = .017, respectively); cord serum PlGF and sFlt-1 levels were significantly lower in the GDM group than control group (median 0.3 pg/mL vs. 0.2 pg/mL, p = .017; median 11.0 pg/mL vs. 8.1 pg/mL, p = .003, respectively). No significant difference was observed between maternal and cord serum sFlt-1/PlGF ratio (median 31.7 vs. 27.0 p = .394; median 29.0 vs. 26.9 p = .408, respectively). In pregnancies complicated by GDM and normal pregnancies, cord maternal/cord serum PlGF, sFlt-1 levels were not significantly associated with any of the variables such as fetal weight, body mass index (BMI), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission and umbilical cord pH. Results revealed that maternal sFlt-1, PlGF, and sFlt-1/PlGF ratios are not vital biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction and angiogenic imbalance in GDM, but low cord serum PlGF and sFlt-1 levels may reflect the chronic fetal hypoxia and increased placental angiogenesis in diabetic pregnancies.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of prenatal Ultrasonography (USG) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in fetal congenital anomalies. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 148 patients who had previously undergone prenatal MRI between January 2013 and May 2023. A total of 185 anomalies in 148 fetuses were evaluated using USG and MRI. The prenatal diagnoses were compared with definitive diagnoses and were classified as diagnosed, partially correct, questionable, or undiagnosed. In addition, USG and MRI findings were compared in terms of their consistency and consolidation. RESULTS: The postnatal evaluation revealed a total of 185 anomalies in 148 fetuses. USG diagnosed 94% of these anomalies, while MRI diagnosed 95.1% of them. Both USG and fetal MRI were able to diagnose 91.9% (n=170) of anomalies during the prenatal period. Fetal MRI provided an additional contribution to USG in the diagnosis of six anomalies (3.24%). CONCLUSION: In fetuses undergoing detailed ultrasonography and specialized neurosonography by experienced professionals, additional fetal anomalies exclusively detected through MRI are now found to be lower than previously documented. However, fetal MRI is presently employed to offer supplementary information, and advice, and assist in clinical decision-making. In the future, extensive prospective studies with standardized protocols for ultrasound imaging of the fetal brain are necessary to better understand the true role of fetal MRI in cases where fetal neurosonography has already been performed.

Background and Objectives: Epithelial ovarian–tubal–peritoneal cancer (EOC) is the most common type of ovarian cancer. Optimal cytoreductive surgery is the most important prognostic factor in its management. When complete cytoreduction is anticipated to be challenging, neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy (NACT) becomes an alternative. Imaging modalities are utilized in the decision-making process for primary treatment. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic performance and accuracy of preoperative MRI, CT, and 18F-FDG PET/CT in detecting the extent of EOC. Materials and Methods: Between 2017 and 2018, 24 patients with primary (with or without neoadjuvant chemotherapy) or recurrent EOC diagnosed at the Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, were enrolled in this study. These 24 women underwent preoperative imaging modalities within 7 days prior to surgery. The results were compared with histopathological findings, considered the gold standard. Results: We evaluated 24 anatomic regions most commonly involved in EOC. The sensitivity of MRI, CT, and PET/CT in detecting ≥ 0.5 cm implants was 95%, 84%, and 86%, respectively. However, when including implants < 0.5 cm, sensitivity decreased significantly to 40%, 38%, and 42%, respectively. The calculated area under the curve (AUC) for tumors, including those < 0.5 cm, was evaluated as weak for all three modalities (MRI: 0.689, CT: 0.678, PET/CT: 0.691), with PET/CT detecting the largest area. For detecting tumors ≥ 0.5 cm, the AUCs were 0.974, 0.921, and 0.923 for MRI, CT, and PET/CT, respectively. The largest AUC was calculated with MRI, and the AUCs for all three methods were evaluated as excellent. Accuracy was comparable among all three imaging modalities, and no statistically significant differences were found (p < 0.05). Conclusions: While imaging modalities are valuable tools for evaluating abdominal spread in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), they have demonstrated limited success in detecting miliary disease. The risk of false negatives for miliary tumors on PET/CT may be mitigated by combining it with other imaging modalities such as MRI or CT. Further investigations are necessary to identify more accurate imaging techniques for this challenging clinical scenario.

BACKGROUND Patients undergoing invasive diagnostic and treatment procedures benefit from receiving educational information before the procedure. Amniocentesis can be particularly stressful for the pregnant mother, who may be concerned about the safety of the procedure for herself and the fetus. This study aimed to compare pain and anxiety levels during amniocentesis in 100 women with and without pre-procedural video-based information. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included 100 pregnant women (50 cases, 50 controls) with a positive screening test for aneuploidy. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were completed during their initial visit ("Pre-amniocentesis"). The case group watched a 5-minute video about amniocentesis and completed the assessments again ("Post-video"). After the procedure, both groups were reassessed ("Post-amniocentesis"). Results were compared within and between groups. RESULTS Significant differences were found in both STAI-1 and VAS scores between pre- and post-amniocentesis assessments in the case group (P<0.05 for all). However, no significant decrease were observed in the control group. The case group reported less anxiety (38.35 vs 45.25, P: 0.001), pain (16.7 vs 18.5, P: 0.125) and stress (2.18 vs 4.20, P: 0.001) scores after amniocentesis procedure compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS Video-based education more effectively reduces anxiety and stress levels compared to traditional methods, potentially enhancing patient satisfaction.

Background: In this study, we aimed to introduce a new technique of labiaplasty and to evaluate the effect of this novel technique on female genital self-images, and sexual outcomes and to assess the feasibility of this novel technique. Methods: We conducted a single-center, retrospective study in 59 women who underwent labiaplasty and vaginoplasty (29 Freya approach technique, 30 classic technique) from 2020 to 2022. Both groups evaluated before (within 7 days) and after (1 month after) surgery with Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS) questionnaires and all the patients received postoperative care and follow-up assessments for complications 7 days and 1 month after surgery. Results: The Freya approach technique was associated with a shorter operation time (p < 0.05) and significantly lower postoperative Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores (p < 0.001). Both techniques increased FSFI scores (p < 0.001) and total FGSIS scores (p < 0.001). With the exception of a few cases of wound dehiscence that necessitated surgical correction (n = 1), wound healing occurred without complications. The outcomes were deemed highly satisfactory both aesthetically and functionally (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Freya approach technique is a simple and safe technique. It is effective in improving genital appearance and sexual satisfaction. Although this novel approach has similar satisfaction rates with other surgical techniques, it could be useful to reduce surgery time and postoperative pain.