Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy may lead to many health problems by negatively affecting the metabolism of the newborn and the mother, such as infantile rickets, poor fetal and neonatal growth and development, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia. We aimed to investigate the levels and clinical results of vitamin D in preeclamptic mothers and their babies. Methods: The study group consisted of 42 preeclamptic mothers, and their babies diagnosed with preeclampsia according to the International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy (ISSHP) criteria, while the control group consisted of 49 healthy mothers and babies with similar gestational age and birth weight. All pregnant women participating in the study were routinely taking 1200 IU of vitamin D3 daily supplements. The cord blood vitamin D level of both groups of newborns was measured and the results were statistically compared. Results: The birth week, weight, and height averages and APGAR score averages measured at the first minutes of the babies in the study group (preeclamptic mother babies) were statistically significantly lower than those of the babies in the control group (babies of healthy mothers) (p=0.001, p=0.001, p<0.001, p=0.004, respectively). Vitamin D and calcium levels of the mothers in the study group were lower than those of the mothers in the control group. When the infants were examined, only the level of vitamin D was statistically significantly lower in infants in the patient group (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.001, respectively). Conclusion: There is consistent evidence of an association between low vitamin D concentrations and adverse preeclampsia outcomes. Since vitamin D deficiency is more common in preeclamptic mothers and their infants, higher-dose vitamin D supplementation than routine may be recommended to the patients.

Introduction: Exposure to second-hand smoke, a significant public health issue today, may lead to various health problems, especially in pregnant women and their infants. Low vitamin D levels during pregnancy may lead to preeclampsia and gestational diabetes in the mother, while it may cause low birth weight and respiratory problems in the infant. Method: The study group consisted of 42 mothers, who smoked regularly, and their infants and 45 mothers (passive smokers), who were regularly exposed to second-hand smoke in their home environment, although they did not smoke, and their infants. Meanwhile, the control group consisted of 46 healthy mothers, who did not smoke and were not exposed to second-hand smoke at home, and their infants with similar gestational age and birth weight. Blood samples were taken as two different samples, from the mother and the baby, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and related blood parameters were studied and compared statistically. Results: 25(OH)D, calcium, and magnesium levels of mothers who smoked were significantly lower than those who were exposed to second-hand smoke and those who did not. Moreover, the vitamin D levels of mothers and babies exposed to second-hand smoke in the non-smoker group were significantly lower than mothers and babies who were not exposed to second-hand smoke. In the babies of these three groups, a significant decrease was observed only in vitamin D levels. Conclusion: The present study shows that pregnant women and their infants exposed to second-hand smoke have lower vitamin D levels. Hence, more emphasis should be put on vitamin D monitoring and supplementation to prevent severe health problems in pregnant women and their infants exposed to tobacco smoke. Further studies are needed to assess the associated risks for maternal and fetal health as well as possible long-term implications for the infant.

BACKGROUND: An important step in laparoscopic surgery is abdominal access. Several abdominal access techniques have been described to reduce complications. We compare our novel abdominal access technique (MESAD) with other abdominal access techniques, particularly to reduce complications in obese patients. OBJECTIVE: Compare the MESAD method and other methods we use for abdominal access in gynecologic laparoscopic surgery of obese patients DESIGN: Retrospective SETTING: Gynecology department in university hospital PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent abdominal access by the MESAD technique, the Veress needle technique, and the Hasson technique were included in our study. In addition to demographic data, minor and major complications, number of unsuccessful attempts, conversion to another technique, and abdominal access times were collected from all patient files. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical data and complications SAMPLE SIZE: 66 patients, 26 by MESAD technique, 24 by the Veress needle technique, and 16 by the Hasson technique. RESULTS: There were two major complications (one in the Veress group and one in the Hasson technique group) and 7 minor complications. No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of complications ( P =.477, P =.476, respectively). The fastest technique for abdominal access was in the MESAD technique whereas the slowest was in the Hasson ( P <.001). The failure of abdominal access and subsequent conversion to another technique was most common in the Veress group. However, no significant difference was found between the groups ( P =.092). CONCLUSIONS: The MESAD technique is an easy method to both learn and teach. We think that the low major-minor complication rates in the MESAD technique will allow surgeons to reduce their anxiety at the first entry and to perform a more comfortable operation. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate maternal and perinatal outcomes in adolescent pregnan-cies. Materials and Methods: Adolescents aged 10 to 19 years and their newborns, who delivered at the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic of Mardin Education and Research Hospital between 2022 and 2024, were included in the study. Data were retrospectively analyzed from patient files and the hospital database. Outcomes were grouped as maternal and neonatal complications. Results: Neonatal and maternal complication rates were significantly higher in the adolescent group compared to the adult group. Adolescents experienced increased rates of anemia, eclampsia, and preeclampsia. Neonatal complications, including intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and tran-sient tachypnea of the newborn, were also more common in the adolescent group. The 1st and 5th minute Apgar scores of infants born to adolescents were significantly lower. Conclusions: This study confirms that adolescent pregnancies are associated with a higher risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Anemia and hypertensive disorders are more commonly observed during pregnancy, especially in adolescents. Their newborns are more likely to have low Apgar scores, intrauterine growth restriction, and transient tachypnea of the newborn. These find-ings underscore the importance of prioritizing public health interventions aimed at reducing ado-lescent pregnancy rates and providing comprehensive support to young mothers and their infants.

Obesity is a significant public health problem with increasing prevalence worldwide, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common comorbidity in obese women. PCOS is characterized by hormonal imbalances, menstrual irregularities, infertility, and metabolic disorders. Weight management is critical in obese women with PCOS to improve both reproductive health and achieve metabolic and hormonal balance. To this end, surgical treatments have come to the forefront, and procedures such as laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and endoscopic intragastric balloon (EIB) placement are being used increasingly. This is a retrospective study conducted at [Blinded for review] between January 2022 and October 2024. It compares the effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and endoscopic intragastric balloon placement in female patients aged 18-40 who were diagnosed with PCOS and obesity. In the study, anthropometric measurements, hormonal parameters, and menstrual cycles were evaluated before treatment and 6 months after treatment and analyzed between the two groups. There was no difference in age between patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and endoscopic intragastric balloon placement (p = 0.424). The preoperative BMI and the difference between preoperative and postoperative BMI were higher in the LSG group (p < 0.001), but the postoperative BMI values were similar between the two groups (p = 0.583). The waist/hip ratio was higher in the LSG group (p < 0.001, p = 0.010, p < 0.001). While both surgeries showed a reduction in free androgen index and AMH, this reduction was not statistically significant (p > 0.05), both surgeries increased SHBG (p > 0.05). The decrease in AMH was greater in the LSG group (p = 0.020). Total testosterone decreased in the sleeve gastrectomy group (p < 0.001) and the menstrual cycle improved (p = 0.035). In summary, both laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and endoscopic intragastric balloon placement led to positive changes in hormone profiles and menstrual cycle characteristics. However, LSG was found to be more effective on these parameters.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) stands as a complex and prevalent endocrine disorder, profoundly impacting women throughout their reproductive years. Its hallmark lies in the intricate interplay of hormonal imbalances, primarily characterized by elevated androgen levels, which subsequently trigger a diverse array of clinical manifestations. These manifestations span from disruptive menstrual irregularities, such as oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea, to the visible signs of hyperandrogenism, including hirsutism, acne, and androgenic alopecia. Furthermore, PCOS extends its reach beyond reproductive health, significantly influencing metabolic functions by fostering insulin resistance, thereby escalating the risk of type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular complications. Adding to the syndrome’s complexity are the significant psychological ramifications, often leading to increased susceptibility to anxiety, depression, and a diminished sense of self-worth. The diagnostic approach to PCOS hinges on the Rotterdam criteria, which mandates the presence of at least two of the following: oligo- or anovulation, clinical or biochemical evidence of hyperandrogenism, and the characteristic polycystic ovarian morphology as visualized through ultrasound. In terms of management, a multifaceted strategy is imperative, encompassing lifestyle modifications to mitigate insulin resistance, alongside pharmacological interventions tailored to address specific symptoms, such as hormonal therapies to regulate menstruation and antiandrogens to counteract hyperandrogenism. For women grappling with fertility challenges, assisted reproductive technologies offer viable pathways to conception. Thus, a comprehensive and individualized approach, integrating medical, lifestyle, and psychological considerations, is crucial for effectively managing PCOS and enhancing the overall well-being of affected individuals.