Anti-Müllerian hormone levels in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome compared with normal women of reproductive age in China

Objectives: Aim was to evaluate anti-Müllerian-hormone (AMH) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) comparing with normo-ovulatory women, and to assess for the first time AMH levels across reproductive lifespan in Chinese women.

Methods: Within the prospective cross-sectional study in PCOS cases and in normal subjects, AMH and other hormone levels were measured in early follicular phase in five age groups. Additionally ovarian ultrasound parameters were assessed.

Results: A total of 437 PCOS patients and 150 normo-ovulatory women matched by age were included. AMH levels were 2- to 3-fold higher in PCOS cases. In both groups AMH decreased with age in a non-linear pattern. In normo-ovulatory women AMH levels were relatively constant from 18 to 25 years and then declined with age. In contrast, AMH in PCOS cases declined with an increasing rate from 18 to 45 years, narrowing the difference in older women.

Conclusions: AMH may be a useful parameter to assess the severity and prognosis of PCOS since certain differences exist to normo-ovulatory women. Further studies may improve the understanding of the relationship between AMH levels and age, providing more scientific basis for fertility counselling for both healthy women and PCOS cases.     

Polycystic ovary syndrome and low-grade inflammation with special reference to YKL-40

Objective: To evaluate the plasma level of YKL-40 in a Danish polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) population and to investigate whether YKL-40 is associated with CVD risk factors such as waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), insulin resistance (IR), fasting glucose, fasting insulin, blood lipids and CRP.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Gynecological clinics at three Danish University Hospitals.

Patients: One hundred seventy-one premenopausal women with PCOS recruited consecutively from April 2010 to February 2012. PCOS was diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criteria.

Main outcome measures: Plasma level of YKL-40 in four phenotypes of PCOS defined by BMI and IR.

Results: No statistically significant difference was observed in the plasma level of YKL-40 across the four BMI/IR-phenotypes. Positive associations were observed between YKL-40 and BMI, total and free testosterone, triglycerides, and CRP. Total and free testosterone were independent predictors of YKL-40.

Conclusion: YKL-40, the marker of low-grade inflammation is not increased in women with PCOS.     

Novel adipokines WISP1 and betatrophin in PCOS: relationship to AMH levels,atherogenic and metabolic profile

Objective: To determine the levels of WISP1 and betatrophin in normal weight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to assess their relationship with anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, atherogenic profile and metabolic parameters

Methods: In this prospective cross-sectional study, the study group was composed of 49 normal weighed and 34 obese women with PCOS diagnosed based on the Rotterdam criteria; 36 normal weight and 26 obese age matched non-hyperandrogenemic women with regular menstrual cycle. Serum WISP1, betatrophin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and AMH levels were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed between betatrophin, WISP1 levels and AMH levels, metabolic and atherogenic parameters.

Results: Serum WISP1 and betatrophin values were elevated in the PCOS group than in the control group. Moreover, serum WISP1 and betatrophin levels were higher in the obese PCOS subgroup than in normal weight and obese control subgroups. Multivariate analyses revealed that Body mass index, HOMA-IR, AMH independently and positively predicted WISP1 levels. Serum betatrophin level variability was explained by homocysteine, HOMA-IR and androstenedione levels.

Conclusion: WISP1 and betatrophin may play a key role on the pathogenesis of PCOS.     

Atrial natriuretic peptide,copeptin and adrenomedullin levels in polycystic ovary syndrome: a case-control study

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) defined by the Rotterdam criteria does not take into account the unhealthy metabolic profile of the syndrome with increased insulin resistance (IR) and overweight favoring development of type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD). We assess three vasoactive peptides associated with CVD in women with PCOS.

Method: Plasma levels of mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP), copeptin and mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) were measured in 98 PCOS patients and 46 age- and BMI-matched healthy women.

Results: We found no difference in levels of MR-proANP, copeptin and MR-proADM between the PCOS and control group. Multiple regression analyses on a combined group of PCOS and control subjects demonstrated an inverse correlation between MR-proANP and IR (measured by fasting C-peptide) and a positive correlations between copeptin and IR as well as MR-proADM and BMI. We found no association between peptide levels and different Rotterdam phenotypes.

Conclusion: Plasma concentrations of MR-proANP, copeptin and MR-proADM were not increased in PCOS compared to age- and BMI-matched controls. Thus, these peptides cannot be used to detect increased risk of CVD in a young PCOS cohort.     

Effect of sleeve gastrectomy bariatric surgery-induced weight loss on serum AMH levels in reproductive aged women

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the change in serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels in patients with morbid obesity undergoing bariatric surgery for weight loss.

Material and methods: In this prospective observational study, 75 patients of reproductive age (20–35 years) undergoing bariatric surgery for morbid obesity were followed up after six months to determine the changes in weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), menstrual pattern and serum AMH. The results were further studied on basis of pre operative classification of patients in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and non-PCOS group.

Result: The serum AMH levels were statistically higher in patients of PCOS group pre operatively and at the end of six months in comparison to non-PCOS patients. The AMH values reduced post operatively in both groups significantly so much in the values though not significant statistically. Non-PCOS patients had lower AMH values pre operatively and showed a trend towards reducing ovarian reserve after six months. The overall change in AMH values in both groups was statistically significant as was the normalization of menstrual irregularity.

Conclusion: Morbidly obese patients with PCOS appear to benefit from bariatric surgery both in terms of regularization of menstrual function and normalization of serum AMH values.     

The evaluation of temperament and quality of life in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Aims: To evaluate the temperament and quality of life (QoL) of patients with PCOS.

Materials and methods: Fifty-three adult patients with PCOS and 38 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Demographic characteristics including age, education and body mass index (BMI) were recorded. Affective temperaments were assessed by the temperament evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego-autoquestionnaire version (TEMPS-A) scale. The general health-related quality of life (HRQoL) instrument used in this study was short Form 36. Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) were also performed.

Results: The patients with PCOS had significantly higher rates of depressive, anxious and hyperthymic scores compared to controls. The PCOS patients had significantly lower mean SF-36 health summary scores.

Conclusions: TEMPS-A seems to be an easy and reliable test to evaluate temperament in PCOS patients.     

Validation of proteomic biomarkers previously found to be differentially expressed in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a cross-sectional study

Objectives: The aim of this study was to independently validate proteomic biomarkers previously reported to be differentially expressed in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) compared with controls. This study focused on plasma proteomic biomarkers.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study at the University of Nottingham, in which samples from 30 PCOS and 30 control women were analysed by Western blotting.

Results: Mean abundance ratios from Western blots of plasma total haptoglobin and haptoglobin beta proteins were 1.25 (CI 1.11–1.4) and 1.24 (CI 1.04–1.44). The mean abundance ratio from the blots of alpha-2 macroglobulin was however 1.05 (CI, 1–1.1). The mean PCOS/control BMI ratio was 1.18 (CI 1.17–1.20). There was no correlation between PCOS/control BMI ratio and alpha-2 macroglobulin, total haptoglobin and haptoglobin beta abundance ratios. There was also no correlation between PCOS/control insulin ratio and alpha-2 macroglobulin, total haptoglobin and haptoglobin beta abundance ratios.

Conclusions: Total haptoglobin and haptoglobin beta chain protein abundance was found to be elevated in women with PCOS compared with controls. We were unable to confirm decreased alpha-2 macroglobulin levels as reported in a previous study. Independent validation studies are required to validate early promising proteomic biomarkers in PCOS.     

Transcervical Foley’s catheter versus Cook balloon for cervical ripening in stillbirth with a scarred uterus: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of the use of transcervical Foley’s catheter versus Cook cervical ripening balloon in pregnant women with stillbirth, unfavorable cervix and scarred uterus.

Design: Randomized controlled study.

Setting: El Minia University Hospital, El Minia, Egypt.

Patients and methods: Two-hundred pregnant women with stillbirth, unfavorable cervix and scarred uterus were recruited into this study. They were randomized into two groups. In group I (n?=?100), cervical ripening was done using Foley’s catheter. In group II (n?=?100), cervical ripening was done using Cook cervical ripening balloon.

Main outcome measures: Balloon insertion to delivery interval, successful ripening rate, cesarean delivery rate, maternal adverse events and maternal satisfaction.

Results: Time from balloon insertion to expulsion and from balloon insertion to delivery was significantly shorter in Foley’s catheter group. However, the difference between the two groups regarding time from balloon insertion to active labor, time from balloon expulsion to delivery, cervical ripening, cesarean section, instrumental delivery, pain score, need for analgesia, hospital stay and maternal satisfaction was not statistically significant.

Conclusions: Foley’s catheter and Cook cervical ripening balloon are comparable regarding efficacy and safety profile when used to ripen the cervix in pregnant women with stillbirth, unfavorable cervix and scarred uterus. However, Foley’s catheter has a shorter induction to delivery interval and is relatively cheaper device.     

The influence of psychological factors on postpartum weight retention 12 months post-birth

Background

During the first postpartum year 20% of women retain excessive weight from pregnancy (postpartum weight retention; PPWR), which predicts long-term overweight/obesity.

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore the associations between psychological factors (depression, anxiety and stress symptoms and body attitudes) in late gestation and at 12-months postpartum with PPWR one-year post-birth.

Methods

Pregnant women (N = 176) completed questionnaires in early–mid pregnancy (Time 1; mean (SD) = 16.97 (1.35) weeks), late pregnancy (Time 2; mean (SD) = 33.33 (2.05) weeks), and one year postpartum (Time 3; mean (SD) = 53.12 (3.34) weeks). Women provided demographic characteristics, height and pre-pregnancy weight at Time 1. At Times 2 and 3, weight, depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms and body attitudes (salience of weight and shape, attractiveness, feeling fat, and strength and fitness) were assessed in addition to physiological, socio-contextual and lifestyle factors. Gestational weight gain and PPWR were calculated. Hierarchical linear regression models were conducted to explore variance in 12-month PPWR.

Results

Overall, models explained 26–39% variance in PPWR. Gestational weight gain in late pregnancy and low attractiveness at 12 months postpartum were the only variables associated significantly with 12-month PPWR.

Conclusion

While psychological factors did not appear to be important direct contributors to PPWR at 12 months, the overall contribution of all variables suggests that such factors may be implicated in a small and incremental way. Exploration of the interactions between variables will help unpack potential mechanisms of the development of PPWR at 12 months post-birth.     

ß-hCG and prediction of therapeutic success in ectopic pregnancies treated with methotrexate,results from a prospective observational study

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of different beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin (ß-hCG) levels measurement, for predicting success of medical treatment in cases diagnosed as tubal ectopic pregnancy (TEP).

Design: Five-year prospective observational study.

Setting: Prenatal Diagnosis Unit, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital – Barcelona.

Patients: TEP cases fulfilling criteria for medical treatment with Methotrexate.

Interventions: ß-hCG levels were measured on d 0, 4 and 7 of treatment. Results were compared by non-parametrical tests. A ROC curve was plotted to define cut-off points. Diagnostic accuracy of the different measurements was evaluated.

Main outcome measure: Failure of treatment defined as need for surgical treatment or persistence of high ß-HCG levels despite treatment.

Results: 126 women were diagnosed as TEP, eligible for medical treatment. There were no differences in parity, age, previous TEP, or adnexal mass size. Success rate was 88%. ß-HCG decreased significantly more, between days 0–7 and 4–7, in the successful cases. LR for success prediction was 6.2 and 7.8 for ß-HCG levels at days 4 and 7 respectively, 4.02 and 2.47 for decrement between days 0–7 (25%) and 4–7 (20%), respectively.

Conclusion: ß-hCG cutoff values have a potential for predicting a successful medical treatment of TEP.     

The relationship between thyroid function and metabolic changes in Chinese women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objectives: Aim was to evaluate endocrine, metabolic and thyroid parameters which could help to explore the relationship between thyroid function and metabolic changes in Chinese polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients.

Methods: Within a prospective study in PCOS patients compared with healthy women, thyroid parameters were assessed, as well as changes of endocrine, metabolic and clinical characteristics.

Results: 144 PCOS patients and 48 normo-ovulatory women matched by age as controls were included. There were significant increases of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), total triiodothyronine (TT3) and total thyroxine (TT4) in the PCOS patients. Body mass index (BMI), waist and hip ratio (WHR), luteinizing hormone (LH), LH/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and total testosterone (T) were significantly higher in PCOS compared with the controls. Total cholesterol (CHO), triglycerides (TG) and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) levels in PCOS were higher, whereas high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and apolipoprotein A (ApoA) were lower compared with the controls. Insulin and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were significantly higher in patients with PCOS.

Conclusions: Our study confirms the well-known negative metabolic changes in PCOS patients. The small increases of TSH, TT3 and TT4 level may be related with these metabolic changes in PCOS patients. Further studies may improve the understanding of the relationship between thyroid function and metabolic changes.     

Does preeclampsia involve the pancreas? A report of original research

Objective: To analyze the effect, if any, of pregnancy-related hypertension on the pancreas.

Methods: A database of pregnant women with hyperbilirubinemia was reviewed for cases with serum amylase values. These cases were linked to a computerized obstetric database, and women were analyzed according to the diagnosis of preeclampsia.

Results: A total of 292 consecutive women with hyperbilirubinemia during pregnancy delivered at our institution between 2005 and 2011. Of these, 52 (18%) were diagnosed with preeclampsia, and in only nine was serum amylase abnormally elevated.

Conclusion: Using serum analytes as surrogates for organ injury, it appears preeclampsia infrequently affects the pancreas.     

Effects of combined oral contraceptives on the clinical and biochemical parameters of hyperandrogenism in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: Nowadays, selection of COCs with maximum antiandrogenic effects is one the main issues in treatment of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the effects of COCs on the clinical and biochemical parameters of hyperandrogenism (HA) in patients with PCOS.

Methods: Electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect and web of science) were searched from 1987 to November 2015 to identify clinical trials investigating effect of the various COCs on the clinical and biochemical parameters of HA in patients. In this meta-analysis, both fixed and random effect models were used. Potential sources of heterogeneity were explored by meta-regression and subgroup analyses.

Results: Findings showed that COC use for 3–12 months was significantly associated with an increase in sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels and a decrease in Ferriman–Gallwey (FG) score, total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), androstenedione (A4) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) levels. Type of progestin or duration of treatment had no important effects on declining androgen levels. Long-term use of COCs (6–12 months) was more effective in improving hirsutism, compared to short term. COCs containing cyproterone acetate (CPA) for 12 months had the strongest effect in improving hirsutism.

Conclusions: This study shows that, in patients with PCOS, COCs can effectively improve biochemical and clinical parameters of HA. All COCs studies have similar effects on the hormonal profiles of these patients, and products containing CPA may be an effective treatment in hirsute patients with PCOS.     

Hormonal contraceptive choice for women with PCOS: a systematic review of randomized trials and observational studies

Introduction: This paper provides a critical review of the data concerning the effects of combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC) for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim is to determine the best treatment option for each PCOS phenotype.

Study design: A literature search of the PubMed database was conducted for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and observational studies published in any language prior to October 2013. Hyperandrogenism (HA) is the essential diagnostic criterion for PCOS and is frequently associated with insulin resistance (IR) or obesity. The combinations of these criteria define the different PCOS phenotypes and establish the scale of metabolic and cardiovascular risks.

Results and conclusions: 19 RCTs and eight observational studies evaluated issues related to the current objectives. CHC represent an effective and safe treatment in women with any PCOS phenotype. In HA/PCOS patients, any CHC analyzed in this review can be used for symptom relief. For patients with metabolic risk, overweight or moderate IR that does not require metformin, a vaginal contraceptive ring appears to be preferred to oral EE/DRP. In these patients, the combination of CHC and myo-inositol may be more effective in controlling endocrine and metabolic profiles. However, further research is needed to define the optimal duration and to clarify the effects of treatment on long-term metabolic outcomes. Future research should also focus on new CHC.     

The role of narrative medicine in pregnancy after liver transplantation

Narrative medicine allows professionals from all fields of medical sciences to understand the patient’s total experience of illness, and meet his/her needs in an empathetic environment. Narrative medicine helps spread holistic knowledge of a multitude of complex clinical conditions, including transplantation.

Objective: To underline the role of narrative medicine in women who become pregnant after a liver transplant by using their narrations of this very special experience.

Methods: We describe our study with narration and listening to the stories of three women expecting their first child after a liver transplant, by analysing the structure and role of narration in the context of relationships between patients and caregivers. The narrations were transcribed verbatim with the main plot analysed in order to address all the aspects of this rare clinical condition and the transition to parenthood.

Results: The women narrated this experience in three phases: transplantation, pregnancy and delivery, and post-partum. They described all phases of pregnancy as stressful but satisfying, whereas the fact of becoming a mother was perceived as a victory both as a woman and as a transplant patient.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that narrative medicine represents a significant professional tool for caring for transplant patients during pregnancy.     

Elevated periostin in serum and peritoneal washing fluids as potential biomarkers for endometriosis

Background: To identify the level of periostin in serum and peritoneal washing fluids (PWF) from women with and without endometriosis, as well as to explore the potential of periostin as a biomarker of endometriosis.

Methods: Samples were obtained from 184 women with and without endometriosis. Concentrations of periostin in PWF and blood were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: Levels of periostin both in serum and PWF were notably elevated in women with endometriosis in both the proliferative and secretory phase. Combined with dysmenorrhea and infertility, two potential covariates, the serum periostin had a sensitivity of 75.00%, specificity of 65.00%, and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.774, whereas the PWF periostin had a sensitivity of 94.23%, specificity of 90.00%, and AUC of 0.967 for the diagnosis of endometriosis.

Conclusion: Serum and PWF periostin concentrations may be new potential biomarkers for endometriosis, especially when combined with dysmenorrhea and infertility.     

Spanish version of Pregnancy Symptoms Inventory: transcultural adaptation and reliability

Aim: To transcultural adapt and analyze the reliability of Spanish version of Pregnancy Symptoms Inventory (PSI) and assess the prevalence of pregnancy symptoms in Spanish pregnant women.

Materials and methods: A subsample of 120 healthy pregnant women answered the PSI twice and a sample of 280 report the prevalence and limitation of pregnancy symptoms. The reliability was examined by means of percent agreement and weighted Kappa coefficients. The prevalence of pregnancy symptoms was evaluated by the frequency of answers.

Results: Perfect and perfect-acceptable agreement was observed in 82% and 96% of the pregnant women, respectively. Weighted Kappa coefficients ranged from 0.589 to 0.889, indicating a good reliability. The most frequent symptoms perceived by Spanish pregnant women were urinary frequency, poor sleep, increased vaginal discharge and tiredness.

Conclusion: Spanish Pregnancy Symptoms Inventory is a brief, conceptually equivalent and satisfactory reliable tool that allows an early assessment of the wide range of pregnancy symptoms in the health care practices.     

Postpartum thyroid dysfunction in women with autoimmune thyroiditis

Introduction: Autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) is a predisposing factor for developing postpartum thyroid dysfunction (PPTD).

Aim: To study the characteristics of PPTD in women with AIT.

Methods: Thirty-eight women with pre-existing AIT were included in the study. Thyroid-stimulating hormone, free triiodthyronine, free thyroxine, thyroid peroxidase antibodies, thyroglobulin antibodies were measured and ultrasound evaluation of the thyroid gland was performed in the first trimester of pregnancy and during the first year following delivery.

Results: Thyroid dysfunction was recognized in 68.4% of the patients – 28.9% presented with hypothyroidism and 39.5 % with thyrotoxicosis. The immunological and morphological parameters did not differ between euthyroid women and those with thyroid dysfunction. At the end of the postpartum period restoration of euthyroid state (being on the treatment before pregnancy) was observed in 15.4% of patients with PPTD, while 84.6% required increase of the levothyroxine dose. The analysis found a significantly lower volume of the thyroid gland, shorter duration of the disease, a lower dose of levothyroxine before and during gestation in patients with impaired thyroid function at the end of the postpartum period.

Conclusion: The risk of PPTD in women with AIT predating pregnancy is higher among women with preserved thyroid functional capacity motivating a thorough assessment of thyroid hormone levels and close follow-up of those women during the postpartum period.     

Little beneficial effect of maternal vitamin supplement on metabolic disturbances in the offspring from the obese mother mice

Objective: To examine whether vitamin supplement before and during pregnancy alters the detrimental effect of maternal obesity on the offspring.

Methods: Obese C57BL/6 female mice were randomly divided into four groups and fed with the control, vitamin D, folic acid or multivitamin supplement diet before and during pregnancy. Physiologic and biochemical variables were obtained.

Results: No significant differences were observed in glucose and lipid variables among offspring from each maternal obese group.

Conclusions: Overall, vitamin D, folic acid or multivitamin supplement cannot ameliorate the detrimental effect of maternal obesity on the metabolic disturbances in the offspring.     

Neonatal morbidities among full-term infants born to obese mothers

Introduction: Impact of maternal obesity on full-term neonates is not known.

Objective: We hypothesized increased incidence of neonatal morbidities requiring NICU admission in full-term neonates of obese women compared to neonates of normal-weight women.

Methods: Data from full-term pregnancies collected in the Consortium of Safe Labor study were analyzed. Maternal BMI was classified using the WHO criteria. Incidence of neonatal outcomes including sepsis, PDA, NEC, respiratory distress, or their combination were compared between newborns of obese and normal-weight women.

Results: Of the 109?488 women included in the study, 17.7% were obese. Maternal co-morbidities (diabetes, gestational diabetes, hypertension, and preeclampsia) increased with increasing maternal BMI. Both maternal obesity and its related co-morbidities were associated with higher incidence of neonatal morbidities. After adjusting for maternal comorbidities, there was a higher incidence of sepsis (AOR 1.91(1.45–2.50)), and combination of any of the neonatal outcomes (AOR 1.66(1.32–2.09)) among newborns of obese women than those of normal-weight women, along with an increased trend for incidence of PDA (Cochran-Armitage Test (CA)?=?23.1, p?<?0.0001) and NEC (CA?=?7.2, p?=?0.007).

Conclusion: Maternal obesity is independently associated with increased incidence of neonatal sepsis and a combination of neonatal morbidities in full-term newborns with an increased trend for PDA and NEC.