Cystic hygroma and lymphangioma: associated findings,perinatal outcome and prognostic factors in live-born infants

Objectives We aimed to determine associated ultrasonographic findings, chromosome abnormalities and the prognostic factors of cystic hygromas in live-born infants. Methods We reported a series of 57 cystic hygroma cases, who were diagnosed in the first and the second trimester of pregnancy by means of the ultrasonographic morphology of cystic hygroma, associated structural abnormalities, karyotype analysis and the autopsy findings. Survivors were followed for their fetal outcome and prognosis. Results There were 57 new cases of cystic hygroma among 8,155 screenings (0.7%). 35 of the cases (61.4%) were nonseptated and 22 of the cases (38.6%) were septated cystic hygroma. Chromosomal abnormalities were found in 23 of the cases (40.3%). The most common abnormality in nonseptated cystic hygroma was trisomy 21 (8 cases, 25%) and in septated cystic hygroma was Turner syndrome (4 cases, 21.1%). The most common associated structural malformations were cardiac abnormalities (in 7 cases, 20%) in nonseptated cystic hygroma cases and nonimmune hydrops (in 12 cases, 54.5%) in septated cystic hygroma cases. Overall survival was poor; only one case of septated cystic hygroma with axillary location and seven cases of nonseptated cystic hygroma, of whom two died in the neonatal period, were alive (10.5%). This study had 80% power to detect 0.03% difference in diagnosis cystic hygroma (α = 0.05, β = 0.80). Conclusion Fetuses with cystic hygroma are at high risk for adverse outcome. Prenatal diagnosis with invasive procedures should be done in order to inform the parents in detail. Axillary location of the hygroma and the depth of invasion had prognostic importance.     

Serum leptin level in women with unexplained infertility

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare serum levels of leptin in women with unexplained infertility with fertile subjects. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Serum leptin levels of 27 infertile and 30 fertile women on day 3 of the menstrual cycle were assessed and compared in this prospective age and body mass index (BMI) comparable controlled study. RESULTS: The mean age in the infertile group was 29.3 (range, 23-38), while this figure was 28.9 (range, 19-39) in the fertile group; the mean BMIs were 24.5 (range, 20.6-27.8) and 25.0 (range, 21.8-28.7), respectively. The mean serum leptin level was significantly higher in women with unexplained infertility compared with fertile subjects. Considering normal weight subjects, mean serum leptin levels were increased significantly in the unexplained infertile group compared with the fertile group (7.2 (range, 4.3-10.4) versus 3.5 (range, 1.9-6.2)ng/ml, respectively; p<0.0001, Mann-Whitney U-test). The significant increase in serum leptin levels was observed also in overweight patients (6.8 (range, 1.3-5.2) versus 3.3 (range, 4.2-8.9)ng/ml, respectively; p<0.0001, Mann-Whitney U-test). CONCLUSION: A significant difference in serum leptin levels between unexplained infertile and fertile women suggests that this cytokine may be involved in pathophysiology of unexplained infertility.     

A nanoprecursor method for successfully synthesizing clinoptilolite with high-crystallinity and resultant effects on CO2/CH4 selective adsorption

Nanoprecursors used as a structural promoter (SP) were prepared by a hydrothermal method and named sol-SP. After centrifugation, the supernatant and precipitate were denoted as solution-SP and solid-SP, respectively. The effect of the additive amount on the structures and properties of the synthesized clinoptilolite was investigated using various characterization techniques. The activation energies of crystallization kinetics during induction and growth periods were calculated. The results showed that the induction period is the control step during the synthesis of clinoptilolite, while additive sol-SP or solid-SP was beneficial to shorten the induction period and therefore enhance the formation of the crystal nucleus. When their pre-crystallization time was too long or the additive amount was too much, the impure phase (phillipsite) in the synthesized clinoptilolite was easily generated. Although the addition of solution-SP had no obvious effect on the induction period, it promoted the growth of crystals after nucleation. Finally, the adsorption performances for CO₂ and CH₄ were preliminarily assessed using synthetic clinoptilolite as the adsorbent, showing the promising application for the separation of CO₂/CH₄.

Nanoprecursors used as a structural promoter (SP) were prepared by a hydrothermal method and named sol-SP.     

Sialadenitis: A Possible Early Manifestation of COVID-19

Acute sialadenitis may be caused by viruses, including coronaviruses. Although there are anecdotal reports of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) salivary gland infections, there have been no well-documented cases of sialadenitis in patients with COVID-19 described in the literature. We report a case of parotitis and submandibular gland sialadenitis, as well as an isolated case of parotitis, in two patients with concurrent SARS-CoV-2 infections. Computed tomography imaging demonstrated parotid and submandibular gland enlargement with heterogenous enhancement and attenuation, consistent with sialadenitis. Medical management was sufficient for successful resolution of the acute sialadenitis. Laryngoscope, 130:2595–2597, 2020     

Diagnosis and prognosis in double-outlet right ventricle

The aim of this study was to examine prenatal diagnosis of double-outlet right ventricle (DORV)-associated anomalies and prognosis of each case. Medical records were reviewed of fetuses with DORV who had fetal echocardiography at our institution from 2002 to 2006. Pre- and postnatal diagnosis and outcome were compared and evaluated. Twenty-one fetuses were diagnosed with DORV. The pregnancy was terminated in seven cases. Three cases had chromosomal abnormalities; three cases, hypoplastic left ventricle; and one case, encephalocele. Accurate prenatal diagnosis of the ventricular septal defect, outflow obstruction, and great artery relationship was achieved in 14 of 16 cases (87.5%). Only 2 of 13 live-born cases survived beyond 6 months. The overall prognosis for fetuses with DORV is poor. DORV is found in fetuses with a huge spectrum of associated cardiac and extracardiac anomalies. Careful assessment by fetal echocardiography can determine important anatomic details with adequate correctness for precise counseling.