Subunit Of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Research Articles

Brain metastases in testicular cancer: A single-institution experience in Guatemala.

e17019 Background: Brain metastases secondary to germ cell tumors develop in 2 to 3% of patients, in addition to implying a poor prognosis, its incidence in advanced stages increases to 10-15%. The European Urology Association guidelines recommend performing imaging studies using MRI or brain contrasted tomography to rule out metastases in patients with multiple lung metastases, or high beta subunit of human Chorionic Gonadotropin (β-HCG) values, or those in the poor-prognosis International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group (IGCCCG) risk group. Methods: Retrospective descriptive study in patients with brain metastasis for testicular cancer at the Liga Nacional Contra el Cáncer – INCAN Guatemala, from 2018 to 2022. From medical records, we obtained: demographic, clinico-pathological and treatment data. Median was calculated for age, while frequencies and percentages were computed for the categorical variables. Results: Of the 238 patients diagnosed with testicular cancer, 22% (52) presented a β-HCG above 5,000 IU/L, of which 27% (14) developed brain metastases with a mean age of 28 years. Corresponding to 6% of the total cases studied. Among histological subtypes the most common was choriocarcinoma (43%), follow by mixed germ cell cancer (36%), embrionary carcinoma (14%) and classic seminoma (7%). All of the patients belonged to prognostic group S2. Most patients reported first symptom was headache (42%), followed by seizures (21%), cognitive dysfunction (15%), motor dysfunction (10%) and others (12%). Management of these patients included: orchidectomy in all of them, 57% (8) of patients died, of them 50% (4) of patients died before any other therapy. The rest of them, received chemotherapy and none received radiotherapy or surgery for the brain metastases. Conclusions: The presence of brain metastases in testicular cancer increases the mortality produced by the disease as previously reported in other regions of the world, reason why the early suspicion of it, should prompt the evaluation with a brain MRI or computed tomography.

A new contingent screening strategy increased detection rate of trisomy 21 in the first trimester

BackgroundAlthough the traditional contingent screening strategy is effective, there are still undetected low-risk trisomy 21. This study aims to define appropriate cut-off values of serum biochemical markers at low-risk and develop a strategy for sequential prenatal testing associated with first-trimester screening to increase the detection rate of trisomy 21.MethodsThis was a 9-year retrospective analysis of singleton pregnant women who underwent serum biochemical screening or combined first-trimester screening (CFTS) in the first trimester. For the low-risk group, the cut-off values of the serum biochemical markers were adjusted to determine the appropriate detection efficiency. Gravidas with abnormal serum biochemical markers at low-risk were advised to undergo further non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS), whereas others continued with routine prenatal care.ResultsWhen cut-off values of free beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (free β-hCG) multiples of the median (MoM) or pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) MoM were defined with ≥ 2.75 or ≤ 0.5, 7.72% (2,194/28,405) in the serum biochemical screening group and 12.36% (4,005/32,403) in CFTS group could be detected as abnormal results for further NIPS. Finally, 55.56% (5/9) and 85.71% (6/7) of trisomy 21 cases with false-negative results were detected, and the overall detection rate for trisomy 21 was improved by 10.64% (5/47) and 12.77% (6/47), respectively.ConclusionsThe new contingent screening strategy can increase the detection rate of trisomy 21 compared with the traditional contingent screening strategy.

Ovarian Masses in Children and Adolescents: A Review of the Literature with Emphasis on the Diagnostic Approach.

Most abdominal masses in the pediatric population derive from the ovaries. Ovarian masses can occur in all ages, although their incidence, clinical presentation and histological distribution vary among different age groups. Children and adolescents may develop non-neoplastic ovarian lesions, such as functional cysts, endometrioma, torsion, abscess and lymphangioma as well as neoplasms, which are divided into germ cell, epithelial, sex-cord stromal and miscellaneous tumors. Germ cell tumors account for the majority of ovarian neoplasms in the pediatric population, while adults most frequently present with epithelial tumors. Mature teratoma is the most common ovarian neoplasm in children and adolescents, whereas dysgerminoma constitutes the most frequent ovarian malignancy. Clinical manifestations generally include abdominal pain, palpable mass, nausea/vomiting and endocrine alterations, such as menstrual abnormalities, precocious puberty and virilization. During the investigation of pediatric ovarian masses, the most important objective is to evaluate the likelihood of malignancy since the management of benign and malignant lesions is fundamentally different. The presence of solid components, large size and heterogenous appearance on transabdominal ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography indicate an increased risk of malignancy. Useful tumor markers that raise concern for ovarian cancer in children and adolescents include alpha-fetoprotein, lactate dehydrogenase, beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin, cancer antigen 125 and inhibin. However, their serum levels can neither confirm nor exclude malignancy. Management of pediatric ovarian masses needs to be curative and, when feasible, function-preserving and minimally invasive. Children and adolescents with an ovarian mass should be treated in specialized centers to avoid unnecessary oophorectomies and ensure the best possible outcome.

Study on the Relationship and Predictive Value of First-Trimester Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A, Maternal Factors, and Biochemical Parameters in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Large Case-Control Study in Southern China Mothers.

To investigate the relationship and predictive value of first-trimester pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), maternal factors, and biochemical parameters with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in southern China mothers. This study recruited 4872 pregnant women. PAPP-A, the free beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (free β-HCG), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and high- and low-density lipoproteins (HDL, LDL) were measured at 11-13+ weeks of gestation. GDM was diagnosed based on a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test at 24-28 weeks of gestation. We performed stepwise logistic regression analysis to determine the odds ratio (OR) and the 95% confidence interval (CI) of GDM. We used Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves with the area under the curve (AUC) to evaluate the predictive value of PAPP-A, maternal factors, and biochemical markers. The significance of the differences between the AUC values was assessed using the DeLong test. GDM was diagnosed in 750 (15.39%) women. Independent factors for GDM were age, pre-gestational BMI, GWG before a diagnosis of GDM, previous history of GDM, family history of diabetes, FPG, TG, LDL, PAPP-A, and TC. The AUC of PAPP-A was 0.56 (95% CI 0.53-0.58). The AUC of a model based on combined maternal factors, biochemical markers, and PAPP-A was 0.70 (95% CI 0.68-0.72). Differences in AUC values between PAPP-A alone and the model based on combined maternal factors, biochemical markers, and PAPP-A were statistically significant (Z= 9.983, P<0.001). A Low serum PAPP-A level in the first trimester is an independent risk factor for developing GDM later in pregnancy. However, it is not a good independent predictor although the predictive value of a low serum PAPP-A level increases when combined with maternal factors and biochemical markers.

Cesarean Scar Pregnancy Treated by Systemic or Local Methotrexate Administration Followed by Hysteroscopic Removal: A Comparative Pilot Study

Background: Cesarean Scar Pregnancy (CSP) is a life-threatening condition following an ectopic implantation within the scar of a previous cesarean delivery and no guideline is shared about optimal treatment options. Methods: We present a retrospective study comparing the outcomes of patients with CSP diagnosed before the 10th week of gestation treated by systemic or local Methotrexate (MTX) for pregnancy termination, followed by hysteroscopic placental removal. After MTX administration, the weekly decrease-rate of beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin subunit (β-HCG) was adopted as criterion to indicate a repeated MTX dose (less than 25% decline after 2 weeks) and to surgery timing (50% decline in two consecutive assessments). Results: Fourteen patients satisfied the inclusion criteria. Eight and six of them underwent systemic (group A) and local (group B) MTX administration, respectively. No significant difference was found in pre-treatment and intra-operative variables. Group B showed significantly accelerated times in weekly halving of β-HCG with respect to group A (p-value = 0.005). Accordingly, the elapsing time between MTX and surgery was found to be significantly longer in the group A than in the group B (p-value = 0.016). In group B no patient required further MTX administration whereas 3 out of 8 patients from group A required an additional MTX dose. In all patients hysteroscopic surgery resulted uneventful and no further treatment was required. Conclusions: When followed by hysteroscopic placental removal, systemic or local MTX administration resulted effective to treat CSP. Local MTX allows quicker trophoblastic demise, leading to significant anticipation of surgery with respect to systemic administration.

Biochemical and ultrasonographic markers in fetal surveillance

Introduction/Objective. Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is associated with increased fetal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. The study objective was to investigate the correlation of maternal blood biochemical markers routinely determined in the first and second trimester screening and ultrasound fetal surveillance parameters in the prediction of fetal growth and condition in singleton pregnancies. Methods. In the first trimester we measured serum levels of beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (?HCG) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A). In the second trimester we measured values of chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), alpha fetoprotein (AFP), unconjugated estriol (E3) and inhibin A, also examined ultrasonographic biometric fetal parameters, amniotic fluid index (AFI) and Doppler resistance indexes. FGR was defined as ultrasonographically determined fetal weight and growth parameters below the 10th percentile for the gestational age. Obtained biochemical and ultrasonographic parameters were correlated. Results. Study included 104 singleton pregnancies. ?HCG in the first trimester correlated negatively with fetal growth in the second and third trimester, and the second trimester AFI. Increased PAPP-A correlated positively with elevated resistance index in medial cerebral artery, lower biophysical profile scores, and intermediate type of non-stress test. Lower values of E3 were associated with FGR. Elevated serum AFP levels were linked to oligoamnion in the third trimester. There was no correlation of inhibin A levels with fetal condition. Conclusion. First and second trimester biochemical markers of pregnancy (?HCG, PAPP-A, HCG, AFP and E3) in combination with ultrasonographic biophysical parameters of fetus have predictive value for fetal growth and development.

The Impact of Maternal Predisposing Factors on Level of Maternal Serum Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A and Free Subunit Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and Nuchal Translucency.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between maternal predisposing factors with the level of maternal serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein A and free subunit human chorionic gonadotropin and nuchal translucency. We performed a cross-sectional-analytical study on 762 pregnant women who referred to the Gene Azma Medical Genetics Laboratory in Isfahan for amniocentesis. All pregnant women at high risk of screening in the first trimester of pregnancy for trisomy 21 and other aneuploidy were referred to a gynecologist for amniotic fluid sampling (amniocentesis). Multiple of the means (MoM) of PAPPA ≤0.5, 0.5 ≥ MoM free β-hCG >2.5, and NT ≥3.5 mm were considered abnormal. We used Chi-square method and Mann-Whitney U-test to compare data qualitative and quantitative, respectively. In individuals with less pregnancies and deliveries, the value of abnormal NT was higher (P < 0.01, P < 0.001, respectively). On the other hand, the highest abnormal rate of NT was observed in pregnant women under 35 years (21, 84%, P < 0.012). In addition, abnormal levels of free β-hCG are more common in women < 35 years of age (186, 66.9%, P < 0.02) and female fetuses (171, 58.8%) (P < 0.006). According to the results of this study, it can be said that considering the underlying factors of pregnant mothers in performing tests related to screening in the first trimester of pregnancy can lead to a reduction in false positive rates.

Correlation and predictive value of serum miR-146b-5p expression during the first trimester of pregnancy with pre-eclampsia

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation and predictive value of serum miR-146b-5p expression during the first trimester of pregnancy with pre-eclampsia (PE). In total, 32 normal pregnant women (the control group) and 58 subjects with PE were randomly selected from eligible case data. The serum levels of miR-146b-5p, pregnancy associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and free beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (free β-hCG) were then detected. Next, we established predictive models of single or multiple markers for PE. The levels of miR-146b-5p in the mild pre-eclampsia (mPE) and severe pre-eclampsia (sPE) groups were higher than the control group and there were significant differences between the three groups (F = 3.424, P = 0.037). The statistical results of the model before and after 200 times 10-fold cross-validation were as follows: miR-146b-5p (AUC = 0.723 vs AUC = 0.710); miR-146b-5p + BMI + MAP + free β-hCG MoM + PAPP-A MoM (AUC = 0.929 vs AUC = 0.851). We found that expression levels of miR-146b-5p in the first trimester were significantly higher in the serum of pregnant women with PE than in the normal pregnancy group. A prediction model in combination with miR-146b-5p and other markers improved the early predictive value for PE. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? Pre-eclampsia is a complex systemic disease with hypertension as the main clinical manifestation and causes extensive damage to the body. Some existing maternal biochemical markers have limited value in predicting PE, and new biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity are urgently needed in clinical practice. There are a variety of abnormal expression miRNAs in PE, however, the relationship between miR-146b-5p and PE has yet to be fully elucidated. What do the results of this study add? We first found that expression levels of serum miR-146b-5p in the first trimester were significantly higher in PE than in a normal pregnancy group. A prediction model a combination of miR-146b-5p and other maternal characteristics and biochemical markers can improve the early predictive value for PE. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? PE progresses rapidly and has become a severe target organ complication when discovered. Therefore, the early prediction of a high risk of PE, along with early intervention and prevention measures, are of great significance. Compared to maternal biochemical markers, combination of miR-146b-5p and maternal characteristics and biochemical markers can improve the early predictive value for PE.

The findings about relationship between autoimmune thyroid disease and first-trimester aneuploidy results

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between thyroid autoantibody and first-trimester aneuploidy results. Thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) is the most common autoimmune disorder. Patients with TAI are usually euthyroid. Thyroid peroxidase (TPO-Ab) in patients with or without thyroid dysfunction is associated with infertility, recurrent embryo implantation failure, and early pregnancy loss. The impact of TPO-Ab on first-trimester aneuploidy test results needs to be studied.&#x0D; Material and Method: This retrospective case-control study was conducted between December 2019 and May 2022. Patients with thyroid autoantibody positivity (n=112) were included in the study as the case group. The control group was selected from age and body mass index (BMI)-matched patients (n=130). Nuchal translucency (NT), crown rump length (CRL), pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and free beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG)) values were compared between the two groups.&#x0D; Results: This study included two hundred forty two age-matched (29.86±4.51) and BMI-matched (23.96±2.34) women. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of free thyroxine (FT4), PAPP-A and free β-hCG (p&gt;0.05). NT as a marker for major chromosomal defects and CRL were comparable in case and control groups (p&gt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: There is no statistically significant relationship between thyroid autoimmune diseases and the first-trimester aneuploidy results.

Prepubertal-Type Testicular Tumors in Postpubertal Patients: Epidermoid Cyst and Well-Differentiated Neuroendocrine Tumor

A man in his late 30s presented with testicular pain. On further evaluation, he was found to have a testicular mass, and serum tumor markers that are frequently elevated in germ cell tumors (beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin, lactate dehydrogenase, and alpha-fetoprotein) were within normal limits. He underwent radical orchiectomy, which revealed a 4.0 cm cystic mass.

Feasibility of treating pediatric intracranial germ cell tumors in a middle-income country: The Jordanian experience.

Pediatric intracranial germ cell tumors (iGCT) are rare, with limited data available from Arabic countries. We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of children <18years diagnosed with iGCT at King Hussein Cancer Center/Jordan (January 2003 to December 2020) for clinical characteristics, treatment, and morbidities. Sixteen patients had germinoma; median age was 6.9years and median symptoms duration 8months. Nine tumors were suprasellar, five pineal, and two bifocal. Four were metastatic. Eight patients had slightly elevated beta subunit human chorionic gonadotropin and 11 patients had resection/biopsy. Fifteen patients received chemotherapy; mostly carboplatin (450mg/m2 )/etoposide, which had low toxicity. All patients received radiotherapy (different doses and fields). At median follow-up of 7.7years, one tumor recurred (progression-free survival: 91%±8%). Twelve patients who continued follow-up had stable visual and endocrine deficits to their initial presentation. Five finished or are finishing diploma and seven had poor school performance (four left school). Six patients were diagnosed with nongerminomatous germ cell tumor; median symptom duration was 1month. Three tumors were pineal, two suprasellar, and one at quadrigeminal plate. Three were metastatic. Five tested patients had high tumor markers and four had resection/biopsy. All patients received chemotherapy, and then five received craniospinal radiation. Two patients are alive, two died with tumor progression, one died in remission with electrolyte imbalance, and one developed leukemia and died with septic shock. We achieved excellent survival in treating germinoma using a feasible protocol for low middle-income countries. However, patients encountered significant morbidities exacerbated by delayed diagnosis and unnecessary surgical interventions despite abnormal tumor markers. Raising awareness on iGCT symptomatology and diagnosis may help limit these morbidities.

Correlations between maternal hepatitis B virus carrier status and Down’s syndrome prenatal screening indicators and their effects on the screening results

The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between maternal hepatitis B virus (HBV) carrier status and pregnancy-associated serum screening indicators, as well as their implications on the prenatal screening results of Down’s syndrome (DS). This retrospective cohort study included two groups, namely the healthy gravidas group (n = 19804) and the maternal HBV carrier group (n = 792). Serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and free beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (free β-hCG) levels, as well as the foetal nuchal translucency (NT) thickness, were measured. Multivariatebinary logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between the HBV carrier status and prenatal screening biomarkers. The PAPP-A multiple of the medium (MoM) and free β-hCG MoM in the first trimester were significantly higher in the HBV carrier group than in the control group (both P < .05). Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed that HBV carrier status was identified as a risk factor for PAPP-A and the intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), with adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of 1.363 (1.216–1.527) and 3.255 (2.356–4.499), respectively. Pregnant women with HBV carrier status had higher influence on serum PAPP-A level and ICP, and the risk calculation algorithm for DS in HBV carriers should be corrected in the first trimester of pregnancy. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? The maternal serum levels of pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and free beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (free β-hCG), as well as the foetal nuchal translucency (NT) thickness, have been collectively used in the prenatal screening of Down’s syndrome (DS), Edward’s syndrome (ES), and open neural tube defects (ONTD). However, many factors, including the maternal age; maternal weight; gestational age; race; history of smoking and so on can affect those serum biomarker levels. Our aim is to know whether there is a difference for HBV status to pregnancy-associated serum screening indicators hoes. What the results of this study add? The PAPP-A multiple of the medium (MoM) and free β-hCG MoM in the first trimester were significantly higher in the HBV carrier group than in the control group (both p < .05). Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed that the PAPP-A and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) were risk factors for HBV carriers, with aORs of 1.363 (1.216–1.527) and 3.255 (2.356–4.499), respectively. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The PAPP-A MoM in maternal HBV carriers was significantly higher than that in healthy gravidas, and the risk calculation algorithm for DS in maternal HBV carriers should be corrected in the first trimester of pregnancy.

A retrospective cohort study on the effects of Down’s screening markers and maternal characteristics on pregnancy outcomes in preeclampsia

ABSTRACT Background To investigate the effects of down’s screening markers and maternal characteristics on preeclampsia (PE) pregnancy outcome during early and middle pregnancy. Methods A retrospective study of a cohort of 246 PE and 18,709 No-PE pregnant women who participated in Down’s screening during early and middle pregnancy was performed. Clinical data of pregnancy-related were collected. Multivariate binary logistic regression was used to analyze the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of Down’s screening markers, maternal characteristics, pregnancy outcome, and other related variables, and to evaluate the influencing factors of each indicator on PE. P < .05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results Compared with the non-PE group, the concentration and median multiple (MoM) of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and free beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (free β-hCG) in PE group were both lower (P < .001). Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed that low birth weight, hydronephrosis, premature delivery, fetal growth retardation, cesarean section, live birth, hyperlipemia, infection, decreased free β-hCG and first trimester maternal weight were risk factors for PE (aOR were: 7.552, 6.684, 4.154, 3.762, 3.612, 2.454, 1.757, 1.562, 1.270, and 1.077, respectively), while uterine scar, premature rupture of membranes and elevated PAPP-A were protective factors of PE (aOR were: 0.222, 0.328 and 0.612, respectively). Conclusion Decreased maternal serum PAPP-A level, increased free β-hCG, hyperlipemia, premature delivery, cesarean section, live birth, hydronephrosis, fetal growth retardation, low birth weight, and infection are risk factors for PE, while uterine scar and premature rupture of membrane are protective factors for PE.

Behavior of the Genetic Markers at Screening during the First Trimester of Pregnancy in Euploid Fetuses.

This study aims to describe the behavior of chromosomopathy screenings in euploid fetuses. This is a prospective descriptive study with 566 patients at 11 to 14 weeks of gestation. The associations between ultrasound scans and serological variables were studied. For the quantitative variables we used the Spearman test; for the qualitative with quantitative variables the of Mann-Whitney U-test; and for qualitative variables, the X2 test was applied. Significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. We have found that gestational age has correlation with ductus venosus, nuchal translucency, free fraction of β subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin, pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A and placental growth factor; there is also a correlation between history of miscarriages and nasal bone. Furthermore, we correlated body mass index with nuchal translucency, free fraction of β subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin, and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A. Maternal age was associated with free fraction of β subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A. Our study demonstrates for the first time the behavior of the biochemical and ultrasonographic markers of chromosomopathy screenings during the first trimester in euploid fetuses in Colombia. Our information is consistent with international reference values. Moreover, we have shown the correlation of different variables with maternal characteristics to determine the variables that could help with development of a screening process during the first trimester with high detection rates.

Comparison of different treatment strategies in the management of endogenic caesarean scar pregnancy: a multicentre retrospective study

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of different treatment strategies for endogenic caesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) patients.MethodsAccording to Vial’s standard, we defined endogenic-type CSP as (1) the gestational sac growing towards the uterine cavity and (2) a greater than 0.3 cm thickness of myometrial tissue at the caesarean scar. A total of 447 endogenic CSP patients out of 527 patients from 4 medical centres in China were enrolled in this study. A total of 120 patients were treated with methotrexate (MTX) followed by surgery, 106 received ultrasound-guided curettage directly and 221 received curettage combined with hysteroscopy. The clinical information and clinical outcomes of these patients were reviewed. Successful treatment was defined as (1) no additional treatment needed, (2) no retained mass of conception and (3) serum β subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) level returning to a normal level within 4 weeks. The success rate was analysed based on these factors.ResultAmong 447 patients, no significant difference was observed in baseline characteristics between groups except for foetal heartbeat. The success rate was significantly different (p<0.001) among the three groups. The highest success rate of 95.9% was noted in the hysteroscopy group, and the lowest success rate of 84.0% was noted in the curettage group. In addition, the MTX group reported the longest hospital stay and highest expenses, but the curettage group showed the shortest and lowest expenses, respectively. Nevertheless, no difference in blood loss was observed between the groups.ConclusionThe combination of curettage and hysteroscopy represents the most effective strategy. Pretreatment with MTX did not result in better clinical outcomes. Ultrasound-guided curettage directly should not be considered a first-line treatment choice for endogenic CSP patients.

Determination of Medians of Biochemical Serum Markers in First Trimester of Healthy Pregnant Women in Tertiary Care Setup

Objective: To determine medians of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and free β subunit of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG-β) in the first trimester of healthy pregnant women visiting tertiary care hospital.&#x0D; Study Design: Cross-sectional study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemical Pathology and Endocrinology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) from May 2018 to May 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: Healthy pregnant women with a singleton pregnancy reported for an antenatal checkup in Obstetric OPD, Pak Emirates Military Hospital (PEMH) and Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Rawalpindi were included in the study. PAPP-A level was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method using PR 4100 Microplate Reader®, and serum hCG-β were analysed on random access IMMULITE 2000®.&#x0D; Results: A total of 135 pregnant women were enrolled in the current study. The mean age of subjects was 27.66 ± 4.24 years, mean maternal weight was 59.91 ± 8.87 kgs and mean gestational age was 10.37 ± 1.16 weeks. Median value of PAPP-A was 1289.43 mIU/L (range: 510.8-5965.99) and hCGβ was 120985 mIU/ml (range: 23592-290000).&#x0D; Conclusion: Median values of PAPP-A and HCGβ can be used to calculate (Multiple of Medians) MoM during the first trimester in tertiary care setup.

First-trimester biomarkers and the risk of cerebral palsy

BackgroundCerebral palsy (CP) is the most common severe motor disability and a manifestation of early brain damage. AimsTo analyze if abnormal levels of first-trimester biomarkers were associated with CP. Furthermore, to investigate their clinical applicability in early predicting of CP. Study designNationwide cohort study. SubjectsWe included 258.057 singleton live births, born during 2008–2013 with completed first-trimester assessments. Outcome measuresData on beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG), pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), nuchal translucency thickness, and biparietal diameter (BPD) were converted to multiple of the medians (MoM). Associations were analyzed by comparing mean and extreme levels between pregnancies with and without CP. All CP diagnoses were validated by trained neuropediatricians. Logistic regression was used to create an early prediction model. ResultsThe mean beta-hCG value was significantly lower in pregnancies with CP (0.96MoM [95% CI 0.91–1.02] vs 1.04MoM [1.04–1.04], p = 0.01) and the mean PAPP-A value tended to be lower (0.96MoM [0.91–1.01] vs 1.01MoM [1.00–1.01], p = 0.07). Moreover, fetuses that developed CP more likely had a BPD measurement below the fifth percentile (7.5% vs 5%, p = 0.045). The final prediction model had poor discrimination. ConclusionsPregnancies with CP tend to have lower values of beta-hCG and PAPP-A in the first trimester, however, the associations are mediated differently. Nonetheless, abnormal levels of the most common first-trimester biomarkers only have weak associations with CP; resulting in inadequate predictive abilities when included in an early prediction model.

The predictive value indicators of first trimester biochemical screening in assessing unfavorable factors of pregnancy course in women with HIV as well as hepatitis B and C

Aim: to find out the predictive value of blood serum biochemical parameters PAPP-A (pregnancy-associated plasma protein A) and β-hCG (beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin) in the assessment of unfavorable pregnancy outcomes in women infected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as well as viral hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV).Materials and Methods. A retrospective study of the medical records from 52 women was carried out, including 19 HIV-infected women, 9 women with monoinfection HBV or HCV, 11 pregnant women who were co-infected (HIV/HBV or HIV/HCV) and 13 uninfected women. PAPP-A and β-hCG levels, expressed as MoM (multiple of median), were evaluated in all women.Results. Our study revealed that only PAPP-A was prognostically significant for developing chronic placental insufficiency in women with HIV infection and co-infection of HIV together hepatitis B and C. None of the parameters examined were significant in women with HBV or HCV monoinfection. PAPP-A and β-hCG in pregnant women without infections were effective in predicting development of chronic placental insufficiency.Conclusion. PAPP-A can be used as a diagnostic parameter of developing chronic placental insufficiency in pregnant women with monoinfection HIV and co-infection with HIV/HBV or HIV/HCV.

False negative point-of-care urine pregnancy tests in an urban academic emergency department: a retrospective cohort study.

Study objectiveTo determine the prevalence of false negative point‐of‐care (POC) urine pregnancy tests among emergency department (ED) patients and among those with abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding.MethodsWe identified all female patients, ages 14–50 years without prior hysterectomy who had a negative POC urine pregnancy test (beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin [β‐hCG]) performed by trained clinical staff in the ED between September 1, 2017 and December 31, 2018, as well as a subgroup we defined a priori as “high risk” for early pregnancy complications based on a triage chief complaint (text) of abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding. We identified those with a positive urine β‐hCG, serum β‐hCG >5 mIU/mL, or a diagnosis of pregnancy within 3 months of the initial ED visit (index visit). We used structured chart review with American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology guidelines to determine pregnancy diagnosis and outcomes (ectopic, intrauterine, abnormal including spontaneous abortion, and unknown), the date of conception, and whether the pregnancy was present at the index visit.ResultsOf 10,924 visits with a negative urine pregnancy test result that were screened for a pregnancy outcome, 171 (1.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.4, 1.8) had a pregnancy present at the index visit. Diagnoses were ectopic (n = 12, 7.0%), intrauterine (n = 71, 41.5%), abnormal (n = 77, 45.0%), and unknown (n = 11, 6.4%). Of the 2732 patients with high‐risk complaints, 97 (3.6%, 95% CI = 2.9, 4.3) had a pregnancy present at the index visit (relative risk of a pregnancy diagnosis 3.9, 95% CI = 2.9,5.3), including 10/12 ectopic (83%), 58/77 abnormal (75%), and 25/71 intrauterine pregnancies (35%). Serum β‐hCG ranged from 2 mIU/mL to above assay (median = 119.5, interquartile range = 957.5).ConclusionAlthough false negative urine pregnancy tests were uncommon, multiple pregnancy diagnoses were missed, including ectopic pregnancies. False negatives were more common among patients with abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding. Concurrent serum β‐hCG levels demonstrated a broad distribution.

Clinical Features and Treatment Outcomes in Patients with Extracranial Germ Cell Tumors: A Tertiary Centre Experience

Background: Germ cell tumors are histologically heterogeneous group of tumors with high cure rate if diagnosed early. The aim of study was to evaluate the extracranial germ cell tumors presenting to our institute with regards to gender, age, clinical presentation, pathology, management, acute toxicity and survival. Material and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at Department of Radiation Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna. Results: Total of 75 patients with germ cell tumor (GCT) were analysed. Distribution of males and females were 50.7% and 49.3% respectively. The median age of presentation of males and females was 31 years and 15 years respectively. At the time of presentation, 47.3% male and 16.2% of female patients had metastatic disease. The median alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (βHCG), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were 112 ng/ml, 668 mIU/ml, and 550 U/L respectively. At median followup of 34 months, 32% of the patient developed recurrence. The median disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were 57 months and 71 months respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that the histological subtypes (p = 0.001) and risk groups (p = 0.029) were the independent prognostic factors for DFS, while metastatic status at presentation (p = 0.037), upfront surgical intervention (p =0.039), and histopathological subtypes (p = 0.009) were the independent prognostic factor for OS. Conclusion: GCT is primarily a disease of young and adolescents. Early diagnosis, well-orchestrated multidisciplinary management leads to favourable outcome and survival.