In our study Bishop score proved to be a reliable and good method for prediction of the outcome of pregnancy if a single, experienced operator evaluates it, with best statistical performances at the cut-off value more than 5 (sensitivity 65.5%, specificity 95%, PPV 97.3%, NPV 50%). The next step would be introduction of more operators, of different skills and experience and subsequent further testing of the method in different conditions.

AimTo investigate the association of cornual-fundal location of the placenta and breech presentation at term delivery.MethodsThis study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Novi Sad, in 2011. The inclusion criteria were delivery at ≥37 weeks of gestation, singleton gestation, and cornual-fundal location of the placenta determined by ultrasonography at ≥37 weeks of gestation when 3/4 or more of the placenta was in the cornual-fundal region.ResultsOut of 2750 ultrasound examinations performed, 143 showed cornual-fundal location of the placenta (frequency 5.2%). Eighty six cases had cephalic presentation (60.14%) and 57 (39.86%) had breech presentation. Of the remaining cases with non- cornual-fundal location, 2585 had cephalic presentation and 22 (0.84%) had breech presentation. The difference in the frequency of breech presentation between the cornual-fundal and non-cornual-fundal groups was significant (χ2 = 77.78, P < 0.001).ConclusionCornual-fundal location of the placenta may be an important clue in resolving the etiology of a number of cases of breech presentation at term delivery.

During pregnancy, acsending infection into the uterus, is followed by local increase of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity, and consequently elevated prostaglandin production. Subclinical infections of fetal amniotic membranes are well known to cause preterm delivery. Spreading of infection from vagina and cervix into uterine cavity, can be tragic for the fetus. The aim of this study was to reveal wether lower genital tract infections are associated with symptoms of threatened miscarriage. Our investigation included 140 patients with symptoms of threatened miscarriage and 70 patients with uncomplicated pregnancies. Infections were detected by vaginal or cervical smears as well as tests for Chlamydial infection. Levels of prostacyclin, main prostaglandin product during pregnancy, were evaluated via its stable metabololite, 6-keto-PGF1-alpha. Both prostaglandin levels and hormones were determined by ELISA method. We found that serum values of prostacyclin were elevated, while levels of estradiol, progesterone and prolactin were significantly lower in patients with lower genital tract infections. Increased prostacyclin levels in pregnancies complicated by lower genital tract infections are caused by stimulation of COX/2 enzyme, due to elevated production of various cytokines which are possibly a compensatory mechanism resolving problems caused by bacterial endotoxines.

Changes in biochemical values of pregnancy hormones affect dimensions of analyzed sonographic parameters. During uncomplicated pregnancy, levels of chorionic gonadotropin, progesterone and estradiol affect mean gestation-sac diameter, embryo length, depth of trophoblast invasion and formation and function of vitelline sac, and thus they alter the embryonic heart rate.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory connective tissue disease commonly diagnosed after the age of 20, mostly around the age of 30 years. It is more common in women than in men, especially during the fertile period. Women with SLE are at higher risk for spontaneous abortions, intrauterine fetal death, preeclampsia and eclampsia, preterm delivery and intrauterine growth retardation. This paper is a case report of a pregnant woman with SLE complicated with preeclampsia, but it also discusses follow-up of such pregnancies.