Background and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate whether mild fetal tricuspid regurgitation (TR) at 11+ 0 to 13+ 6 weeks of gestation affects perinatal outcomes. Since fetal right ventricular load is associated with placental resistance, we hypothesized that fetal mild TR would be associated with perinatal outcomes as a consequence of abnormal placentation. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 435 women with first-trimester scan data. Blood flow across the tricuspid valve was examined in singleton pregnancies between 11+ 0 and 13+ 6 weeks of gestation. Women were categorized according to the presence or absence of fetal mild TR, and the maternal and pregnancy characteristics and perinatal outcomes were compared. Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify independent predictors of perinatal outcome. Results: In the group with mild TR, there were more cases of borderline amniotic fluid index, including oligohydramnios (p = 0.031), and gestational age- and sex-specific birth weights were lower (p = 0.012). There were no significant differences in other perinatal outcomes, including preeclampsia, gestational hypertension and small for gestational age. Gestational diabetes (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.514, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.312–0.947) and fetal mild TR (adjusted OR 1.602, 95% CI 1.080–2.384) were identified as factors associated with below borderline amniotic fluid index before birth. The factors that affected gestational age and sex-specific birth weight were also gestational diabetes (adjusted beta coefficient 9.673, p = 0.008) and the presence of fetal mild TR (adjusted beta coefficient −6.593, p = 0.007). Conclusions: Mild fetal TR observed in the first trimester is negatively associated with fetal growth and the amniotic fluid index at term but not with other adverse pregnancy or perinatal outcomes due to abnormal placentation.

Background: Studies have assessed the effects of menstrual irregularities and menopause on diabetes, but no definitive conclusion has been reached. This study investigated for the first time the relationship between menstrual irregularity and diabetes before and after menopause. Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study included 9043 participants from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) V (2010–2012). Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the effect of menstrual irregularities on impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and diabetes incidence in women before and after menopause. Results: After adjustment for age and other diabetes-related factors, both menopause (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.101–2.27, p = 0.047) and menstrual irregularities (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.1–2.07, p = 0.011) were found to increase the risk of diabetes. Menstrual irregularities were significantly related to diabetes in the postmenopausal group (OR = 1.65, 95% CI  =  1.12–2.42, p = 0.012) but not in the premenopausal group (OR = 1.22, 95% CI  =  0.64–2.32, p = 0.555). Conclusions: In this study, menopausal status appeared to independently affect diabetes risk; menstrual irregularities were found to be a risk factor for postmenopausal diabetes. This study emphasizes the need for monitoring and early prevention, along with medical advice on menstrual irregularities, to reduce the prevalence of diabetes and improve the quality of life of postmenopausal women.

Background and Objectives: Vaginitis causes vulvovaginal symptoms, including itching, irritation, vaginal discharge, burning, or foul odor. It is one of the most common diseases encountered in gynecologic practice. Hypoestrogenism due to menopause has a considerable negative effect on vaginal health and leads to changes in the vaginal pH and vaginal microflora, which are related to a change in the causes and microorganisms of vaginitis. Thus the aim here was to investigate the prevalence of pathogens and other microorganisms in premenopausal and postmenopausal women with vulvovaginal symptoms, using an STD 12-Multiplex real-time PCR test and routine culture of vaginal discharge. Materials and Methods: From January 2018 to December 2019, records of patients diagnosed with vaginitis at Changwon Gyeongsang National University Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. The premenopausal and postmenopausal subjects were categorized into Group A and Group B, respectively. and the data of symptoms, general characteristics, and results of both STD 12-Multiplex real-time PCR test and routine culture of vaginal discharge were retrieved. Results:On the STD 12-Multiplex real-time PCR test, Gardnerella vaginalis was the most common microorganism in both groups. Ureaplasma parvum was the second most common one, followed by Candida speceies. On the routine culture of vaginal discharge, Escherichia coli was the most common aerobic bacterial microorganism in both groups, followed by Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS). There was no significant difference between the two groups. Pathogens and other microorganisms of patients with vulvovaginal symptoms that showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups were Ureaplasa parvum, Ureaplasma urealyticulum, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusion: In this study, the prevalence of pathogens and other microorganisms in menopausal women with vulvovaginal symptoms did not show a significant difference from premenopausal women. Therefore, management strategies for patients with vulvovaginal symptoms should be developed through accurate diagnosis using appropriate diagnostic methods.