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The results suggest increased tolerogenic properties of myeloid and lymphoid DCs in normal human pregnancy. Moreover, they suggest a decrease in tolerogenic properties of DCs before delivery. It seems possible that higher expressions of CD200 molecule on CD1c(+) myeloid and BDCA-2(+) lymphoid DCs in pre-eclampsia may constitute the tolerogenic mechanism secondary to the pro-inflammatory response that is observed in this syndrome.

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Objectives: Ascites is often observed in malignant diseases, and is then associated with a poor prognosis. In 30-54% cases of ascites ovarian cancer is the primary tumor. Effective palliation of symptoms caused by the pressure of ascites is difficult to achieve. Assessment of the volume of ascites is necessary in monitoring the progress of the disease and in selecting appropriate methods of treatment. The aim of this study was to introduce Ascites Index (AsI), a simple to use ultrasound method of evaluating the volume of ascites. Methods: Six patients with ovarian cancer and ascites were included in the study. All patients were admitted to the hospital because of respiratory dysfunction (dyspnea) due to increasing ascites. Ultrasound measurements of the volume of ascites were performed in the external quadrants of the abdomen -in the vicinity of the liver, spleen and bilaterally above the inguinal ligament. Pockets of free fluid were measured in millimeters, perpendicularly to the tangents of each quadrant of the abdomen. The obtained values were totalled, creating the Ascites Index (AsI), similary to the amniotic fluid index. Abdominal puncture was performed in 4 cases, and exploratory laparotomy in 2 cases. AsI values acquired before and after these procedures were subsequently compared. Results: Initial AsI values ranged from 196 to 316 mm (mean 233 mm, SD 47.0). To avoid complications a maximum of 2000 ml of ascitic fluid was collected. After abdominal puncture AsI values were decreased to 89-183 mm (mean 129 mm; SD 42.5). During exploratory laparotomy 4500-5000 ml of fluid was obtained, and after the procedure the index was decreased to 6-19 mm (mean 12.5 mm; SD 9.2). Conclusions:The proposed Ascites Index seems to by a promising tool in estimating ascites volume. It is simple to implement and may be estimated using basic ultrasound equipment even in outpatient clinic. AsI may be useful in monitoring ascites, predicting dyspnea and assessing the effect of abdominal puncture. P31.02 Comparison of four risk of malignancy indices in women with ovarian masses S. Kim Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Republic of KoreaObjectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of four risk of malignancy ndices (RMI) in women with ovarian masses. Methods: Between January 2007 and December 2008, 344 women who had visited Pusan National University Hospital for surgical exploration due to ovarian masses were enrolled. The RMI was based on menopausal status, ultrasound findings of ovarian masses and absolute level of serum CA 125. A cutoff value of 200 was chosen as threshold for determining malignant and benign ovarian masses in RMI 1, RMI 2 and RMI 3. A cutoff value of 450 was chosen as threshold in RMI 4. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were determined. Results: Four malignancy indices were more accurate than menopausal status, ultrasound findings, and serum CA 125, respectively. In the determination between benig...