Israel Medical Association Journal

Background: Fetal weight estimation at term is a challenging clinical task.

Objectives: To evaluate the association between peripheral white blood cell (WBC) count of the laboring women and neonatal birth weight (BW) for term uncomplicated pregnancies.

Methods: We conducted a single-center, retrospective cohort study (2006–2021) of women admitted in the first stage of labor or planned cesarean delivery. Complete blood counts were collected at admission. BW groups were categorized by weight (grams): < 2500 (group A), 2500–3499 (group B), 3500–4000 (group C), and > 4000 (group D). Two study periods were used to evaluate the association between WBC count and neonatal BW.

Results: There were a total of 98,632 deliveries. The dataset analyses showed a lower WBC count that was significantly and linearly associated with a higher BW; P for trend < 0.001 for women in labor. The most significant association was noted for the > 4000-gram newborns; adjusted odds ratio 0.97, 95% confidence interval 0.96–0.98; P < 0.001; adjusted for hemoglobin level, gestational age, and fetal sex. The 2018–2021 dataset analyses revealed WBC as an independent predictor of macrosomia with a significant incremental predictive value (P < 0.0001). The negative predictive value of the WBC count for macrosomia was significantly high, 93.85% for a threshold of WBC < 10.25 × 10³/µl.

Conclusions: WBC count should be considered to support the in-labor fetal weight estimation, especially valuable for the macrosomic fetus.

Background: Pelvic organ prolapse in pregnancy is rare. Consequent complications include cervical infection, spontaneous abortion, and premature birth. Conservative management by means of a pessary have been described as improving maternal symptomatology and minimizing gestational risk. The delivery mode is controversial.

Objective: To describe the clinical courses of patients diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse during pregnancy, and to present our multidisciplinary approach.

Methods: In this retrospective case series, we summarized the obstetrical outcomes of women diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse during pregnancy in a single university-affiliated hospital.

Results: We identified eight women with advanced uterine prolapse at a mean age of 30.3 years. Seven were diagnosed with advanced uterine prolapse (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification [POPQ] stage ≥ 3). All were treated by pessary placement, which was tolerable and provided symptomatic relief. The pessary type was chosen according to the prolapse stage. In women with cervical prolapse POPQ stage > 2 and cervical edema, a support pessary was less beneficial. However, the prolapse was well-controlled with a space-filling Gellhorn pessary. Low complication rates were associated with vaginal deliveries. The few complications that were reported included minor cervical laceration, postpartum hemorrhage, and retained placenta.

Conclusions: Treatment of pelvic organ prolapse during pregnancy must be individualized and requires a multidisciplinary approach of urogynecologists, obstetricians, dietitians, pelvic floor physiotherapists, and social workers. Conservative management, consisting of insertion of a vaginal pessary when prolapse symptoms appeared, provided adequate support for the pelvic floor, improved symptomatology, and minimized pregnancy complications. Vaginal delivery was feasible for most of the women.

Background: Preeclampsia is a unique vascular disease during pregnancy that generally appears after 20 of weeks gestation or until 6 weeks after delivery. Left undiagnosed, preeclampsia can lead rapidly to death of both mother and fetus.

Objectives: To verify the efficacy of peripheral blood inflammatory markers (BIMs)in diagnosing preeclampsia and compare them with results from other studies.

Methods: Our retrospective case-control study comprised two patient groups. Pregnant women with preeclampsia and pregnant women without preeclampsia were compared for BIMs: neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and mean platelet volume (MPV). The primary endpoint of our research was to assess the predictive power of BIMs for preeclampsia diagnosis.

Results: The sample size was calculated based on expected differences of BIMs between the control and study groups. Comparison of quantitative variables was conducted with independent sample t-test or alternatively by Wilcoxon rank sum test. The MPV values were slightly higher in the preeclampsia group, but not statistically significant. NLR and PLR did differentiate between study and control groups.

Conclusions: The diagnostic accuracy of BIMs is unsatisfactory for preeclampsia diagnosis. Discrepancies concerning these values need to be clarified. Further large prospective studies are necessary to validate the potential factor accuracy in preeclampsia diagnosis.

Background: Data regarding the management of adnexal torsion (AT) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic are scarce.

Objectives: To study the effects of actions to limit the spread of COVID-19 on AT management.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all women who underwent laparoscopy for suspected AT between March 2011 and February 2021. We compared the COVID-19 pandemic period, (15 March 2020–2 August 2021, group A) to a parallel period (2019–2020, group B), and a 9-year period preceding the pandemic (March 2011–February 2020, group C).

Results: We performed 97 laparoscopies in group A, 82 in group B, and 635 in group C. The proportion of women presenting following in vitro fertilization treatment was lower (odds ratio [OR] 0.22, 95% confidence interval ]95%CI] (0.06–0.86), P < 0.023). Time from admission to decision to operate was shorter (2.7 vs. 3.9 hours, P = 0.028) in group A than group B. Time from admission to surgery was shorter (9.1 vs. 12.5 hours, P = 0.005) and the rate of surgically confirmed AT was lower (59 [60.8%] vs. 455 [71.7%], P = 0.030, OR 0.61, 95%CI 0.39–0.95) in group A than group C. Among surgically confirmed AT cases only, mean time from admission to decision was shorter in group A than group B (2.6 vs. 4.6 hours, P = 0.014).

Conclusions: We identified differences in time from admission to clinical decision and from admission to surgery among women with suspected AT during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Cesarean delivery (CD) is one of the most common surgeries performed worldwide, with increasing yearly rates. Although neuraxial techniques remain the preferred anesthesia method for CD, maternal thrombocytopenia remains a prominent contraindication. Formation of spinal\epidural hematomas are extremely rare, however the minimal thrombocyte count required for safe neuraxial anesthesia is still under debate. Although transfusion of thrombocytes for the purpose of neuraxial anesthesia is still not recommended, patients with severe thrombocytopenia (less than 50 × 10³/uL) are given thrombocyte transfusion for surgical hemostasis.

Objectives: To evaluate the anesthetic approach to caesarean deliveries in parturients with severe thrombocytopenia who received thrombocyte transfusion aimed for improved surgical hemostasis.

Methods: We conducted a single center, retrospective cohort study.

Results: A total of five cases were found, four of which were given spinal anesthesia immediately following thrombocyte transfusion. One patient was denied spinal anesthesia because her thrombocyte count following transfusion failed to reach safe levels. None of our cases had anesthesia-related complications recorded.

Conclusions: We examined the anesthetic management parturients with severe thrombocytopenia who needed cesarean delivery and were transfused with thrombocytes for surgical hemostasis. In such cases, spinal anesthesia may be considered due to the serious risks associated with general anesthesia.

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended through six months as it supports infant growth and development. Yet, many mothers do not exclusively breastfeed in early postpartum.

Objectives: To examine factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge among culturally diverse women.

Methods: This cross-sectional study used data of women who gave birth at a major medical center in Israel in 2015–2017. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were conducted to examine maternal characteristics and associated breastfeeding outcomes by hospital discharge.

Results: Among 10,978 women, 17.8% (n=1958) exclusively breastfed, 57.9% (n=6357) partially breastfed, and 24.3% (n=2663) did not breastfeed. Among Israeli-born and former Soviet Union-born Jewish women, breastfeeding intention (odds ratio [OR] 19.59, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 10.27–37.35 and OR 15.92, 95%CI 5.79–43.80, respectively) and early breastfeeding (OR 2.415, 95%CI 1.91–3.05 and OR 2.04, 95%CI 1.57–2.64, respectively) were associated with exclusive breastfeeding. The only significant factor associated with exclusive breastfeeding among refugees and Israeli-born Muslim women was early breastfeeding (OR 1.61, 95%CI 1.20–2.16). For Ethiopian-born Jewish women, not married (OR 0.330, 95%CI 0.114–0.955) and cesarean delivery (OR 0.481, 95%CI 0.232–0.998) were negatively associated with exclusive breastfeeding.

Conclusions: Despite having access to the same hospital-based breastfeeding support, there were differences among ethno-culturally diverse women in Israel. In this study, we identified maternal characteristics associated with early breastfeeding among women of diverse ethno-cultural backgrounds. Study findings highlight the importance of ethno-cultural considerations in breastfeeding practices and inform health professionals of factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding in early postpartum.

Background: The prevalence of pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM) in women of reproductive age has surged globally, contributing to increased rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a crucial marker for diagnosing and monitoring PGDM, with periconceptional levels influencing the risk of congenital anomalies and complications.

Objectives: To evaluate the association between periconceptional HbA1c levels and perinatal complications in pregnant women with poorly controlled PGDM.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of pregnancies between 2010 and 2019, HbA1c > 6% at 3 months prior to conception or during the first trimester. Outcomes of periconceptional HbA1c levels were compared.

Results: The cohort included 89 women: 49 with HbA1c 6–8%, 29 with HbA1c 8–10%, and 11 with HbA1c > 10%. Higher HbA1c levels were more prevalent in type 1 diabetics and were associated with increased end-organ damage risk. Women with elevated HbA1c levels tended toward unbalanced glucose levels during pregnancy. The cohort exhibited high rates of preterm delivery, hypertensive disorders, cesarean delivery, and neonatal intensive care unit admission. Overall live birth rate was 83%. While a significant correlation was found between HbA1c levels and preterm delivery, no consistent association was observed with other adverse outcomes.

Conclusions: Periconceptional glycemic control in PGDM pregnancies is important. Elevated HbA1c levels are associated with increased risks of adverse outcomes. Beyond a certain HbA1c level, risks of complications may not proportionally escalate.

Background: Cases of second trimester pregnancy loss can be treated either pharmacologically or by surgical evacuation. Misoprostol, an E1-prostaglandin analog, is used to facilitate the evacuation of the uterus.

Objectives: To determine the risk factors associated with patients who were treated with five or more repeated doses of misoprostol.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients treated with vaginal misoprostol at our institution between December 2016 and October 2021 for second trimester pregnancy loss.

Results: In total, 114 patients were eligible for analysis; 83 were treated with < 5 doses and 31 with ≥ 5. We recorded each case in which repeated doses were administered, irrespective of predetermined conditions such as gravidity, parity, maternal age, or gestational age. Moreover, cases of five or more misoprostol dosing were not associated with an increased complications rate, except for the increased duration of hospitalization (3.1 vs. 2.2 days, P-value < 0.01).

Conclusions: Repeated dosing could not be predicted before treatment among those treated with vaginally administered misoprostol for second trimester pregnancy loss. However, low complication rates of repeated dosing may reassure both physicians and patients regarding safety, efficacy, and future fertility.

Background: Sperm banks initially focused on providing sperm donation (SD) to heterosexual couples grappling with severe male infertility. Notable advancements in fertility treatments and sociological trends have broadened the scope of SD toward single women and same sex female couples.

Objectives: To evaluate SD recipient characteristics over the last three decades in Israel according to demographic parameters.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 5489 women who received SD between January 1992 and December 2021 from a tertiary referral center. We divided the overall period into six groups of five years each. A comparison of demographic characteristics of women who received SD in different periods was performed according to age at the beginning of the treatment, marital status (single women and same sex female couples, heterosexual couples), and ethnic origin.

Results: The average age of women who received SD was 37.02 ± 5.36 years. The average patient age rose from 35.08 years in 1992–1997 to 37.43 years in 2017–2021 (P-value < 0.01). The use of SD was more common among single women and same sex female couples compared to heterosexual couples in later years. Regarding single and same sex female couple, the percentage of SD recipients increased radically from 33% to 88.1% (P-value < 0.01).

Conclusions: Modern sperm banks treat older patients in non-heterosexual relationships. These trends encompass not only medical implications (e.g., in vitro fertilization vs. intrauterine insemination) but also delve into the personal and sociological impact experienced by both patients and offspring.

Background: In Israel, breast cancer prevalence is lower among Arab than Jewish women, but incidence is increasing among Arab women at a younger age.

Objectives: To explore differences between Arab and Jewish women with breast cancer with respect to age at diagnosis, associated risk factors, and use of hormonal medications.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective database study comparing Arab and Jewish women with breast cancer focusing on age at diagnosis, smoking history, obesity, and previous hormonal medication usage, including oral combined contraceptive pills (OCCP), progestogens, hormonal medications for treatment of infertility, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Results: The study included 2494 women who were diagnosed with breast cancer during 2004–2015. Age at diagnosis was lower among Arab women (50.7 ± 13.1 years vs. 55.4 ± 12.6 years, P < 0.0001). The rate of smoking was higher among Jewish women (16.0% vs. 4.3%, P < 0.0001). The rate of obesity was higher in Arab women older than 50 years at diagnosis (59.0% vs. 42.4%, P < 0.0001). Arab women demonstrated a lower overall chance of previous use of all types of hormonal medications (odds ratio [OR] 0.6, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 0.6–0.8) compared to Jewish women. Arab women were more likely to have used progestogens (OR 1.7, 95%CI 1.4–2.2) and medications for treatment of infertility (OR 2.3, 95%CI 1.5–3.4) and less likely OCCP (OR 0.4, 95%CI 0.3–0.6) and HRT (OR 0.4, 95%CI 0.3–0.5).

Conclusions: Previous use of hormonal medications may contribute to incidence of breast cancer in Arab women.

Background: Omega-3 fatty acids promote fertility in males and females and constitute an important factor in the normal development of the fetus.

Objectives: We investigated the effect of omega-3 supplements during ovulation induction treatment in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-related infertility.

Methods: A randomized, double-blind study was conducted for 60 treatment cycles in 34 women with PCOS-related oligo/anovulation referred to the fertility clinic at the Bikur Cholim/Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem, who underwent ovulation induction with clomiphene citrate (50 mg). Seventeen women (mean age 33.9 ± 0.9 years) received omega-3 supplements (3 × 600 mg/day) and 17 received placebo capsules (mean age 32.7 ± 0.9 years) for a maximum of two cycles. We recorded their characteristics and data from their serial hormonal blood tests and ultrasound examinations. We also conducted both univariate and multivariate analyses. The primary endpoint was conception.

Results: There were clinical pregnancies in 8/30 (26.7%) treatment cycles for women receiving omega-3 supplements versus 4/30 (13.3%) cycles with placebo. Among overweight/obese women (body mass index [BMI] 25–35), there were clinical pregnancies in 8/27 cycles (29.6%) versus 1/19 (5.3%) with placebo (P < 0.04). For overweight/obese PCOS women, omega-3, lower BMI rates, and higher values of the endometrium’s thickness increased the odds of becoming pregnant. No harmful side effects from the omega-3 treatment were reported.

Conclusions: Omega-3 supplements demonstrated beneficial effects for fertility in women diagnosed with PCOS. Among the overweight/obese participants, the increased clinical pregnancy rate was significant.

Background: Diagnosing occult stress urinary incontinence (OSUI) prior to surgical intervention for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair may allow for adding an anti-incontinence procedure and thus prevent postoperative SUI.

Objectives: To compare preoperative detection rates for OSUI by either a multichannel urodynamic investigation or by a plain pelvic examination.

Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the medical charts of all women who underwent urodynamic investigation prior to surgical repair of advanced POP at our institution between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2012.

Results: In total, 720 women underwent surgical POP repair during the study period, of whom 54 (7.5%) were diagnosed with OSUI preoperatively. Of these patients, 54 (100%) were detected by multichannel urodynamic investigation while only 27 (50%) were detected by a plain pelvic examination (P = 0.001). Bladder fullness during the pelvic examination was associated with higher detection rates for OSUI (P = 0.001). Women with OSUI who underwent concomitant tension-free vaginal tape and POP repair procedures did not develop de novo SUI or obstructive voiding symptoms (OVS) postoperatively.

Conclusions: Preoperative multichannel urodynamic investigation has significantly higher detection rates for OSUI than a plain pelvic examination. Utilizing this modality resulted in no cases of de novo SUI or OVS postoperatively.

Background: Pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM) carries a significantly elevated risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. There is evidence that certain interventions reduce the risk for adverse outcomes. Studies have shown that a multi-disciplinary approach improves pregnancy outcomes in women with PGDM.

Objectives: To determine pregnancy outcomes in women with PGDM using a multi-disciplinary approach.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed consecutive women with pregestational type 1 and type 2 diabetes who were monitored at a high-risk pregnancy clinic at the Sheba Medical Center. Clinical data were obtained from the medical records. All data related to maternal glucose control and insulin pump function were prospectively recorded on Medtronic CareLink® pro software (Medtronic MiniMed, Northridge, CA).

Results: This study comprised 121 neonates from 116 pregnancies of 94 women. In 83% of the pregnancies continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensors were applied during a part or all of the pregnancy. Pregnancy outcomes among women who were followed by a multi-disciplinary team before and during pregnancy, and during labor and puerperium resulted in better glucose control (hemoglobin A1c 6.4% vs. 7.8%), lower risk for pregnancy induced hypertension/preeclampsia (7.7% vs. 15.6%), lower birth weight (3212 g vs. 3684 g), and lower rate of large size for gestational age and macrosomia (23.1% vs. 54.2% and 3.3% vs. 28.4%, respectively), compared to data from European cohorts.

Conclusions: The multi-disciplinary approach for treating women with PGDM practiced in the high-risk pregnancy clinic at the Sheba Medical Center resulted in lower rates of macrosomia, LGA, and pregnancy induced hypertension compared to rates reported in the literature.

Background: Isolated fallopian tube torsion (IFTT) is a rare gynecological entity and its diagnosis is challenging.

Objectives: To compare clinical characteristics, sonographic findings, surgical management, and outcomes of women with surgically verified IFTT compared to those diagnosed with adnexal torsion.

Methods: A retrospective case-control study in a university hospital was conducted. Thirty-four women with surgically verified IFTT between March 1991 and June 2017 were compared to 333 women diagnosed with adnexal torsion within the same time period.

Results: Both groups presented primarily with abdominal pain, which lasted longer prior to admission among the IFTT group (46.8 ± 39.0 vs. 30.0 ± 39.4 hours, P < 0.001). Higher rates of abdominal tenderness with or without peritoneal signs were found in the adnexal torsion group (90.3% vs. 70.6%, P < 0.001). Sonographic findings were similar; however, an increased rate of hydrosalpinx was found among the IFTT group (5.9% vs. 0.0%, P = 0.008). Suspected adnexal torsion was the main surgical indication in only 61.8% of IFTT cases compared with 79.0% in the adnexal torsion group (P = 0.02). Salpingectomy with or without cystectomy was more commonly performed in the IFTT group (35.3% vs. 1.5%, P < 0.001). The leading pathological findings among the IFTT group were hydrosalpinx and paraovarian cysts.

Conclusions: The clinical signs and symptoms of IFTT and adnexal torsion are similar. Although sonographic imaging demonstrating a paraovarian cyst or hydrosalpinx may be helpful in diagnosing IFTT, it is rarely done preoperatively.

Background: Young women concerned about a breast cancer diagnosis will visit breast care centers and request breast cancer screening, including imaging studies, on their initial visit.

Objectives: To explore the role of breast examination and breast ultrasound in self-referred asymptomatic women under the age of 40 years.

Methods: We identified 3524 women under the age of 40 at our medical clinic from 1 January 2010 until 1 June 2014. Of this group, 164 women with above average breast cancer risk were excluded and 233 were excluded because of breast complaints. Of 3127 women, 220 underwent breast ultrasound following the initial visit to the clinic and formed the study group.

Results: Of 220 women evaluated with ultrasound, 68 had prior positive clinical findings. Of this group 8 women had no sonographic findings, and in the remaining 60, a total of 30 simple cysts, 15 fibroadenomas, and 15 suspicious solid masses were identified. One infiltrating ductal carcinoma and one ductal carcinoma in situ were found in a biopsy. The remaining 152 of the 220 total women who underwent breast ultrasound without showing prior physical findings did not require follow-up.

Conclusions: In the absence of clinical findings during physical breast examination, the addition of breast ultrasonography does not provide additional information to supplement the physical examination in self-referred women under age 40 who do not have any major risk factors for developing breast cancer.