ProCT levels were significantly higher in patients with PPROM, and facilitate identification of those who require expectant management.

Objective: To determine the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in placental hypoperfusion in obesity. Methods: The prospective study enrolled women with a first-trimester singleton pregnancy in Izmir, Turkey, between January and April 2011. Participants were divided into three groups: obese (body mass index [BMI, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters] >30) with cesarean delivery; normal weight (BMI <30) with vaginal delivery (NVD); and healthy controls (BMI <30) with cesarean delivery. Before delivery, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), and uterine and fetal Doppler measurements were taken. VEGF was evaluated immunohistochemically from the umbilical cord. Results: Overall, 109 women completed the study: obesity group (n=13, 11.9%), NVD group (n=50, 45.9%), and control group (n=46, 42.2%). Serum CRP was higher in the obesity group than in the control or NVD groups (P=0.009). VEGF score was highest in the NVD group (9.39 ± 3.11), and lowest in the obesity group (4.58 ± 2.78) (P<0.001). VEGF score decreased by 0.81 for each increase in BMI of 1 (P=0.002). Conclusions: Maternal obesity was related to decreased VEGF expression. Although not supported by Doppler findings, decreased VEGF expression owing to maternal obesity might trigger endothelial dysfunction and inflammation.

Background: Ramadan fasting is a special model of hunger and particularly affects metabolic processes, including carbohydrate and lipid levels. Endocrine changes induced by Ramadan fasting are not well known. Objective: The aim of this article was to evaluate the changes in hormone levels in women before and after the special Muslim fasting period of Ramadan. Materials and Methods: This study was performed in 30 healthy women in Obstetrics and Gynecology department during the Ramadan month of 2011. Patients during and after the first menstrual period had menstrual cycles fasting blood samples taken on the same days. Luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E 2 ), testosterone, and prolactin (PRL) levels were determined. Results: Before and during fasting LH, FSH, E 2 , testosterone and PRL levels were not statistically different. Conclusion: Despite the limited available studies on these subjects in women, effect of Ramadan fasting on hormone levels were found to be within the normal limits.