Examining the Use of Magnesium Sulfate to Treat Pregnant Women with Preeclampsia and Eclampsia: Results of a Program Assessment of Emergency Obstetric Care (EmOC) Training in India

Background

The aim of this study is to examine rates of magnesium sulfate utilization by emergency obstetric care trainees to treat preeclampsia–eclampsia in India. Secondarily, structural barriers are identified which limit the use of magnesium sulfate, highlighting limitations of emergency obstetric care training, which is a commonly implemented intervention in resource-poor settings.

Methods

Trainees’ curriculum specified magnesium sulfate treatment for eclampsia and severe preeclampsia. Case records were analyzed for preeclampsia–eclampsia diagnosis, magnesium sulfate utilization, delivery route, and maternal and neonatal outcomes from 13,238 reported deliveries between 2006 and 2012 across 75 district hospitals in 12 Indian states.

Results

Of 1320 cases of preeclampsia–eclampsia, 322 (24.4%) had eclampsia. Magnesium sulfate was given to 12.9% of preeclamptic and 54.3% of eclamptic women, with lower usage rates in rural communities. Among the 1308 women with preeclampsia–eclampsia, only 24 deaths occurred (1.8%). In contrast, among the 17,179 women without preeclampsia–eclampsia, there were 95 reported deaths (0.6%). Both maternal mortality ratios were found to be much higher than the Millennium Development Goal target of 0.15%. Magnesium sulfate administration was associated with a higher death rate in preeclamptic but not eclamptic women, representing possible confounding by severity.

Conclusion

To optimize resources spent on emergency obstetric care training, the consistent availability of magnesium sulfate should be improved in India. Increasing drug availability, implementing clinical guidelines around its administration, and training health-care providers on the identification and treatment of preeclampsia–eclampsia could lead to notable improvements in maternal and infant mortality.

     

Role of Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) and Plateletcrit in the Assessment of Nonthrombocytopenic Preeclampsia and Eclampsia

Objective

To evaluate the role of platelet indices in preeclampsia and eclampsia.

Methods

An observational analytical study was conducted in Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ambedkar Hospital, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Medical College, Raipur. It was performed on 150 women between March 2015 and February 2016; among them, 42 were taken as controls, 36 were preeclampsia and 72 were eclampsia. Their platelet count and platelet indices were done, analyzed and compared.

Result

In our study, we found that mean platelet count and mean plateletcrit showed a significant decrease while mean MPV and mean PDW showed a significant increase with increasing severity of disease. Also, we observed that 66.7% preeclampsia and 51.4% eclampsia were nonthrombocytopenic. Among these women, a decrease in the values of plateletcrit and an increase in PDW were seen in a significantly higher number of eclampsia patients. So these two platelet indices can become the new marker for an adverse outcome in preeclampsia and eclampsia even in women presenting with normal platelet counts.

Conclusion

Platelet indices showed a significant variation along with the severity of the disease. Platelet indices, especially PDW and plateletcrit, can be used along with platelet count to evaluate the severity of preeclampsia and eclampsia instead of relying on platelet count alone.

     

Serious Visual (Ocular) Complications in Pre-eclampsia and Eclampsia

Introduction

Complete loss of vision is an uncommon ocular complication of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia. The conditions which lead to visual loss in pre-eclampsia include cortical blindness, retinal detachment, retinal vascular thrombosis and optic nerve atrophy.

Objectives

The objective was to describe the cause, clinical course and prognosis in blindness complicating pre-eclampsia.

Methodology

This is a prospective observational study conducted at the Govt. Hospital for Women and Children, Chennai, from January 2006 to December 2010. Sixteen women who were diagnosed with blindness complicating pre-eclampsia were analysed for the cause of blindness, clinical details and prognosis.

Results

The incidence of blindness among women with pre-eclampsia and eclampsia was 0.17%. The cause of visual loss was cortical blindness in 14 patients and retinal detachment in two patients. Blindness manifested predominantly in the intrapartum and postpartum period in 13/16 cases (81.25%). Seven patients (43.75%) suffered from severe pre-eclampsia, and nine patients (56.25%) suffered from eclampsia. HELLP syndrome, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and anaemia were seen in two patients each. Seven patients also presented with motor deficits. CT scan imaging showed cortical vein thrombosis in five cases, arterial infarcts in two cases, widespread hypodense areas in the occipito-parietal region in six cases. In patients with cortical blindness, recovery of vision occurred within 10 days.

Conclusion

Cortical blindness and retinal detachment are rare complications of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. The prognosis is usually good especially with cortical blindness where the loss of vision is transient. The mainstay of management is effective treatment of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia along with termination of pregnancy.

     

Infection control in delivery care units,Gujarat state,India: A needs assessment

Background

Increasingly, women in India attend health facilities for childbirth, partly due to incentives paid under government programs. Increased use of health facilities can alleviate the risks of infections contracted in unhygienic home deliveries, but poor infection control practices in labour and delivery units also cause puerperal sepsis and other infections of childbirth. A needs assessment was conducted to provide information on procedures and practices related to infection control in labour and delivery units in Gujarat state, India.

Methods

Twenty health care facilities, including private and public primary health centres and referral hospitals, were sampled from two districts in Gujarat state, India. Three pre-tested tools for interviewing and for observation were used. Data collection was based on existing infection control guidelines for clean practices, clean equipment, clean environment and availability of diagnostics and treatment. The study was carried out from April to May 2009.

Results

Seventy percent of respondents said that standard infection control procedures were followed, but a written procedure was only available in 5% of facilities. Alcohol rubs were not used for hand cleaning and surgical gloves were reused in over 70% of facilities, especially for vaginal examinations in the labour room. Most types of equipment and supplies were available but a third of facilities did not have wash basins with "hands-free" taps. Only 15% of facilities reported that wiping of surfaces was done immediately after each delivery in labour rooms. Blood culture services were available in 25% of facilities and antibiotics are widely given to women after normal delivery. A few facilities had data on infections and reported rates of 3% to 5%.

Conclusions

This study of current infection control procedures and practices during labour and delivery in health facilities in Gujarat revealed a need for improved information systems, protocols and procedures, and for training and research. Simply incentivizing the behaviour of women to use health facilities for childbirth via government schemes may not guarantee safe delivery.

     

A long-standing incomprehensible matter of obstetrics: meconium-stained amniotic fluid,a new approach to reason

Objective

We sought to determine whether meconium-stained amniotic fluid is based on chronic hypoxia or not? In case of chronic hypoxia, higher red blood cell (Rbc) count and/or total hemoglobin levels (Hgb) and/or higher fetal hemoglobin (HbF) and/or lower adult hemoglobin (HbA) levels were expected when compared with controls.

Design

Case–control study.

Setting

Obstetric unit of a tertiary ministry of health hospital.

Sample

Fifty singleton pregnancies with meconium-stained amniotic fluid and 50 singleton pregnancies with clear amniotic fluid at all stages of labor.

Methods

Umbilical cord blood samples were collected for determination of total blood parameters and hemoglobin electrophoresis.

Main outcome measures

Red blood cell count, total hemoglobin, fetal and adult hemoglobin contents (HbF and HbA).

Results

Red blood cell count, total hemoglobin, fetal hemoglobin (HbF) and adult hemoglobin (HbA) contents were not different between meconium stained and clear amniotic fluid groups.

Conclusion

These results suggest that meconium passage may not be associated with chronic fetal hypoxia as demonstrated by similar red blood cell count, total hemoglobin values and fetal hemoglobin (HbF) and adult hemoglobin (HbA) contents.

     

Factors associated with cesarean delivery in public and private hospitals in a city of northeastern Brazil: a cross-sectional study

Background

To evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with cesarean delivery according to whether care was provided in public or private hospitals in Brazil.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study based on a cohort of live births between April 2004 and March 2005. A total of 1,344 mother-child pairs were followed up during the first month of life. The variables analyzed were the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of the mother and newborn, as well as the healthcare provided during pregnancy and childbirth. Hierarchical analysis was carried out for both prediction models, i.e. healthcare provision either within the Brazilian National Health System (public service) or within the private network. Prevalence and association measurement calculations were carried out. Values were considered significant when pless than or equal to 5.0 %.

Results

A total of 1,019 (75,8 %) gave birth in public hospital. The prevalences of cesarean delivery were 29.9 % and 86.2 % in the public and private sectors, respectively. Through hierarchical logistic regression, the risk factors for cesarean delivery presented in the public hospital were maternal age greater than or equal to 20 years (p?=?0.003), primiparity (p?=?0.004), twinning (p?=?0.039), prenatal care provided in the private network (p?=?0.004), delivery in hospitals providing high complexity medical care (p?=?0.000) and prenatal care with greater than or equal to 6 consultations (p?=?0.035). In the private sector, no association was observed between the variables studied and cesarean delivery.

Conclusions

The cesarean delivery rates were high in both sectors, although in the private network the rate was almost triple that of the public service. The absence of determinant factors of birth in the private sector drew attention. In planning measures against the growing cesarean rates, it is necessary to take into consideration the environmental determinants as primiparity, twinning and greater maternal age, frequent indications of primary cesarean delivery, as well as to implement actions that might improve the quality of prenatal and delivery care.

     

Electronic witness system in IVF—patients perspective

Objective

The objective of this study is to evaluate patient concerns about in vitro fertilization (IVF) errors and electronic witness systems (EWS) satisfaction.

Design

The design of this study is a prospective single-center cohort study.

Setting

The setting of this study was located in the private IVF center.

Patient(s)

Four hundred eight infertile patients attending an IVF cycle at a GENERA center in Italy were equipped with an EWS.

Intervention(s)

Although generally recognized as a very rare event in IVF, biological sample mix-up has been reported in the literature. For this reason, some IVF laboratories have introduced EWS with the aim to further reduce the risk of error during biological samples handling. Participating patients received a questionnaire developed through a Likert scale ranging from 1 to 6.

Main outcomes measure(s)

Patient concerns about sample mix-up without and with an EWS were assessed.

Result(s)

90.4 % of patients expressed significant concerns relating to sample mix-up. The EWS reduced these concerns in 92.1 % of patients, 97.1 % of which were particularly satisfied with the electronic traceability of their gametes and embryos in the IVF laboratory. 97.1 % of patients felt highly comfortable with an IVF center equipped with an EWS. Female patients had a significantly higher appreciation of the EWS when compared to their male partners (p?=?0.029). A significant mix-up event occurred in an Italian hospital during the study and patient’s satisfaction increased significantly towards the use of the EWS after the event (p?=?0.032).

Conclusion(s)

EWS, by sensibly reducing the risk for sample mix-up in IVF cycles, has been proved to be a trusted strategy from patient’s perspective.

     

Use of Robson classification to assess cesarean section rate in Brazil: the role of source of payment for childbirth

Background

Cesarean section (CS) rates are increasing worldwide but there is some concern with this trend because of potential maternal and perinatal risks. The Robson classification is the standard method to monitor and compare CS rates. Our objective was to analyze CS rates in Brazil according to source of payment for childbirth (public or private) using the Robson classification.

Methods

Data are from the 2011–2012 “Birth in Brazil” study, which used a national hospital-based sample of 23,940 women. We categorized all women into Robson groups and reported the relative size of each Robson group, the CS rate in each group and the absolute and relative contributions made by each to the overall CS rate. Differences were analyzed through chi-square and Z-test with a significance level of?<?0.05.

Results

The overall CS rate in Brazil was 51.9 % (42.9 % in the public and 87.9 % in the private health sector). The Robson groups with the highest impact on Brazil’s CS rate in both public and private sectors were group 2 (nulliparous, term, cephalic with induced or cesarean delivery before labor), group 5 (multiparous, term, cephalic presentation and previous cesarean section) and group 10 (cephalic preterm pregnancies), which accounted for more than 70 % of CS carried out in the country. High-risk women had significantly greater CS rates compared with low-risk women in almost all Robson groups in the public sector only.

Conclusions

Public policies should be directed at reducing CS in nulliparous women, particularly by reducing the number of elective CS in these women, and encouraging vaginal birth after cesarean to reduce repeat CS in multiparous women.

     

Artificial Intelligence: The Future of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Background

Artificial intelligence or ‘big data’ comprises of algorithms which aid in decision making. It has made an impact on a number of professions including obstetrics and gynecology.

Objective

To make readers aware of where artificial intelligence has a role in obstetrics and gynecology.

Material and methods

A comprehensive review of the literature was undertaken to compile a list of instances where artificial intelligence was applied to obstetrics and gynecology.

Conclusion

Artificial intelligence should be utilized to benefit patient care and assist the physician in providing data for decision making.

     

Acute genital ulcers: keep Lipschütz ulcer in mind

Aim

Lipschütz ulcers (LU) were first described as rare vulvar ulcerations that affect adolescents without previous history of sexual contact. However, more LU patients have been identified in acute genital ulcers (AGU) services in Europe.

Purpose

To review cases of AGU and analyze the occurrence of LU in the Ob/Gyn Emergency Department of a Brazilian private hospital, using the currently used diagnostic criteria.

Methods

All female patients who sought our service with AGU complaints from January 2009 to July 2015 were selected and had their medical records reviewed, considering the clinical data and some diagnostic criteria, that included:?<?20 years old, first AGU episode, sudden onset, absence of sexual contact 3 months before onset and the absence of immunodeficiency.

Results

273 patients eligible for analysis were identified according to the criteria and 12 (4.39%) of them were identified with the possible diagnosis of LU. By applying less restrictive criteria that allowed the inclusion of patients of any age and sexual status, 98 were identified (35.89%).

Conclusions

Despite being described as a rare pathology, ours and previous results indicate a considerable number of AGU cases, suggesting that LU should be better known and considered for differential diagnosis.

     

Women’s alcohol consumption and cumulative incidence of live birth following in vitro fertilization

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of alcohol consumption on outcomes among women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Design

This study is a retrospective cohort study.

Setting

This study was performed in a private academically affiliated IVF center.

Patients

Patients included women presenting for their first IVF cycle from July 2004 through October 2012.

Intervention

Women completed self-administered questionnaires before their first IVF cycle, which included report of usual alcohol consumption. Women were categorized as non-drinkers, social drinkers, or daily drinkers, as well as by the number of drinks consumed per week. Competing risks analysis was used to calculate the cumulative incidence of live birth after 6 cycles stratified by alcohol consumption.

Main outcome measures

Main outcome measures included spontaneous abortion, clinical pregnancy, and live birth following IVF.

Results

There were 591 (27.7%) non-drinkers, 1466 (68.7%) social drinkers, and 77 (3.6%) daily drinkers (total n = 2134). In the first cycle, compared to non-drinkers, daily drinkers had a twofold increased risk of spontaneous abortion (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–4.5) among all cycle starts, and while their risk of live birth was 30% lower (aRR 0.7; 95% CI 0.4–1.3), the sample size was small, and it was not significantly lower. By the end of 6 cycles, social drinkers and daily drinkers did not differ from non-drinkers in their cumulative incidence of live birth (56.1, 50.6, and 52.1%, respectively; both P ≥ 0.28).

Conclusion

There was a trend towards lower risk of live birth among daily drinkers. Daily drinkers had an increased risk of spontaneous abortion in the first cycle, but the number of daily drinkers was small.

     

Sirenomelia: a review on embryogenic enviromental theories,novel three-dimensional ultrasound imaging and first trimester diagnosis in a case of mosaic 69,XXX/46,XX fetus

Purpose

Sirenomelia is caused by atrophy of the lower extremities that is commonly associated with gastrointestinal and urogenital malformations.

Methods

Embryogenic environmental theories and systematic review of the literature are reported.

Results

Genetic basis of the condition has been demonstrated in the animal model. In humans, association with de novo balanced translocation has only recently been documented.

Conclusions

A case of triploidy mosaic fetus with sirenomelia and posterior fossa anomaly diagnosed at first trimester using novel three-dimensional ultrasound imaging techniques is presented.

     

Recommendations for the surgical treatment of endometriosis—part 1: ovarian endometrioma

Study question

What does this document on the surgical treatment of endometriosis jointly prepared by the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE), ESHRE, and the World Endometriosis Society (WES) provide?

Summary answer

This document provides recommendations covering technical aspects of different methods of surgery for endometriomas in women of reproductive age.

What is already known

Endometriomas (ovarian endometriotic cysts) are a commonly diagnosed form of endometriosis, owing to the relative ease and accuracy of ultrasound diagnosis. They frequently present a clinical dilemma as to whether and how to treat them when found during imaging or incidentally during surgery. Previously published guidelines have provided recommendations based on the best available evidence, but without technical details on the management of endometriosis.

Study design, size and duration

A working group of ESGE, ESHRE and WES collaborated on writing recommendations on the practical aspects of endometrioma surgery.

Participants/materials, setting and methods

This document focused on endometrioma surgery. Further documents in this series will provide recommendations for surgery of deep and peritoneal endometriosis.

Main results and the role of chance

The document presents general recommendations for surgery of endometrioma and specific recommendations for cystectomy, ablation by laser or by plasma energy, electrocoagulation and a combination of these techniques applied together or with an interval between them.

Limitations and reasons for caution

Owing to the limited evidence available, recommendations are mostly based on clinical expertise.

Wider implications of the findings

These recommendations complement previous guidelines on the management of endometriosis.

Study funding/competing interests

The meetings of the working group were funded by ESGE, ESHRE and WES. CB declares to be a member of the independent data monitoring committee for a clinical study by ObsEva and receiving research grants from Bayer, Roche Diagnostics, MDNA Life Sciences and Volition. ES received honoraria for provision of training to healthcare professionals from Ethicon, Olympus and Gedeon Richter. The other authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

     

Volatile organic compounds and good laboratory practices in the in vitro fertilization laboratory: the important parameters for successful outcome in extended culture

Purpose

This study aims to describe the role of implementing good laboratory practices to improve in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes which are of great interest for practitioners dealing with infertility.

Methods

Certain modifications were introduced in May 2015 in our IVF laboratory like high-efficiency particulate air CODA system, steel furniture instead of wooden, use of new disinfectants like oosafe, and restriction of personnel entry along with avoidance of cosmetics like perfume to improve pregnancy rates. Volatile organic compound (VOC) meter reading was monitored at two time points and five different places in the laboratory to compare the embryonic development parameters before (group A: July 2014–April 2015) and after (group B: July 2015–April 2016) remodeling.

Results

The IVF outcomes from 1036 cycles were associated in this study. Reduction in VOC meter readings, enhanced air quality, improvement in blastocyst formation rate, implantation, and clinical pregnancy rate were observed in the laboratory after implementation of new facilities. Results illustrated that the attention must be focused on potential hazards which expose laboratories to elevated VOC levels. Blastocyst formation rate increased around 18%. Implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and live birth rate increased by around 11, 10, and 8%, respectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, with proper engineering and material selection, we have been able to reduce chemical contamination and adverse effects on culture with optimized IVF results.

Support

None.

     

Advanced abdominal pregnancy: a search for consensus. Review of literature along with case report

Introduction

Intentional placental removal for abnormally invasive placenta (AIP) is fundamentally abandoned at planned surgery for it. Whether this holds true even after recent introduction of various hemostatic procedures is unclear.

Materials and Methods

We discussed on this issue based on our own experiences and also on the recent reports on various hemostatic procedures.

Results

Studies directly answering this question have been lacking. We must weigh the balance between the massive bleeding and possibility of uterus-preservation when intentional placental removal strategy is employed.

Conclusion

An almost forgotten strategy, the “intentional placental removal” for planned AIP surgery may regain its position when appropriate hemostatic procedures are concomitantly used depending on the situation. Even employing this strategy, quick decision to perform hysterectomy under multidisciplinary team may be important.

     

Importance of Adopting BMI Classifications Using Public Health Action Points to Delineate Obstetric Risk Factors Resulting in Worsening Obstetric Outcomes Among Asian Population

Aims

The aim of this study is to compare obstetric outcomes between overweight and class 1 obesity among pregnant women in their first pregnancy based on WHO’s BMI cut-offs and the potential public health action points identified by WHO expert consultations specific for high-risk population such as Asians.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort review of data obtained from the Malaysian National Obstetrics and Gynaecology Registry between the year 2010 and year 2012. All women in their first pregnancy with a booking BMI in their first trimester were included in this study. The association between BMI classifications as defined by the WHO cut-offs and the potential public health action points identified by WHO expert consultations towards adverse obstetric outcomes was compared.

Results

A total of 88,837 pregnant women were included in this study. We noted that the risk of adverse obstetric outcomes was significantly higher using the public health action points identified by WHO expert consultations even among the overweight group as the risk of stillbirths was (OR 1.2; 95% CI 1.0,1.4), shoulder dystocia (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.2,2.9), foetal macrosomia (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.6,2.0), caesarean section (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.8,2.0) and assisted conception (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.6,2.1).

Conclusion

A specifically lower BMI references based on the potential public health action points for BMI classifications were a more sensitive predictor of adverse obstetric outcomes, and we recommend the use of these references in pregnancy especially among Asian population.

     

Fertility outcome after treatment of retained products of conception: a systematic review

Background

Treatment of retained products of conception (RPOC) can be expectant, medical or operative. Surgical removal of RPOC may lead to intrauterine adhesions (IUA) and Asherman’s syndrome.

Objective

To evaluate how treatment options for RPOC affect future fertility by means of a systematic review.

Search strategy

MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, and clinical trial registers were searched, and reference lists were scanned.

Selection criteria

Randomised controlled trials (RCT) comparing different treatment options for RPOC (conservative, medical or surgical treatment, including curettage and/or hysteroscopic techniques, with or without application of anti-adhesion therapy), in women of reproductive age, were eligible for inclusion.

Data collection and analysis

Reviewers independently performed data extraction and quality of evidence assessment. For dichotomous variables, results were presented as risk ratio (RR) with 95% CI.

Main results

Two studies were included. Nonsignificant differences were observed between the use of an anti-adhesion barrier gel versus no treatment after operative hysteroscopy in IUAs (RR 0.32, 95% CI 0.04 to 2.80, P value?=?0.30) and clinical pregnancy (RR 2.22, 95% CI 0.67 to 7.42, P value?=?0.19), and between hysteroscopic morcellation versus loop resection in IUAs (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.06 to 13.12, P value?=?0.91).

Conclusion

There is insufficient evidence on how different treatment options for RPOC affect future reproductive outcomes. Results from ongoing RCTs are needed to guide clinicians towards choosing the best treatment.

     

Investigating the clinical potential for 14-3-3 zeta protein to serve as a biomarker for epithelial ovarian cancer

Objective

Recently, 14-3-3 zeta protein was identified as a potential serum biomarker of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). The goal of this study was to investigate the clinical potential of 14-3-3 zeta protein for monitoring EOC progression compared with CA-125 and HE4.

Design

Prospective follow-up study.

Setting

University of Pecs Medical Center Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology/Oncology (Pecs, Hungary).

Population

Thirteen EOC patients with advanced stage (FIGO IIb-IIIc) epithelial ovarian cancer that underwent radical surgery and received six consecutive cycles of first line chemotherapy (paclitaxel, carboplatin) in 21-day intervals.

Methods

Pre- and post-chemotherapy computed tomography (CT) scans were performed. Serum levels of CA-125, HE4, and 14-3-3 zeta protein were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quantitative electrochemiluminescence assay (ECLIA).

Main outcome measures

Serum levels of CA-125, HE4, and 14-3-3 zeta protein, as well as lesion size according to pre- and post-chemotherapy CT scans.

Results

Serum levels of CA-125 and HE4 were found to significantly decrease following chemotherapy, and this was consistent with the decrease in lesion size detected post-chemotherapy. In contrast, 14-3-3 zeta protein levels did not significantly differ in healthy postmenopausal patients versus EOC patients.

Conclusions

Determination of CA-125 and HE4 serum levels for the determination of the risk of ovarian malignancy algorithm (ROMA) represents a useful tool for the prediction of chemotherapy efficacy for EOC patients. However, levels of 14-3-3 zeta protein were not found to vary significantly as a consequence of treatment. Therefore we question if 14-3-3 zeta protein is a reliable biomarker, which correlates with the clinical behavior of EOC.