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Biomedical subjects

A Geipel

Publications and source records attributed to A Geipel.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Clinical application of grey scale and colour Doppler sonography during abnormal third stage of labour.

AIM: The purpose of the study was to investigate whether colour Doppler sonography is helpful in the surveillance of abnormal third stage of labour. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 20 patients were enrolled in the prospective study. Inclusion criteria were third stage of labour > 15 min and/or clinical suspicion of retained placenta. By means of grey scale and colour Doppler sonography the length of distinct phases of third stage of labour and length of visualisation of blood flow between myometrium and placenta were measured. These data were compared with previously published normal values. RESULTS: The patients were allocated into four groups: 1. Patients with prolonged third stage of labour, but normal vaginal delivery of the placenta (Group 1, 8 cases). 2. Patients with clinically suspected retained placental parts (Group 2, 4 cases). 3. Patients with manual removal of the placenta without confirmation of placenta accreta (Group 3, 4 cases). 4. Patients with manual removal of the placenta with confirmation of placenta accreta (Group 4, 4 cases). A significant longer latent phase was responsible for the prolonged third stage of labour in Group 1 (p < 0.05). Blood flow between myometrium and placenta was significantly longer visible in Group 4 than in the normal cohort (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Grey scale sonography can help to distinguish between uncomplicated and complicated prolonged third stage of labour. Colour Doppler sonography can detect persistent blood flow between myometrium and placenta during third stage of labour in cases of placenta accreta. In these instances, the patient may benefit from colour Doppler sonography-guided curettage.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

The syndrome of right isomerism -- prenatal diagnosis and outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of the prenatal diagnosis of right isomerism and to assess possible diagnostic and prognostic markers. METHODS: Retrospective review of all cases of right isomerism identified between 1989 and 2003 in two tertiary referral centres in Germany. RESULTS: Among 21 foetuses, 16 had a correct prenatal diagnosis of right isomerism. 19 showed different types of viscerocardiac heterotaxy, 12 of them in combination with juxtaposition of vena cava inferior and aorta. 20 had cardiac defects, with a high prevalence of atrioventricular septal defect (CAVSD) (62 %), right outflow tract obstruction (48 %), anomalous pulmonary venous return (33 %) and double outlet right ventricle (29 %). 4 out of 6 cases with total anomalous pulmonary venous return were overseen on prenatal ultrasound. Only 6 children survived. The highest loss occurred in the neonatal period. Two out of 6 survivors underwent single ventricle palliation, while another two had a biventricular repair. One child is awaiting mitral valve replacement. The remaining case has no cardiac defect and lives with supraventricular re-entry tachycardia. Only the presence of CAVSD was significantly correlated with non-survival (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The prenatal diagnosis of right isomerism remains a difficult task. Important sonographic markers are viscerocardiac heterotaxy, complex cardiac malformations and juxtaposition of vena cava inferior and aorta. Special attention has to be paid to the pattern of pulmonary venous drainage, as it is often misdiagnosed. The mortality in neonates is high, especially in the presence of CAVSD. Survivors suffer from significant morbidity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Changing attitudes towards non-invasive aneuploidy screening at advanced maternal age in a German tertiary care center.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate attitudes towards non-invasive aneuploidy screening at advanced maternal age in a German tertiary care centre and to compare the rate of invasive testing over a period of four years. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 2657 singleton pregnancies with targeted first and second trimester ultrasound examination at 11-14, 15-18 and 19-23 weeks' gestation. RESULTS: The number of patients at or beyond 35 years increased by 36 % over this period. Concomitant with an increasing proportion of first trimester examinations (+ 13 %), a decrease in 15-18 weeks' examinations (- 14 %), but no changes regarding the 19-23 weeks' examination were observed. A total of 78 (2.9 %) abnormal karyotypes were found and 92 % (56/61) of the cases with autosomal trisomy had sonographic markers suggestive of foetal aneuploidy. The proportion of diagnosed chromosomal abnormalities at 11-14 weeks increased from 14 % in the first half to 49 % in the second half of the study period (p < 0.01). We observed a significant decrease in the rate of invasive procedures, especially in women reassured by a normal ultrasound examination (54 % versus 37 %, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: There is an increasing acceptance of first trimester targeted ultrasound examination with the potential advantage of an earlier diagnosis of foetal aneuploidy. Furthermore, we observed annually increasing numbers of women who used the results of the ultrasound examination to guide their final decision about invasive testing, rather than undergo genetic testing as a primary option.

Aneuploidy↗
PubMed2006

Prenatal diagnosis and therapy of upper extremity vascular malformation causing high cardiac output and Kasabach-Merritt sequence: a report of two cases.

We present two cases of upper extremity vascular malformation causing a high output state in the prenatal period. One fetus responded well to transplacental digitalis treatment. Both newborns had a Kasabach-Meritt sequence including anemia and thrombocytopenia. Postpartum treatment included successful interventional occlusion of the main feeding arteries and subsequent surgical removal of the tumor.

Anemia↗
PubMed2006

Prenatal diagnosis of persistent left superior vena cava and its associated congenital anomalies.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the associated conditions and the outcome of persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) detected in fetal life. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of all cases of PLSVC detected prenatally between 1998 and 2004 in two tertiary referral centers in Germany. Patient charts, ultrasound video recordings and still frames of all cases were reviewed for associated conditions and outcome. RESULTS: Eighty-two cases of PLSVC were detected in the study period. Thirty-seven cases (45%) were associated with heterotaxy syndromes, 19 (23%) with isolated cardiac malformations, seven (9%) with aneuploidy, six (7%) with complex malformation syndromes and six (7%) with isolated extracardiac malformations. Seven cases (9%) had no associated condition. Eighty-three percent of the fetuses in this series had associated cardiac malformations; the most frequent cardiac malformations in those with heterotaxy syndromes were complete atrioventricular septal defect (75%) and right outflow tract obstruction (58%). After exclusion of cases with heterotaxy, most congenital heart defects were ventricular septal defects (41%) and coarctation (34%). The outcome of PLSVC was determined solely by the associated conditions. After exclusion of terminated cases, heterotaxy syndromes as well as complete atrioventricular septal defects were associated significantly with perinatal and infant death. In contrast, all cases with isolated PLSVC or associated correctable extracardiac malformations survived and were doing well at the time of writing. CONCLUSIONS: PLSVC detected in fetal life has to be followed by a meticulous inspection of the fetal anatomy as it is frequently associated with heterotaxy syndromes, other cardiac/non-cardiac malformations and aneuploidy that determine the outcome. Isolated PLSVC is a benign vascular anomaly and may not affect the outcome.

Chromosome Aberrations↗
PubMed2006

Ductus venosus blood flow alterations in fetuses with obstructive lesions of the right heart.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of isolated lesions of the fetal right heart on ductus venosus (DV) blood flow profiles. METHODS: Retrospective evaluation of DV blood flow profiles in 83 fetuses with isolated right-sided cardiac lesions. Cases were divided into two groups. Group A had right-sided cardiac lesions associated with a large ventricular septal defect that equalized interventricular pressures (double outlet right ventricle (n = 12), tetralogy of Fallot (n = 19), pulmonary atresia (n = 5)). Group B had right-sided cardiac lesions with obstruction of the inflow (tricuspid atresia with ventricular septal defect (n = 14)) or obstruction of the outflow with intact ventricular septum (Ebstein's anomaly (n = 13), pulmonary stenosis (n = 13) and pulmonary atresia (n = 7)). Comparisons were made with 585 uneventful singleton pregnancies and previously published normative values. RESULTS: Fetuses in Group B had significantly higher rates of abnormal DV flow profiles compared to Group A and controls (P < 0.01). Conversely, there were no significant differences concerning DV parameters between fetuses in Group A and controls. Despite these different DV flow characteristics, there were no significant differences concerning signs of cardiac failure and/or survival to the perinatal period between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Right-sided cardiac lesions with obstruction of the inflow or outflow with intact ventricular septum are significantly associated with abnormally high pulsatilities in the DV and may even cause a reversal of flow during atrial contraction. These changes do not necessarily indicate cardiac failure, as they are primarily attributable to the special hemodynamics of the cardiac defect.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2006

Absence of ductus venosus-importance of umbilical venous drainage site.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the conditions associated with absent ductus venosus (ADV) diagnosed by prenatal ultrasonography. METHODS: Retrospective review of 23 cases with ADV diagnosed in two tertiary referral centers with a general screening policy concerning Doppler assessment of the ductus venosus. The results are discussed together with 63 cases from a review of the literature. RESULTS: In 19 fetuses the umbilical vein connected to the portal sinus, while the remaining four fetuses had extrahepatic umbilical venous drainage. Associated anomalies were present in 15 out of 23 fetuses: complex malformation syndromes (n = 6), chromosomal anomalies (n = 4), isolated cardiac defects (n = 4) and isolated extracardiac anomalies (n = 1). Eight fetuses had either no associated anomalies or minor anomalies. Hydropic changes were present in 12 of the 23 fetuses. In common with the reviewed cases, the presence of cardiac malformations, complex non-chromosomal malformation syndromes and hydrops was significantly associated with intrauterine or postnatal death while the type of umbilical venous drainage was not significantly different between survivors and non-survivors. However, among fetuses with no or minor associated anomalies the outcome was significantly better in the group without liver bypass. CONCLUSIONS: ADV is significantly associated with fetal cardiac and extracardiac anomalies, aneuploidies and hydrops. Fetuses with liver bypass have an additional risk of developing congestive heart failure that significantly affects outcome, even if the fetal cardiovascular anatomy is otherwise normal. ADV without liver bypass seems to have a more favorable prognosis if it is not associated with other malformations.

Aneuploidy↗
PubMed2006

Right aortic arch detected in fetal life.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prenatal distribution, associated conditions and outcome of the different types of right aortic arch (RAA) detected in fetal life. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of all cases of RAA detected prenatally between 1998 and 2005 in two tertiary referral centers. RESULTS: In the study period 71 cases of RAA were detected; 26 (37%) had RAA with aberrant left subclavian artery, 23 (32%) had RAA with mirror-image branching, 20 (28%) had RAA of unknown type and two (3%) had double aortic arch. While 20/26 cases with RAA and aberrant left subclavian artery were isolated findings, all 23 cases with RAA and mirror-image branching were associated with cardiac defects, namely tetralogy of Fallot (43%) or pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (22%). Of the 20 cases with RAA, 19 of unknown type were associated with heterotaxy syndromes and had additional cardiac malformations and ambiguities of the situs. The two cases with DAA were isolated findings. Seven cases in our series (10%) had a microdeletion 22q11 and these were significantly associated with extracardiac malformations. The outcome in our series depended solely on the associated cardiac and extracardiac malformations, with the exception of one infant with isolated DAA, in whom a surgical correction was warranted. CONCLUSIONS: RAA detected in fetal life is associated frequently with other cardiac/non-cardiac malformations, heterotaxy syndromes and microdeletions 22q11. The associated conditions vary depending on the branching type of the brachiocephalic vessels and the presence of extracardiac malformations.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Batch-mode mixing on centrifugal microfluidic platforms.

We present two novel fluidic concepts to drastically accelerate the process of mixing in batch-mode (stopped-flow) on centrifugal microfluidic platforms. The core of our simple and robust setup exhibits a microstructured disk with a round mixing chamber rotating on a macroscopic drive unit. In the first approach, magnetic beads which are prefilled into the mixing chamber are periodically deflected by a set of permanent magnets equidistantly aligned at spatially fixed positions in the lab-frame. Their radial positions alternatingly deviate by a slight positive and negative offset from the mean orbit of the chamber to periodically deflect the beads inbound and outbound during rotation. Advection is induced by the relative motion of the beads with respect to the liquid which results from the magnetic and centrifugal forces, as well as inertia. In a second approach--without magnetic beads--the disk is spun upon periodic changes in the sense of rotation. This way, inertia effects induce stirring of the liquids. As a result, both strategies accelerate mixing from about 7 minutes for mere diffusion to less than five seconds. Combining both effects, an ultimate mixing time of less than one second could be achieved.

Centrifugation↗
PubMed2005

Prenatal diagnosis of Bruck syndrome.

Bruck syndrome is an autosomal recessive connective tissue disorder combining features of osteogenesis imperfecta and arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. There are only few reports describing this rare syndrome of multiple fractures and joint contractures that is thought to be a subtype of osteogenesis imperfecta. We report the first case of prenatal diagnosis of this syndrome in a fetus at 23 weeks of gestation. Ultrasound findings included brachycephaly, retrognathia marked shortening and bowing of both femurs, bilateral fixed flexion of the elbows, bilateral fixed extension of the wrists and partially fixed flexion of the knees. The parents opted for termination of pregnancy. Macroscopic and radiologic examination of the aborted fetus confirmed the prenatal diagnosis, whereas morphological studies of the bone tissue found no hard evidence of osteogenesis imperfecta, probably due to the early stage of pregnancy and the heterogeneity of the syndrome itself.

Abortion, Induced↗
PubMed2005

Atrioventricular block detected in fetal life: associated anomalies and potential prognostic markers.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the spectrum of anomalies associated with fetal heart block and to identify possible prognostic markers. METHODS: Retrospective review of all cases of second- or third-degree heart block identified in two tertiary referral centers in Germany (Bonn and Lübeck) and one in the USA (Baltimore). RESULTS: Sixty fetuses with heart block were identified in the study period. Thirty-two had complex cardiac malformations, 31 of them associated with left isomerism. The outcomes of these fetuses were 22 terminations of pregnancy (TOP), three intrauterine fetal deaths (IUFD), three neonatal deaths (NND), two childhood deaths (CD) and there were two survivors. In 20 cases without complex cardiac malformations maternal antinuclear-antibodies were detected. Their outcomes were 2 TOP, 1 IUFD, 1 NND and 16 survived. The remaining eight cases had neither complex cardiac malformations nor associated maternal antibodies. Their outcomes were 1 TOP, 2 IUFD, 2 NND and 3 survived. After exclusion of terminated cases, hydrops as well as the presence of cardiac defects was significantly associated with non-survival (P < 0.01). The cardiothoracic circumference ratio was significantly higher in hydropic fetuses and significantly negatively correlated with survival in immune-mediated cases (P < 0.01). Atrial and ventricular frequencies and their evolution did not accurately predict fetal or neonatal outcome. Sympathomimetic treatment in seven cases was not associated with favorable fetal outcome in cases of hydrops or cardiac malformations. CONCLUSIONS: The most important marker predicting adverse outcome in cases of heart block is fetal hydrops, followed by the association with complex cardiac malformations. Cases without cardiac malformations have a significantly better prognosis, especially in the absence of severe cardiomegaly.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Fetal echocardiographic evaluation of atrial morphology and the prediction of laterality in cases of heterotaxy syndromes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether abnormal atrial morphology, which is well recognized in autopsy series, is detectable by fetal echocardiographic examination of the four-chamber view, and can therefore be utilized to differentiate left from right isomerism in heterotaxy syndromes. METHODS: This study was a retrospective review of 30 cases with prenatally diagnosed heterotaxy syndromes. Ultrasound video recordings and still images were reviewed with respect to atrial morphology in the four-chamber view. In 25 cases the morphology of both atria was sufficiently well visualized on the recordings to be evaluated and only these were included in the study. RESULTS: Two types of atrial morphology were distinguished in our cohort: a sickle-shape with the tip pointing laterally and apically, and a blunt shape resembling the usual atrial appearance in the four-chamber view. Nineteen out of the 25 cases (76%) presented with isomerism of the atria in the four-chamber view. Thirteen had bilateral sickle-shaped atrial morphology, all associated with left isomerism. Six had bilateral blunt-shaped atrial morphology, all associated with right isomerism. The atria of the remaining six cases were not isomeric, the right atrium being sickle-shaped and the left blunt-shaped. Five of the latter cases were associated with left and one with right isomerism. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of prenatally diagnosed heterotaxy syndromes seem to present with isomeric atrial morphology in the four-chamber view. In these cases a differentiation between left and right isomerism can be based on the two distinct types of atrial morphology. This may further enhance the prenatal differentiation of these syndromes.

Chi-Square Distribution↗
PubMed2005

Atypical ductus venosus blood flow pattern in fetuses with severe tricuspid valve regurgitation.

We observed seven cases of atypical ductus venosus (DV) blood flow velocity waveform pattern with impairment of systolic forward flow resulting in a notch or a significant reduction in peak velocity during the S-wave in systole. All affected fetuses had severe tricuspid valve regurgitation associated with congestive heart failure and/or cardiac malformations. The decrease in venous systolic forward flow modulates the venous pulsatility indices towards more favorable values and should be considered when fetuses with tricuspid regurgitation are followed by Doppler assessment of the DV. Detection of these changes in the DV flow profile should prompt detailed color Doppler echocardiography with special emphasis on right atrioventricular valve regurgitation.

Blood Flow Velocity↗
PubMed2004

Antenatal corticosteroid therapy in premature infants.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to examine the effect of antenatal corticosteroid treatment on premature infants, with special attention to any possible adverse effects on neonatal outcome. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all singleton and multiple pregnancies delivered in our perinatal center between 1991 and 1999, who had a birth weight of < or =1,500 g and who were subsequently admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit. Three hundred and sixty-five infants were included in the study and divided into two groups. One group had a gestational age below 28 weeks (< or =196 days) and one group was 28 weeks (>196 days) onward. RESULTS: Antenatal corticosteroid therapy reduced the duration of mechanical ventilation, the need for supplementary oxygen, and the need for exogenous surfactant in neonates born at >196 days's gestation (p<0.05). Corticosteroid treatment seemed to benefit the respiratory distress syndrome (RDS; p=0.051) in this group. There were less cases of necrotizing enterocolitis and neonatal death in the group with corticosteroid treatment (p<0.05). Before 28 weeks' gestation, all parameters that were examined (e.g., duration of mechanical ventilation, need for supplemental oxygen, need for exogenous surfactant, RDS) showed no significant differences between those pregnancies pre-treated with corticosteroids or those not treated with corticosteroids. There was no adverse effect of corticosteroids on chorioamnionitis and early onset sepsis in pregnancies with a premature rupture of the membranes. Repeated corticosteroid treatment had no effect on birth weight, but did not improve neonatal outcome either. The interval between last corticosteroid treatment and delivery had no influence on RDS. There was no effect of corticosteroids on periventricular leukomalacia and intraventricular hemorrhage. Regression analysis showed a higher risk of severe RDS in multiple gestations. CONCLUSION: Antenatal betamethasone treatment reduces perinatal morbidity and mortality after 28 weeks' gestation. We found no adverse effects and also no benefit of repetitive corticosteroid treatment. The interval between last corticosteroid treatment and delivery did not influence the incidence of RDS. Dose, timing, and rate of antenatal corticosteroids should be reconsidered in multiple gestations.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed2004

Targeted first-trimester prenatal diagnosis before fetal reduction in triplet gestations and subsequent outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of targeted first-trimester ultrasound evaluation in triplet gestations and to report the outcome in reduced and expectantly managed triplets. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of 127 triplets at 11-14 weeks with targeted ultrasound examination including nuchal translucency (NT) screening. RESULTS: One or more abnormal findings were observed in 33 of 381 fetuses (8.7%), including increased NT (n = 18), malformations (n = 4), aneuploidy (n = 3), relative intrauterine growth restriction (n = 2) or spontaneous demise (n = 13). Of 63 patients (49%) who chose reduction, selective termination due to abnormal findings was performed in 13 fetuses. The rates of complete abortion <24 weeks were 9.8% and 3.2% for those with expectant management and fetal reduction, respectively. Expectantly managed triplets delivered significantly earlier (31.1 +/- 3.8 vs. 35.6 +/- 3.3 weeks) (P < 0.01) with a lower mean birth weight (1483 +/- 552 g vs. 2305 +/- 557 g) (P < 0.01) and a lower number of liveborn fetuses (85.6% vs. 97.4%) (P < 0.01) than those reduced. CONCLUSION: Targeted first-trimester ultrasound is feasible and reliable in triplet gestations and should be an integral part of the counseling process. It results in more accurate selection for those who consider fetal reduction. Our data further support fetal reduction as a valuable strategy to improve perinatal outcome in triplet pregnancies.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Different preferences for prenatal diagnosis in pregnancies following assisted reproduction versus spontaneous conception.

The uptake of prenatal diagnosis in 436 singleton and 146 twin pregnancies following assisted reproduction was compared with a matched group of spontaneous conceptions. The first and second trimester ultrasound examination included target fetal anatomic evaluation and screening by specific markers described for fetal aneuploidy. Women with assisted conception attended significantly more often for first trimester prenatal diagnosis (57.9 versus 34.9%, P < 0.01), but had fewer examinations in the early second trimester at 15-18 weeks (37.8 versus 48.8%, P < 0.01) than those with spontaneous conception. Screen positive results of 6.5 and 6.9% for first trimester examination and 6.0 and 7.3% for second trimester examination were found in assisted conceptions and controls respectively. A significantly higher rate of invasive prenatal diagnosis was observed in the second trimester for spontaneous conceptions, 20.0 versus 11.8% (P < 0.01) compared with assisted conceptions. This was attributed to the higher rate of invasive procedures in advanced maternal age >/=35 years of 40.7 versus 28.6% (P = 0.01) in spontaneous and assisted conceptions respectively. With the purpose of avoiding invasive testing, women with assisted conception were more likely to use the results of the ultrasound examination to guide their final decision about invasive testing, rather than undergo genetic amniocentesis as a first option.

Amniocentesis↗