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Biomedical subjects

A Malamitsi-Puchner

Publications and source records attributed to A Malamitsi-Puchner.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Circulating endothelin-3 and prolactin concentrations in healthy lactating women during the early puerperium.

OBJECTIVE: To study the association between the circulating concentrations of endothelin-3 and prolactin in the early puerperium. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study, including twenty-five healthy puerperal women breast-feeding their healthy full-term infants. METHODS: Venous blood was drawn on day 1 and 4 post partum, and plasma endothelin-3 and serum prolactin were determined. RESULTS: Circulating endothelin-3 and prolactin levels on day 4 did not differ significantly from the corresponding levels on day 1. However, a significant negative correlation was found on day 4 between endothelin-3 and prolactin values (r = -0.688, P < 0.001) and an even stronger negative association existed between the net change in endothelin-3 from days 1 to 4 and the corresponding change in prolactin values (r = -0.732, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: On the fourth day post partum, lactating healthy women show negative correlation between circulating endothelin-3 and prolactin levels. Whether this indicates a role for endothelin-3 in the control of prolactin secretion in the post partum period remains to be clarified.

Endothelin-3↗
PubMed1998

Outcome prediction in Greek neonatal intensive care units using a score for neonatal acute physiology (SNAP)

OBJECTIVES: This study was undertaken to evaluate the performance of the score for neonatal acute physiology (SNAP) in Greece, to examine the predictive power of SNAP calculated during the 12 hours after admission in comparison with customarily calculated SNAP during the first 24 hours, and to assess SNAP during the second 12 hours from admission as a measure of response to treatment. METHODOLOGY: A total of 579 newborns admitted to three neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) from two cities in Greece were enrolled in the study; SNAP was determined during the first 12 hours, the second 12 hours, and the first 24 hours from admission to the NICU and calculated using an algorithm based on deviations from normal values of 26 physiologic parameters. RESULTS: All three variants of SNAP were powerful predictors of vital status at discharge, as well as of duration of stay among survivors. A five-point increase in SNAP in the first 12 hours corresponds to a more than twofold ratio in the odds for death, whereas a five-unit difference in SNAP from the second 12 hours corresponds to a more than threefold ratio. The combined 24-hour score was similar to that for the first 12 hours. A considerable advantage of SNAP was its independence from more traditional predictors of neonatal death, notably gestational age, birth weight, and Apgar score. The combination of all of these predictors improved further the overall predictive potential. CONCLUSIONS: SNAP is a useful tool in medical research and can be applied in different population groups. Its independence from birth weight underlines its added value to predict fatality ratios. Moreover, the results of the present study indicate that SNAP can be estimated without loss of predictive efficiency during the first 12 hours from admission to the NICU, whereas SNAP during the second 12 hours adequately reflects the effectiveness of early medical interventions.

Apgar Score↗
PubMed1997

Mechanical behaviour of scalp hair in premature and full-term neonates.

Using a new computerized methodological procedure a separate analysis and a quantitative determination of the viscous and elastic parameters of the scalp hair shaft were performed in 37 neonates of both sexes with a gestational age of 28-29 weeks (n = 16) and 39-40 weeks (n = 21), respectively. A statistically significant (p < 0.001) decrease in the values of modulus of elasticity (E alpha) was found in the hair shaft of premature neonates, as compared to the full-term ones, whereas the values of post yield slope (E beta) and of SDIS/SSTOR (viscous parameter) did not significantly differ in the two groups. The decrease in modulus of elasticity in the hair shaft of premature neonates may be interpreted in terms of an insufficient number of disulphide bonds between the alpha-helical keratin units of the hair cortex or of a disordered arrangement of microfibrils within the matrix. Further studies are now warranted to determine the pattern of mechanical parameters of the scalp hair shaft in large numbers of newborn infants of different gestational ages and to answer the question as to whether this pattern might be useful in the accurate postnatal assessment of fetal maturation.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed1997

Changes of angiogenin serum concentrations in the perinatal period.

The polypeptide angiogenin, a normal constituent of human plasma, might be involved in endothelium homeostasis, angiogenesis, and neovascularization accompanying various diseases. This study aimed at determining angiogenin serum concentrations in the perinatal period of healthy newborns and at forming a baseline for this protein, which in the future may serve as a diagnostic index in developmental errors of the placenta and/or newborn. One milliliter of blood was drawn on d 1 and 4 of life from 30 healthy full-term neonates, and angiogenin serum concentrations were measured by an enzyme immunoassay using a commercially available kit. In 10 cases angiogenin serum concentrations were also measured in the maternal serum before delivery and in the umbilical vein serum. Angiogenin serum concentrations (microgram/L) were significantly higher in maternal serum (225.7 +/- 49.6) compared with umbilical vein serum (119.0 +/- 34.2) (p < 0.0002), as well as that compared with day 1 (166.4 +/- 44.9) (p < 0.01) but not to d 4 neonatal serum (240.8 +/- 52.6). Angiogenin serum concentrations showed a statistically significant increase from d 1 to 4 (p < 10(-7)), as well as from umbilical cord serum to d 1 neonatal serum (p < 0.0002). A statistically significant correlation existed between values in umbilical cord serum and d 1 neonatal serum (r = 0.84, n = 10, p < 0.002) and between those in d 1 and 4 neonatal serum (r = 0.37, n = 30, p < 0.04). Sex, birth weight, or mode of delivery did not influence angiogenin serum concentrations. We conclude that a rapid increase of angiogenin serum concentrations to maternal levels takes place during the first four postnatal days in healthy full-term neonates.

Aging↗
PubMed1996

Prevalence study of different hepatitis markers among pregnant Albanian refugees in Greece.

Aim of the study was to record the prevalence of the various types of viral hepatitis, especially hepatitis B, in pregnant Albanian refugees in Greece. The study comprised 500 pregnant refugees of mean age 25.1 +/- 4.6 years. In Albania, all women had lived in overcrowded houses and had been exposed to non throw-away needles and syringes. Various indices for all hepatitis types were determined. The prevalence of HBsAg was 13.4%, of anti-HBs 53%, of total anti-HBc 70.8%, of anti-HBc IgM 0.4%, of HBeAg 1.2%, of anti-HBe 58.6%, of anti-HAV 96.2%, of anti-HAV IgM 1%, of anti-HDV 0.4%, of anti-HCV 0.6% and of anti-HEV 2%. HBeAg was found positive in 7.5% of HBsAg carriers. Prevalence of hepatitis B markers, as determined by HBsAg and/or anti-HBs and/or total anti-HBc was significantly higher in those with a history of previous hospitalization in Albania (p = 0.01) and those with previous history of hepatitis (p = 0.02). The high prevalence of hepatitis B markers in pregnant Albanian refugees proves that HBV infection is highly endemic in Albania and the possibility of perinatal transmission to the offsprings urges for HBV vaccination programmes. On the other hand improvements in the socioeconomic conditions and the sanitation system in Albania is anticipated to reduce the incidence of HAV and HBV infections.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Endothelin 1-21 plasma concentrations on days 1 and 4 of life in healthy and ill preterm neonates.

Endothelins (ETs) are highly vasoconstrictive 21-amino acid peptides possessing also cell-proliferative properties. They have been implicated in a variety of perinatal pathologic conditions, and their plasma concentrations have been found elevated in humans at birth. The purpose of this study was to determine ET 1-21 plasma concentrations in healthy and ill preterm infants and to investigate possible concentration changes with time from birth in cases of normal and abnormal adaptation to extrauterine life. The study comprised 36 preterm infants. Twenty-eight, comprising group A, were healthy (22/28) or minimally affected (6/28) and 8, comprising group B, were moderately (2/8) or severely ill (6/8) requiring continuous positive airway pressure or intermittent positive pressure ventilation as well as surfactant administration. All infants in group B had intraventricular hemorrhage grade > or = II. Venous blood from all neonates was drawn on days 1 and 4 and ET 1-21 plasma concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay (Amersham kit RPA 5559). ET 1-21 plasma concentrations were on day 1: 16.25 +/- 8.14 and 21.81 +/- 5.87 and on day 4: 12.89 +/- 4.56 and 16.16 +/- 5.43 pmol/l, for groups A and B, respectively. The statistical analysis showed a significant reduction in plasma ET concentrations on day 4 in both groups (p = 0.009 and p = 0.025, respectively). Nevertheless, ET 1-21 plasma concentrations were on day 4 significantly higher in ill preterm infants presenting symptoms from tissues involved in the elimination of ETs from the circulation as well as in their production.

Aging↗
PubMed1995

Endothelin 1-21 plasma levels in fetuses at 18-24 weeks of gestation.

This study aimed to establish normal endothelin (ET) ranges in non malformed appropriate for gestational age fetuses of 18-24 weeks gestation and to investigate a possible correlation between maternal and fetal ET plasma levels. Twenty "mother-fetus" pairs were included in the study. The determination of ET 1-21 was performed by radioimmunoassay using 1 ml of fetal blood obtained by cordocentesis--indicated for various reasons--and in 2 ml of maternal venous blood. The statistical analysis involved the Wilcoxon test for pair differences and the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Fetal and maternal ET 1-21 levels were respectively 11.39 +/- 2.22 pmol/L and 6.44 +/- 1.00 pmol/L. Fetal levels were significantly higher (p < 0.01) thus excluding passive ET transfer through the placenta, while no correlation between maternal and fetal levels was found. It is speculated that high fetal ET 1-21 levels result from increased ET production, which possess cell proliferative properties and/or decreased ET removal from the fetal circulation because of hypofunctioning lungs and kidneys. It can be assumed that the increased amounts of fetal ETs contribute to normal growth and development directly as well as by regulating vascular tonus and local blood flow.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Preterm delivery and low birthweight among refugees in Greece.

Recently Greece received a large number of refugees mainly from Eastern European countries, Middle East, Africa and the Pontus region. Refugee status, implying psychosocial adversities and financial problems, has traditionally been associated with unfavourable pregnancy outcome. This study aimed to compare the incidence of preterm delivery and low birthweight among 638 refugees and 1231 indigenous women giving birth at the same hospital in Athens. Conditional logistic regression was used in the analysis to account for parity and delivery date (matching variables) as well as controlling explicitly for maternal age and gender of the neonate. It was demonstrated that refugee status did not overall influence the occurrence of preterm delivery or low birthweight, thus implying that these two variables are not sensitive or early indicators of the adverse effects of psychosocial stress suffered by refugees.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Serum levels of creatine kinase and its isoenzymes during the 1st postpartum day in healthy newborns delivered vaginally or by cesarean section.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship of creatine kinase (CK) and its isoenzyme levels in the newborn to the mode of delivery, time interval from birth (divided in four 6-hour time periods), parity and sex of the neonates. During the 1st postpartum day, serum levels of CK and its isoenzymes (CK-MM, CK-MB, CK-BB) were determined from 115 healthy full-term neonates born consecutively either by spontaneous vaginal delivery (VD, n = 85) or by elective cesarean section (CS, n = 30). The multiple regression analysis was applied. Total CK levels were positively correlated with VD (p < 0.0003). This was mainly attributed to a rise in the CK-MM activity which presented a similar pattern to CK. CK-MB activity was also positively correlated with VD. In contrast, CK-BB was negatively correlated to the postpartum time period. Neonatal sex and parity did not influence CK and its isoenzyme levels significantly. In conclusion, VD contributes significantly to an increase in CK levels during the 1st day of extrauterine life.

Cesarean Section↗
PubMed1993

Endothelin 1-21 plasma levels on the first and fourth postpartum day in normal full-term neonates.

Endothelins (ETs), recently discovered and highly vasoactive substances, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various perinatal problems, such as preeclampsia, intrauterine growth retardation, intraventricular hemorrhage, pulmonary hypertension and necrotizing enterocolitis. Although fetal ET levels have been measured at birth, reference ET values for healthy newborns in the first days of life have not been established. The purpose of this study was to determine in normal healthy neonates ET 1-21 plasma values on day 1 and 4 postpartum and to investigate possible changes after adaptation of the newborn to extrauterine life. The study comprised 20 healthy full-term neonates, born after vaginal delivery (n = 10), or cesarean section (CS; n = 10) because of a previous CS. Venous blood was drawn on day 1 and 4 from all neonates and ET 1-21 levels were determined in the plasma by radioimmunoassay (Amersham kit RPA 5559). ET 1-21 values were on day 1 11.83 +/- 2.39 pmol/l (n = 20) and on day 4 9.45 +/- 1.88 pmol/l (n = 20). The statistical analysis showed a significant reduction of plasma ET levels on day 4 (p = 0.004), but no influence of the mode of delivery on plasma ET levels. In conclusion irrespective of the mode of delivery the high ET 1-21 plasma levels on day 1 postpartum are significantly reduced on day 4 of life.

Cesarean Section↗
PubMed1992

Proteus syndrome: musculoskeletal manifestations and management: a report of two cases.

The literature on clinical and roentgenographic findings of Proteus syndrome is reviewed. Two patients with Proteus syndrome who exhibited skeletal deformities and characteristic features such as limb length discrepancy, skin lesions, and soft tissue tumors are reported. Persistent difficulties in treating malformed spines and unequal legs, as well as unpredictable tissue reaction to trauma, are discussed.

Child↗
PubMed1990

Proteus syndrome: course of a severe case.

We report on the course of a 4 1/2-year-old boy with Proteus syndrome who was first described 3 years ago. Details are given on the phenotypic changes, the complications of corrective surgery on tissue overgrowth, and the development of a mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis of the testis.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1989

Heat flux from the head surface in healthy newborns and in newborns with cerebral pathology.

Scalp heat flux of fetuses during labor was shown to be related to metabolic and circulatory factors. We therefore investigated whether heat flux from the head of newborns was also related to cerebral pathology. Heat flux from the head was measured in three groups: Group A consisted of 7 newborn infants with micro- and/or hydrocephalus and with cerebral asphyxia, who were considered to have decreased heat flux from the head due to decreased heat production. Group B consisted of 3 newborn infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, who were considered to have increased heat flux from the head due to low cerebral blood flow and, thus, decreased heat convection from the brain. Group C consisted of 17 randomly selected healthy neonates, who served as controls. Heat flux from the head was measured by heat flux transducers attached to the skin of the forehead. The effective operative temperature in the incubator was measured with thermistors. The heat flux from the head of neonates with micro-and/or hydrocephalus and of neonates with cerebral asphyxia was distinctly below, the heat flux from the head of the neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome were above two standard deviations of the mean of the heat flux of healthy neonates. The results suggest that heat flux from the head is related to the metabolic or circulatory condition of the underlying brain.

Asphyxia Neonatorum↗
PubMed1987

Severe proteus syndrome in an 18-month-old boy.

We describe an 18-month-old Greek boy with macrocephaly, partial gigantism of hands and feet, hemihypertrophy, pigmented nevi, and other anomalies compatible with the Proteus syndrome. Cerebral involvement in a most severe form and at an early age concurs with the suggestion that encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis may represent a more circumscriptive manifestation of Proteus syndrome. Localized triggering of several growth factors is a challenging pathogenetic consideration of the syndrome.

Bone Diseases↗
PubMed1986

Digoxin levels in the serum of healthy neonates.

The possible existence of a chemical substance with cross-reactivity to digoxin antibodies in the neonatal serum or plasma was investigated in this study. Our data show that in contrast to previous reports, the levels of a "digoxin-like substance" in the serum or plasma of healthy newborns are negligible and probably would not affect the reliability of digoxin radioimmunoassay tests.

Cross Reactions↗
PubMed1984

Pregnancy and delivery in Bernard-Soulier syndrome.

This is the first reported case of a woman suffering from the Bernard-Soulier syndrome who terminated pregnancy and gave birth normally to a healthy child. Although a great number of platelet and fresh blood units were transfused before and after delivery, a hysterectomy was performed the next day as the only solution to stop persisting gross hemorrhage.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

Perinatal complications in elderly primigravidas.

To clinical problems encountered in a group of 1.179 elderly primigravidas (greater than 35 years) during pregnancy, labor and the neonatal period were studied in an eleven-year review and compared to a randomised group of 66.819 pregnant women. The incidence of toxemia and fibromyomas was significantly higher in the group of the elderly primigravidas than in the control group. Forceps and cesarean sections were performed more frequently in the elderly primigravidas. The perinatal mortality rate, congenital malformations, neonatal infections and respiratory distress were significantly higher in the first group. The reduce the forementioned perinatal complications, elderly primigravidas need intensive care in special units.

Adult↗