PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Abraham Golan

Publications and source records attributed to Abraham Golan.

17 recordsLinked to original sources

Cord around the neck: should it be severed at delivery? A randomized controlled study.

Umbilical cords often become encircled around portions of the fetus, usually the neck. The incidence ranges from 21% in one loop to 0.2% in three loops. In the present study, we assessed the practice of severing the cord, which was encircled once around the neck of the fetus, after delivery of the anterior shoulder and prior to extraction of the body. This was a prospective, randomized, controlled study. The study and the control groups included 30 women each. Cord around the neck was diagnosed during labor by ultrasound. It was cut intentionally in the study group and left intact in the control group. Demographic data were obtained. The course of labor was assessed. Neonatal outcomes measured were cord pH, Apgar scores at 5 minutes, and need for resuscitation. Length of maternal and neonatal hospitalization was determined. No differences were found between the study and the control group before, during, and after labor regarding perinatal variables such as meconium-stained amniotic fluid, fetal heart rate patterns, Apgar scores at 5 minutes, and umbilical cord pH after delivery (7.29 +/- 0.07 [SD] in the study group and 7.32 +/- 0.06 [SD] in the controls; p=0.1). Single nuchal encirclement by the umbilical cord during labor, after delivery of the anterior shoulder, can be severed or left intact. We could not detect any adverse perinatal outcome in such deliveries.

Adult↗

Assessment of Her-2/neu expression in hydatidiform moles for prediction of subsequent gestational trophoblastic neoplasia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to asses the ability of Her-2/neu immunohistochemical staining of the molar tissue to predict the risk of developing gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN). METHODS: Sections prepared from 33 consecutive formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded archival reconfirmed hydatidiform mole tissue blocks were immunohistochemically stained for Her-2/neu. The staining was scored according to the subjectively evaluated intensity of staining and the proportion of stained villous cytotrophoblastic cells. Clinical data were abstracted from medical files. RESULTS: 23 patients had a complete and 10 a partial mole. Nine patients (27.3%) were diagnosed with GTN [7 of 23 patients with a complete mole (30.4%) and 2 of the 10 (20.0%) with a partial mole]. A positive immunohistochemical Her-2/neu stain was found in 6 (18.2%) of the patients with hydatidiform mole (3 with a complete mole). The rate of Her-2/neu expression was somewhat higher in moles with subsequent GTN than in moles with an uneventful course (22.2% vs. 16.6%, respectively). The difference did not reach significance (Fisher's Exact Test, P=0.55) possibly due to the small number of cases (power of <5%). The sensitivity and specificity of Her-2/neu expression for prediction of GTN was 22.2% and 83.3%, respectively, and the positive and negative predictive value 33.3% and 74.1%, respectively. CONCLUSION: While the specificity of Her-2/neu immunohistochemical staining for prediction of GTN is relatively high, the low sensitivity and low positive and negative predictive value precludes its practical clinical use for prediction of post-molar GTN. The quest for a precise predictor of post-molar GTN should continue.

Adolescent↗

Re-laparotomy after cesarean section.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the rate, indications, and outcome of re-laparotomy after cesarean section in the early postoperative period. DESIGN: A retrospective observational study during a 121-month period. SETTING: A tertiary care university center. POPULATION: A cohort of 3380 women who underwent cesarean section out of 18,609 parturients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of re-laparotomy after cesarean section in the early postoperative period. RESULTS: The incidence of re-laparotomy after cesarean section was 0.53% (18/3380). Of these 18 women, 12 (66%) were operated for hemorrhage, 3 (17%) for eventration, and 3 (17%) for formation of intra-abdominal abscess. Hysterectomy was required in one case (5.5%). We had no maternal mortalities. CONCLUSION: Although the incidence of re-laparotomy after cesarean in the early postoperative period is low and the outcome is favorable, several measures must be undertaken to reduce the need for re-laparotomy.

Adult↗

Pregnancy-associated rhinitis.

Previous studies overestimated the incidence of pregnancy-associated rhinitis because it is a poorly defined clinical condition. The objective of this study was to assess the incidence of this unique type of rhinitis using up-to-date strict criteria. This prospective study included 109 primigravida parturients who were interviewed using a structured questionnaire and underwent detailed rhinoscopy. Pregnancy-associated rhinitis was defined as nasal obstruction symptom and rhinorrhea appearing during pregnancy, lasting for at least 2 months, and disappearing postpartum. The incidence of rhinitis associated with pregnancy at the time of delivery was 9%. No correlation was found between symptoms and signs. Pregnancy-associated rhinitis is an infrequent clinical entity. It may be related to hormonal changes and possibly altered sensation of nasal airflow.

Adolescent↗

Endometrial endometrioid carcinoma: a glimpse at the natural course.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to assess the natural course of endometrial endometrioid carcinoma by identifying untreated patients and those with a prolonged (>6 months) treatment delay. STUDY DESIGN: A chart review of 252 patients with histologically confirmed endometrial endometrioid carcinoma was conducted and clinical data of untreated patients and those with a prolonged treatment delay were abstracted. RESULTS: Seven patients (3 untreated and 4 with prolonged treatment delay) were identified. Five had clinical stage I and 5 had well-differentiated tumors. The survival of the untreated patients ranged from 5 to 59 months. Of the patients with prolonged treatment delay, 2 died more than 5 years after diagnosis and 2 are alive more than 5 years after diagnosis. CONCLUSION: The lengthy survival of our patients seems to indicate that the natural progression course, even in untreated patients, may be very slow in endometrial endometrioid carcinoma with favorable prognostic factors.

Aged↗

Follow-up of ovarian and primary peritoneal carcinoma: the value of physical examination in patients with pretreatment elevated CA125 levels.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of routine periodic physical examination in the follow-up of ovarian (OvC) and primary peritoneal carcinoma (PPC) patients with pretreatment elevated CA125 levels. METHODS: Included were patients who had a pretreatment serum CA125 level above normal limits, had completed initial treatment, were in complete clinical remission on completion of the initial treatment and routinely attended the gynecologic oncology outpatient clinic. Recurrence was diagnosed when at least one of the following criteria was abnormal: symptoms, physical examination or elevated serum CA125 levels. RESULTS: Of 69 patients, a recurrence was diagnosed in 43. Abnormal physical examination for diagnosis of recurrence yielded a sensitivity rate of only 34.9%. The diagnosis of recurrence was based on an abnormal physical examination alone in 2 (4.6%) patients. CONCLUSION: In OvC and PPC patients with elevated pretreatment CA125 levels, physical examination has a limited impact on the diagnosis of recurrence.

Adult↗

Heavily pretreated ovarian cancer patients treated by single-agent gemcitabine. A retrospective outcome comparison between platinum-sensitive and platinum-resistant patients.

To assess activity and toxicity of gemcitabine treatment in heavily pretreated epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients and compare the outcome between platinum-sensitive and platinum-resistant patients. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 43 women with EOC treated with gemcitabine on Days 1, 8 and 15 every 28 days. Response was evaluated by physical examination and serial CA 125 measurements. The patients (median age 62 years, range 29-87) were previously exposed to a median of 3 (2-8) chemotherapy regimens. A median of 3.5 (1-14) gemcitabine cycles were administered. Eleven (25.6%) patients showed partial response, 19 (44.2%) had stable disease and 13 (30.2%) progressed. Among 22 platinum-sensitive and 21 platinum-resistant patients, the response rate was 45.5% and 4.7% respectively (p = 0.001), and the median time to progression was 5.0 and 2.8 months, respectively (p = 0.0006). The respective median survival was 16.5 and 6.3 months (p = 0.0001). Grade III-IV hematological toxicities included anemia in four (9.3%) patients, thrombocytopenia in four (9.3%) and leucopenia in two (4.7%). The main non-hematological toxicities were grade III fatigue in two patients (4.7%) and nausea and vomiting in two (4.7%). Single agent gemcitabine is an attractive option for heavily pretreated EOC patients. The significant difference between platinum-sensitive and resistant patients' warrants further investigation.

Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell↗

A new approach to office hysteroscopy compared with traditional hysteroscopy: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare a "no touch" approach to diagnostic hysteroscopy without anesthesia with traditional diagnostic hysteroscopy after intracervical injection of mepivacaine hydrochloride 3%. METHODS: A total of 130 women undergoing diagnostic hysteroscopy were included in the study and were randomized, using a computer-generated randomization list to one of two treatment groups in a ratio of 2:1. Eighty-three women underwent hysteroscopy without speculum, tenaculum, or anesthesia. Forty-seven women received intracervical anesthesia with 10 mL of 3% mepivacaine hydrochloride solution injected at two sites (3:00 and 9:00 positions) and underwent traditional hysteroscopy. Hysteroscopy was performed using a rigid 3.7-mm hysteroscope and a medium of 0.9% saline, and the image was transmitted to a screen visible to the patient. A visual analog scale (VAS) consisting of a 10-cm line was used to assess the intensity of pain experienced during and after the procedure. Overall patient satisfaction was assessed during, immediately after, 15 minutes later, and 3 days after hysteroscopy. RESULTS: The mean pain score was significantly lower in the group without the use of speculum, tenaculum, or anesthesia (VAS1: 3.8+/-2.7 versus 5.34+/-3.23, P=.01; VAS2: 3.02+/-2.50 versus 4.57+/-3.30, P=.008). Patient satisfaction rate was similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Patients reported significantly less pain with the altered approach to diagnostic hysteroscopy compared with patients undergoing the traditional procedure with anesthesia. This new approach can therefore be considered as a useful hysteroscopic technique. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00319410

Adult↗

Laparoscopic management of extremely large ovarian cysts.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility and outcome of laparoscopic surgery for the management of extremely large ovarian cysts. METHODS: From July 2000 to December 2003, 21 patients with extremely large ovarian cysts were managed laparoscopically. The masses were cystic or complex, reached the umbilicus or higher, and were not associated with ascites or enlarged pelvic or para-aortic lymph nodes on computed tomography scan. Serum CA 125 levels were within the normal range or mildly elevated (< 130 mIU/mL). The mean and median ages of the patients were 45 +/- 20 and 46 years, respectively (range 17-89 years). Seven women were postmenopausal and the rest were premenopausal. The patients underwent cystectomy or adnexectomy depending on each patient's age and obstetric history. RESULTS: Two laparoscopies were converted to laparotomy, one because of ovarian malignancy and the second because of technical difficulties related to morbid obesity and severe intra-abdominal adhesions. The postoperative recovery was uneventful in all women. CONCLUSION: With proper patient selection, the size of an ovarian cyst is not necessarily a contraindication for laparoscopic surgery.

Adolescent↗

Endometrial carcinoma after endometrial resection for dysfunctional uterine bleeding.

BACKGROUND: Endometrial destruction is an accepted conservative surgical approach for women with dysfunctional uterine bleeding. However, this procedure cannot guarantee complete removal of the entire endometrium. The possibility exists that endometrial carcinoma may develop even years after such procedure. CASE: We report on a case of endometrial carcinoma, which was diagnosed 3 years after hysteroscopic resection of the endometrium for dysfunctional uterine bleeding in a patient with no risk factors. CONCLUSION: Endometrial carcinoma after hysteroscopic endometrial ablation is still a possibility even when strict selection criteria are applied.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Vaginal removal of prolapsed pedunculated submucous myoma: a short, simple, and definitive procedure with minimal morbidity.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to evaluate the outcome of vaginal removal of prolapsed pedunculated submucous myomas over a 10-year period. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. Fifty-two patients were admitted with the diagnosis of prolapsed pedunculated submucous myoma. Six patients were excluded because of an a priori decision for abdominal hysterectomy. In 46 patients an attempt for vaginal myomectomy under general anesthesia was done. RESULTS: Vaginal myomectomy was successful in 44 patients (95.6%). There were no immediate complications. Histological diagnosis of leiomyoma was confirmed in 34 cases (73.9%) and in the remainders intrauterine pathology was endometrial polyp. Total abdominal hysterectomy was performed in additional 6 patients (13.7%) 3 months to 5 years following vaginal myomectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal myomectomy is the treatment of choice for prolapsed pedunculated submucous myoma. The associated morbidity is minimal.

Adult↗

Role of sonography in the diagnosis of retained products of conception.

OBJECTIVE: To present our experience with clinical and sonographic diagnosis of retained products of conception and to evaluate its correlation with histopathologic findings. METHODS: This was a retrospective study on 156 patients admitted for retained products of conception. Women were referred because of 1 or more of the following: abdominal pain, bleeding, and fever. The status of the cervix was evaluated by bimanual examination. The diagnosis of retained products of conception was made when a sonographic finding of hyperechoic or hypoechoic material was seen in any part of the uterine cavity or the presence of a thickened endometrial stripe greater than 8 mm and an irregular interface between the endometrium and myometrium was found. One hundred twenty-one women (77.6%) were admitted after dilation and curettage for abortion, and 35 (22.4%) were admitted after spontaneous labor. RESULTS: Histopathologic reports confirmed the diagnosis of retained products of conception in 86 (71%) of 121 women in the postabortion group and in 17 (48.5%) of 35 women in the postpartum group. The overall false-positive rate for sonographic diagnosis was 34%. For women after abortion and after delivery, the false-positive rates were 28.9% and 51.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Reliance on common signs and symptoms to diagnose retained products of conception as well as the use of sonography is associated with an unacceptably high false-positive rate, mainly after delivery. A more conservative approach to the treatment of retained products of conception is suggested.

Abortion, Incomplete↗

Midtrimester abortion in patients with a previous uterine scar.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether extraamniotic prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) for midtrimester pregnancy interruption in women with a scarred uterus has any adverse effects compared to those without an uterine scar. STUDY DESIGN: Two hundred and sixty-two women who underwent second trimester (16-27 gestational weeks) termination of pregnancy were enrolled in this study. Thirty-one women with a uterine scar were compared with 231 patients without a scarred uterus. Extraamniotic PGE2 was applied in serial doses of 200 mcg every 2 h up to 20 doses. Intravenous infusion of oxytocin was added in cases when the fetus was not expelled. Curettage was performed in the majority of the patients. RESULTS: The two groups were similar for indications for pregnancy termination, maternal age and gestational age. Gravidity and parity were significantly higher in the group with an uterine scar. The mean induction to abortion time and the complication rate were similar in both groups. No uterine rupture was observed. CONCLUSION: Extraamniotic PGE2 for midtrimester termination of pregnancy is a safe procedure with a low complication rate, even in patients with an uterine scar.

Abortifacient Agents↗

Vacuum application through a nonfully dilated cervix: a viable option.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the feasibility of vacuum delivery through a nonfully dilated cervix. The study group consisted of 39 women with vacuum deliveries through a nonfully dilated cervix larger than 9 cm and station of the head at S or more +2 cm. These were compared to a control group of 215 vacuum deliveries at a fully dilated cervix and 46 women who underwent cesarean section at a nonfully dilated cervix larger than 9 cm. The main indication for vacuum extraction in the study group was fetal distress and in the control groups prolonged 2nd stage, dysfunctional labor and fetal distress. Maternal and neonatal morbidity was low and not different between the groups. Neonatal well being, evaluated by cord pH and 5-min Apgar score, was not different. Based on predefined criteria, vacuum extraction through a nonfully dilated cervix is a viable alternative to emergency cesarean section and is apparently not associated with higher maternal or infant morbidity.

Apgar Score↗

Clinical significance of the floating fetal head in nulliparous women in labor.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the course of labor in nulliparous women in active labor with a floating fetal head. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, cohort study of nulliparous women presenting in active labor at term with a floating fetal head (station > or = -3, n = 108) or engaged fetal head (n = 241). All patients were examined by a senior physician. Assignment to the study or control group was noted in the investigator's records. However, management of labor was at the discretion of the labor ward team on duty. RESULTS: Cesarean section rates for failure to progress were significantly higher in the study group (17.1% versus 4.2%, P < .0001), and the second stage of labor was prolonged (65.3 +/- 27.1 versus 54.9 +/- 30.2 minutes, P < .03). None of the women who had a persistently floating fetal head at 7 cm of cervical dilation delivered vaginally. Birth weights were larger (P < .03) and Apgar scores lower (P < .0001) in the study group. The lengths of the active phase and instrumental delivery rates were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Nulliparous women presenting in active labor at term with a floating head are at substantially increased risk of cesarean section for abnormal progress of labor. However, the majority of patients will still deliver vaginally. A persistently floating head with advanced cervical dilation (7 cm) should prompt consideration of cesarean section since little is to be gained by waiting.

Adult↗

Role of steroid receptors in the pathogenesis of tubal pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the role of steroid receptors in the pathogenesis of tubal pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-two women in the reproductive-age group who had undergone salpingectomy because of ectopic pregnancy or sterilization were enrolled. The study group consisted of 12 women who underwent salpingectomy for ectopic pregnancy. The control group included 10 patients in whom the tubes had been removed for elective sterilization. RESULTS: Estrogen receptors were detected in 1 (8.3%) tube with ectopic pregnancy and in 10 (100%) normal tubes (P = .0001). Progesterone receptors were present in 4 (33.3%) tubes in the study group and in all the tubes in the control group (P = .002). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that a basic cellular component, the steroid receptor, is damaged in tubes harboring pregnancy.

Adult↗