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Biomedical subjects

C Wilhelm

Publications and source records attributed to C Wilhelm.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

[Doppler ultrasound in high grade multiple pregnancies].

From 1987 until 1992, 16 triplets and 2 quadruplets were studied by pulsed Doppler ultrasound between 17 and 36 weeks of gestation. A resistance index (RI) of the foetal aorta and umbilical artery above the 95th percentile was considered pathological. Elevated RI-values of the umbilical artery as compared to the A. cerebri media were indicative of circulatory centralisation. Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) was found in 9 (16%) foetuses, discordant growth occurred in 7 (39%) pregnancies. 41 (73%) of 56 foetuses survived in good health. Four of 7 foetuses with pathological Doppler findings died. The three survivors were markedly retarded. Four of 6 cases of intrauterine endangered foetuses were detected by Doppler sonography. The diagnosis of IUGR or discordant growth was based more frequently on pathological Doppler findings than on biometry and improved upon by combinations of both methods. Doppler sonography proved to be an important complementary method in the monitoring of high-grade multiple pregnancies.

Adolescent↗

[Comparison between argon and excimer laser angioplasty in patients with lesions of the femoral and popliteal arteries: clinical and angiography results after 1 year].

The aim of this study was to compare acute and long term results of thermic argon laser versus athermic XeCl-excimer laser for recanalization of femoropopliteal lesions in 43 patients with peripheral vascular disease stage IIb to IV according to Fontaine. The argon laser system was applied in 29 lesions (9 stenoses, 20 occlusions up to 31 cm length) and an excimer laser was used in 28 lesions (10 stenoses, 18 occlusions up to 30 cm length). In all cases balloon dilatation followed laser recanalization to achieve a sufficient primary result (< 25% stenosis rate). Primary success was obtained in 86% with both laser systems. After 1 year 62.5 of the recanalized vessels with excimer laser and 56% with argon laser were still patent. Neither acute nor long term results showed significant differences between both laser systems. Compared to the argon laser, the procedure with the excimer laser was of shorter duration which may be advantageous under routine conditions. After one year, combining the results of both systems, the reocclusion rates of stenoses amounted to 22%, the reocclusion rates of short distance occlusions to 35% and that of long occlusions more than 10 cm length to 71%. With regard to the high reocclusion rate after reopening of long occlusions the laser systems seem to be of advantage, compared to balloon angioplasty mainly in critical stenosis and short occlusions which cannot be passed with the guide-wire.

Angiography↗

Pathophysiology of polyhydramnios in twin transfusion syndrome.

In 3 cases of severe twin transfusion syndrome we demonstrate that the concentration of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) in the cord blood of recipient twins is significantly elevated compared to that of donor twins. The discrepancy between recipient and donor concentration correlates with the volume of transfusion. The following pathophysiological mechanism for explaining polyhydramnios in recipient twins is proposed: chronic overload in recipient twins causes enhanced release of ANF from the fetal heart. Consequently, increased fetal urine production leads to polyhydramnios, which is additionally enhanced by inhibition of ADH release.

Adult↗

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD).

The new method of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) permits an exact documentation of the pathomorphology of diseased arteries in a two-dimensional cross section image. Exact quantification of the vessel transverse diameters is achiveable. The different ultrasonic properties of fat, connective tissue and calcified tissue allow evaluation of intimal plaque composition. Thrombotic arterial occlusions can be detected. First experiences with IVUS prove, that this method is clearly superior to contrast arteriography and transcutaneous ultrasound, in terms of characterization and quantification of the extent of vessel wall disorders. Distinct structures, such as dissecting membranes or intimal flaps, which may escape arteriographic detection, are clearly visualized by IVUS. False adjustment of the physical parameters of the ultrasonic beam and non coaxial orientation of the ultrasound catheter within the vessel lead to false quantification of the transverse vessel diameters and to over- or underestimation of the echodensity and as a consequence of the intimal plaque composition. Simultaneous imaging of neighbouring arteries, veins or arterial branches allow longitudinal orientation within the vessel. Exact orientation however is only provided by simultaneous fluoroscopy. The present study demonstrates the value of IVUS as a guiding method of transcutaneous interventional procedures. The advantage could be an optimal selection of the recanalizing technique, appropriate to the arterial lesion. The result of interventional therapy can be documented immediately. Furthermore specific injuries of the vessel wall, leading to additional interventions and influencing short and long-term prognosis, can be imaged with high accuracy.

Angioplasty, Balloon↗

[Ultrasound biometry of the fetal heart].

We report on biometric measurements of the fetal heart with the TM-technique; these measurements were carried out between the 20th and 40th gestational week. The right and left endsystolic atrial and ventricular diameters were, measured, as well as the diameters of the large vessels, i.e. aorta and pulmonary artery; finally, the septal thickness was determined. Our measurements show a linear progression of the diameters in question, the right-left ratio of the atria and ventricles was close to one, so was the ratio between aorta and pulmonary artery. Our results are compared, as far as possible, to the literature.

Anthropometry↗

[Semiquantitative determination of the amniotic fluid volume in normal pregnancies].

The amount of amniotic fluid was determined semiquantitatively in 600 pregnancies between the 12th and 41st week of gestation. Pregnancies at risk were excluded. The largest amniotic fluid area was measured sonographically in two dimensions. The mean plus/minus standard deviations are correlated with gestational age. A diagram has been prepared. Our results show good correlation with values from invasive quantitative examinations of amniotic fluid amount. However, our procedure is easy to perform and without hazard for the pregnancy, since it is non-invasive.

Amniotic Fluid↗

Fetal urinary tract obstructions: prenatal diagnosis--prenatal and postnatal therapy.

A retrospective study was conducted comprising 78 cases of fetal urinary tract obstructions diagnosed by ultrasound. Thirteen of the obstructions were subvesical and 65 supravesical. In only one fetus with a subvesical obstruction leading to megacystis was a puncture of the fetal bladder performed--in the 17th week of gestation--resulting in restitution of the bladder to its normal size. In all of the remaining fetuses the kidneys, lungs, and bladder changes had already reached an advanced stage by the time the ultrasound diagnosis was made. In the 65 fetuses with supravesical urinary tract obstructions in utero puncture to relieve a rapidly developing hydronephrosis only seemed advisable in two cases. All of the prenatal diagnoses were confirmed postpartum with the exception of two Potter IIa kidneys, which had been interpreted as being hydronephrosis. The time and method of postnatal management are described. The results of the study indicate that in utero intervention is only indicated in the very rare case. Nearly all of the supravesical obstructions remained unchanged, some even for months. In these cases there was no evidence of cystic-dysplastic renal changes after delivery.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

[Fetal complete heart block with myocarditis and maternal SS-A-/AA-B/antibodies].

We report on a newborn with fetal acquired heart block (CHB). CHB is a rare, irreversible defect, commonly occurring in conjunction with myocarditis in the neonatal lupus syndrome. Development of CHB is strongly associated with maternal anti-SS-A(Ro)/SS-B(La) antibodies. Intrauterine therapy of CHB is not possible. Concomitant myocarditis, however, can be treated effectively with dexamethasone. Mothers with an elevated risk of fetal CHB can be identified by their history (underlying systemic connective tissue disease, previous pregnancies with CHB), an immunogenetic predisposition (HLA-DR3) and analysis of the SS-A/SS-B antibody pattern. In these pregnancies prevention of CHB with plasmapheresis plus dexamethasone during pregnancy may be possible.

Adult↗

[Prenatal diagnosis of Pena-Shokeir syndrome in the 27th week of pregnancy].

We report on the prenatal diagnosis of a Pena-Shokeir syndrome sporadic case of the 27th week of pregnancy. Typical sonographical features are polyhydramnios, hypoplasia of lungs, foetal akinesia, reduced length of proximal and distal extremities and a striking discrepancy between biparietal and abdominal diameter. Differential diagnosis of polyhydramnios caused by foetal neuromuscular disorders is discussed.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

[Prognosis of triplet pregnancies].

31 triplet pregnancies (DG), treated during 1975-1989, were analysed retrospectively. 13 DG (D10) were registered up to the end of the 10th week of pregnancy, 16 (DG) (D16) were intact between the 11th and the 16th gestational week. 3 DG resulted from the reduction of high grade multiple pregnancies. 18 DG (62%) of the initial 29 DG had previously been treated for sterility. The spontaneous foetal loss (DF) in group D10, including the perinatal mortality, amounted to 26% (10 of 39 DF). In one case of this group, a previously vital DF died. In another case, a partial bi-phasic abortion occurred followed by a premature birth of the surviving 3rd DF. The mortality rate in group D16, including the perinatal mortality (4 DF), was 25% (12 of 48 DF). 30 DG were still intact after the 16th week of pregnancy. 2 DG (7%) suffered from EPH-gestosis. In 4 DG (13%) a foeto-foetal transfusion syndrome occurred. 5 DF (6%) had some of the serious malformations. 27 DG were completed. 7 DG (26%) ended before the 32nd gestational week. In 13 DG (48%), a Caesarean section was performed. The perinatal mortality amounted to 11% (9 of the 81 DF) including all the births from the 25th gestational week upwards. On comparing these results with the data in the literature, a significant improvement in the prognosis of DG in recent years can be observed. This is due to the progress in antenatal and neonatal care.

Cesarean Section↗

[Oral contraceptive-induced liver tumors and pregnancy].

This paper reports on four pregnancies with maternal liver tumors induced by oral contraceptives. No increase in size and no rupture of these liver lesions were observed during the gestational and postpartum period. The toxic potentials of orally active sex steroids and the role of natural sex steroids are discussed. Criteria for differential diagnosis and practical suggestions are presented.

Adenoma↗

[Refractory vomiting with cisplatin therapy. Prospective study with the serotonin receptor antagonist GR 38032F].

Emesis in chemotherapy containing Cisplatinum (DDP) is still a therapeutical dilemma. Emesis and nausea cause the cessation of a potential curative therapy in up to 10% of patients treated with DDP. We studied the antiemetic effectiveness of the selective Serotonin (5HT3)-receptor-antagonist Ondansetron (GR 38032F, Glaxo) in patients receiving high dose platinum chemotherapy. All patients suffered from severe emesis and were refractory to any standard antiemetic regimen (Metoclopramid). We studied the efficacy of the new drug against acute and delayed emesis following platinum chemotherapy. All adverse events are listed. Thirty four courses (n = 17 patients) of a platinum-containing regimen were analyzed so far. A sufficient antiemetic efficacy was observed in 56% of the courses. In 32 of 34 course (94%) the patients preferred the new drug compared with the standard antiemetic regime (Metoclopramid). In most cases only minor adverse events--which do not require any medical therapy--occurred. The most common adverse events were headache, constipation, dry mouth, abdominal discomfort and elevation of liver enzyme level without any clinical symptoms. One patient needed bowel surgery for severe constipation based on widespread intra-abdominal carcinosis.

Adult↗