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Biomedical subjects

D Cabrol

Publications and source records attributed to D Cabrol.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Autopsy findings related to Down's syndrome: 101 cases].

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the spectrum of congenital malformations among fetuses with Down's syndrome sent for necropsy. Materials and methods. Necropsies following medical termination of pregnancy during the second and third trimester were performed during a 4 year period. RESULTS: The incidence of each malformation was determined. Talipes equinovarus and aberrant lobation of the lung were present in 6% of cases. We are able to state precisely the incidence of 11 pairs of ribs: 11%. CONCLUSION: A precise knowledge about Down's syndrome associated malformations is essential for genetic counselling. The exact incidence of each sign is important to lead ultrasound examination when this syndrome is revealed.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

[First breech twin pregnancy: Can we still accept a vaginal delivery? Comparative study of perinatal outcome with attempt of vaginal delivery versus planned cesarean: 166 cases].

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate practices and perinatal outcome in planned routes of delivery for first breech twins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study in first breech twin pregnancies with a gestational age of at least 35 weeks at onset of labor. Maternofetal pathologies known to be associated with a poor neonatal outcome were excluded. A low neonatal outcome was defined by at least one of the following criteria: neonatal death, 5-minute Agar Score < 7, cord blood pH < 7.10, traumatic neurological injuries, admission in neonatal intensive unit care. Neonatal and maternal outcomes were compared between attempt of vaginal delivery (AVD) and planned cesarean section (PCS). RESULTS: Among 166 included patients, an AVD has been performed in 105 cases (63.3%) and a PCS in 61 (36.8%). In AVD group, 46 women (43.8%) delivered vaginally. Low neonatal outcome was not significantly different in AVD group compared with PCS group (9 (8.6%) versus 6 (9.8%); p = 0.78 for the first twin and 7 (6.7%) versus 2 (3.3%); p = 0.49 for the second twin). There was no significant difference in maternal morbidity between the two groups. As a general rule, established practices for deciding route of delivery and labor have been applied in our department. CONCLUSION: No excess of neonatal risk in AVD group compared with PCS was observed. These results could be extrapolated to centers applying a careful protocol to decide the route of delivery and labor practices.

Adult↗

[Quality of anonymous delivery procedures: analysis of practices and ethical issues].

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess implementation of procedures for anonymous delivery and also to determine the awareness of the medical team. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We reviewed retrospectively all deliveries performed in a Paris maternity ward during the years 2000-2003 where the mother requested application of the anonymous procedure. A questionnaire was also addressed to all physicians and midwives in the same institution in order to evaluate their knowledge of the procedures available and their point of view. RESULTS: Among the seventeen deliveries examined, the anonymous procedure was not completely fulfilled for 11 since the name of the mother could be identified. The quality of the files depended on the date at which the decision to use the anonymous procedure was made: delivery was more anonymous when the decision was made at the first consultation, less so when made later. The questionnaires revealed that professionals lacked information and were insufficiently aware of the procedures available. CONCLUSION: It appears useful to establish a standard procedure in order to better protect the parturient's wishes and comply with French law (4 March 2002). This point is particularly important since at the infant's majority, he/she may request access to personal information contained in the medical file.

Adult↗

Stimulation of the ADRB3 adrenergic receptor induces relaxation of human placental arteries: influence of preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia, which complicates 3-8% of pregnancies, is one of the leading causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Its pathophysiology remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence and the role of beta2- and beta2-adrenergic receptors (ADRB2 and ADRB3, respectively) in human placental arteries and to assess the influence of preeclampsia on ADRB responsiveness. SR 59119A, salbutamol, and isoproterenol (ADRB3, ADRB2, and nonselective ADRB agonists, respectively) induced a concentration-dependent relaxation of placental artery rings obtained from women with uncomplicated or preeclamptic pregnancies. SR 59119A-induced relaxation was unaffected by the blockade of ADRB1 and ADRB2 by 0.1 microM propranolol but was significantly decreased by the blockade of ADRB1, ADRB2, and ADRB3 by 10 microM propranolol. Both SR 59119A and salbutamol were associated with a significant increase in cAMP production that was significantly inhibited by pretreatment with 0.1 microM propranolol only for salbutamol. SR 59119A-induced relaxation (E(max) = 28% +/- 5% vs. 45% +/- 4%, respectively) and cAMP production (2.7 +/- 0.5 vs. 4.9 +/- 0.4 pmol/mg of protein, respectively; P < 0.01) were decreased in arteries obtained from preeclamptic compared to normotensive women. Both ADRB2 and ADRB3 transcripts were expressed at the same level between arteries from normotensive and preeclamptic women. Western blot analysis, however, revealed a decreased expression of the ADRB3 immunoreactive protein in arteries from preeclamptic compared to normotensive women. We suggest the presence of functional ADRB2 and ADRB3 in human placental arteries. Even if preeclampsia is associated with an impairment of the ADRB3 responsiveness, ADRB3 agonists may have future pharmaceutical implications in the management of pregnancy-related disorders.

Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists↗

Beta3-adrenoceptor is the predominant beta-adrenoceptor subtype in human myometrium and its expression is up-regulated in pregnancy.

To assess whether pregnancy might influence the functionality and expression of human myometrial beta(2)- and beta(3)-adrenoceptors (beta(2)- and beta(3)-AR), we performed functional, binding, Western blot, and molecular biology experiments in human nonpregnant and near-term pregnant myometrium. Inhibition of spontaneous contractions induced by a beta(3)-AR agonist, SR 59119A, was significantly greater in pregnant, compared with nonpregnant, myometrial strips (E'(max) = 61 +/- 5% vs. 44 +/- 5% for pregnant and nonpregnant myometrium, respectively), whereas salbutamol, a beta(2)-AR agonist, was significantly less efficient in pregnant, compared with nonpregnant, myometrium (E(max) = 29 +/- 4 vs. 54 +/- 8%). Although two populations of binding sites corresponding to beta(2)- and beta(3)-AR were identified in both nonpregnant and pregnant myometrium, we found a clear predominance of the beta(3)-AR subtype. Moreover, beta(3)-AR binding sites were up-regulated 2-fold in myometrium at the end of pregnancy. Both beta(2)- and beta(3)-AR mRNA were expressed in human nonpregnant and pregnant myometrium. Contrary to beta(2)-AR, the expression of the beta(3)-AR transcripts and immunoreactive proteins was increased in pregnant, compared with nonpregnant, myometrium. Such compelling data suggest a predominant role for beta(3)-AR in the regulation of human myometrium contractility, especially at the end of pregnancy, which might have important consequences for the clinical management of preterm labor.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

Are volunteers delivering semen samples in fertility studies a biased population?

BACKGROUND: It is not known to what extent the results of epidemiological studies on male fertility and semen quality based on voluntary participation in the general population are relevant. METHODS: In a study on the reproductive health of male partners of pregnant women, information was obtained from a group of men agreeing to collect a semen sample and to complete a questionnaire (group A), a group only completing the questionnaire (group B) and from men refusing to participate altogether (group C). RESULTS: The participation rate (group A) was 15.8% for 1409 men approached. Ages and socio-professional status were similar in the three groups. Time to pregnancy (TTP) was not significantly different in groups A and B, although there appeared to be an insignificantly higher proportion of couples taking longer than 12 months to conceive in group A than in group B. A history of urogenital disease appeared to be more frequent in groups A and B than in the general population. However, comparable semen characteristics were found for men with or without a history of urogenital disease. Pregnancy outcomes were similar in the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: The present study does not suggest major selection bias, although the social and reproductive histories of these men may prompt them to participate. Such factors need to be accounted for in similar studies.

Adult↗

Interleukin-8 mRNA in vaginal secretions: a prenatal marker of congenital infection in case of preterm labor with intact membranes.

OBJECTIVE: To study whether interleukin-8 (IL-8) mRNA in vaginal secretions is associated with congenital infection and preterm delivery in the case of preterm labor with intact membranes. METHODS: This prospective clinical study in a tertiary referral center included 280 patients who gave birth to 360 infants from 1997 through 1999. IL-8 mRNA in vaginal secretions was determined with reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between vaginal IL-8 mRNA and congenital infection independently of the time of birth. Main outcome measures were congenital infection and delivery before 37 and 33 weeks' gestation. RESULTS: A total of 100 women (100/280 (35.7%)) gave birth before 37 weeks. A total of 54 children (54/360 (15%)) had congenital infection. IL-8 mRNA in vaginal secretions was associated with delivery within 14 days of the sampling (24 (15.6%) vs. 7 (5.6%) p < 0.01), but not with delivery within 48 h, 7 days (p = 0.07) or before 37 or 33 weeks. There were more congenital infections in the group with detectable IL-8 mRNA (37 (19.3%) than in the negative group (17 (10.1%); p < 0.05). IL-8 mRNA was associated with congenital infection independently of the time of birth (OR: 2.6 (1.3-5.1)). This test had a sensitivity for predicting neonatal infection of 69%. Its specificity was 49%, its positive predictive value 19%, and its negative predictive value 90%. CONCLUSION: IL-8 mRNA could be a prenatal noninvasive vaginal marker of congenital infection.

Adult↗

[Management of labor and delivery in low risk nulliparous women: comparison between level 1 and level 3 maternities].

OBJECTIVES: To compare obstetrical practices between level 1 ( community hospital) and level 3 (university hospital) maternities in a low risk nulliparous population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 1532 low risk nulliparas were included in a retrospective study conducted in the setting of two maternities in the Ile-de-France area. Cesarean delivery and forceps rates, management of labor, analgesia, maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Cesarean delivery rates were not significantly different (11.5% in level 3 vs 10.2% in level 1). Level 1 maternity performed induction of labor more often (14.7% vs 8.7%, p<0.01). Peridural analgesia rates were higher in the level 3 maternity (95.1% vs 75.5%. p<0.01) but general anesthesia was two-fold more frequent in level 1 maternity. Level 3 maternity performed more instrumental deliveries (27.5% vs 17.4%, p<0.01) and more episiotomies (72.7% vs 39.3%). But we noted more first and second degree perineal tears in the level 1 maternity (29.9% vs 17.4%, p<0.01). Neonatal hospitalizations were more frequently in level 3 maternity. CONCLUSION: Some "interventionist" practices, but not all, were less frequent amongst physicians managing mainly low-risk women than amongst physicians managing mainly high-risk women but without difference for the cesarean delivery rates. The main differences were observed for epidural, instrumental delivery, and episiotomy rates but perineal tears and induction of labor were more frequent in the level I maternity. These differences could be explained by obstetrical politics in the two maternities rather than the type of level.

Adult↗

[External cephalic version: experience about 237 versions at Port-Royal maternity].

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of external cephalic version for reducing the rate of cesarean section by preserving fetal safety. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 237 external cephalic versions between January 1, 1998 and December 31, 2000 was conducted at Port Royal maternity. RESULTS: The success rate of external cephalic version was 50.6%. When version failed vaginal birth could be allowed after strict evaluation. The rate of cesarean section was 12.5% in the success group and 53% in the unsuccessful group, two thirds were planned. The overall rate of vaginal birth among breech presentations was 67%. After version there were 3.4% abnormal fetal heart rate tracings and 2.9% positive Kleihauer tests. No major complications occurred. Successful external cephalic version was associated with statistically significant higher multiparity, complete breech out of the pelvis and normal amniotic fluid Volume. CONCLUSION: External cephalic version reduces the cesarean section rate by about 20.5% among breech presentations and so, lowers maternal morbidity. External cephalic version could be proposed to the patients when safety criteria are respected and close fetal monitoring is maintained.

Breech Presentation↗

[Magnesium sulfate in obstetrics: current data].

OBJECTIVE: To review the available evidence regarding history, pharmacology, physiology, maternal/fetal side effects, and efficacy of magnesium sulfate in pregnant women. DATA SOURCES: The literature in Medline was searched from 1966 through April 2003 using the terms "magnesium sulfate," "tocolytic," "preeclampsia," "eclampsia," and "pregnancy." Reviews of bibliographies of retrieved articles provided additional references. RESULTS: Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) has long been used for prophylaxis of preterm delivery (tocolytic affect) and eclampsia prophylaxis (neuroprotective effect). Randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews have demonstrated the efficacy of magnesium sulfate in preventing eclampsia in patients with preeclampsia or in patients with eclampsia. Whether magnesium sulfate should be administered to patients with severe preeclampsia or to mild preeclampsia is discussed in the manuscript. Inversely, it appears that magnesium sulfate is ineffective in delaying birth or preventing preterm birth when it is used as a tocolytic. Furthermore, there is evidence that high cumulative doses of magnesium sulfate may be associated with increased infant mortality. CONCLUSION: The evidence to date confirms the efficacy of magnesium sulfate therapy for women with eclampsia and preeclampsia. However, magnesium sulfate should not be used in order to treat preterm labor.

Adult↗

[Prenatal risk evaluation, parent information and mode of delivery].

Perinatal networks, antenatal administration of glucosteroids, postnatal administration of surfactant, and new techniques for mechanical ventilation, have considerably improved the prognosis of extremely preterm infants. Such recent progress in perinatology had enabled neonatologists to provide intensive care for infants born after 24 and 28 weeks of gestation. This practice raises serious medical and ethical issues. The optimal mode of delivery of such newborns is not well established mainly because available studies are retrospective and subjected to biases. Moreover, perinatologists are implicated in the continuing discussion on ethical issues that modify clinical practices.

Birth Weight↗

[Extremely preterm infants: resuscitation criteria in the delivery room and dialogue with parents before birth].

The resuscitation of extremely preterm infants presents complex medical, social and ethical issues for the families and the health professionals. The principle of a systematic resuscitation "temporary intensive care" does not prohibit the question of a limit in terms of gestational age and birth weight. In France, a do not resuscitate order (comfort care alone) is appropriate for newborns weighing less than 500g and/or with a gestational age of less than 24 weeks' since the mortality is nearly 100%. The survival of infants born at 24 weeks' gestational age remains low with significant risks of chronic medical problems and neurodevelopmental disabilities. The decisions regarding the extent of resuscitative efforts depend on antenatal factors, condition of the neonate at birth and the parental opinion. Before the delivery, parents should receive appropriate information about survival and risks of adverse long-term outcome. The physician should follow the parents' desires whenever the parents' decision would not obviously violate the infants' best interests. However, they must be informed that decisions about neonatal management made before the delivery can have to be changed in the delivery room, depending on the condition of the neonate at birth. At 25 weeks of gestational age, the prognosis is better and the resuscitation should be more intensive.

Gestational Age↗

Bacterial vaginosis: prevalence and predictive value for premature delivery and neonatal infection in women with preterm labour and intact membranes.

OBJECTIVES: Assess the predictive values of bacterial vaginosis (BV) for preterm delivery (PD) and neonatal infection and compare them with standard markers of infection among women with preterm labour (PL). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective blinded study in a tertiary referral centre in Paris. Women hospitalised for PL with intact membranes at a term between 24 and 34 weeks were included. Vaginal fluid, collected at inclusion was Gram-stained, scored, and interpreted according to Nugent's criteria. RESULTS: Out of 354 women tested, 254 had normal flora (72.3%), 76 intermediate (21.7%) and 24 BV (6.8%). A history of spontaneous miscarriage after 14 weeks was the only risk factor significantly associated with BV. BV was not significantly associated with PD<35 weeks or neonatal infection. Very preterm delivery (before 33 weeks) was significantly associated with the flora grade (P=0.02): women with normal, intermediate and abnormal flora, respectively had 27 (10.6%), 14 (18.4%) and 6 (25.0%) births before 33 weeks. Of the markers tested, the highest risk of very preterm delivery was associated with BV (odds ratio 2.95, 95% CI (1.1-0.8.1)) and CRP>20mg/dl (4.23 95% CI (1.8-9.7)). Predictive value of BV for preterm birth before 33 weeks were: sensitivity 12.8%, specificity 95.0%, positive predictive value 35.3%, and negative predictive value 84.3%. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of BV and its association with PD are probably very variable and must be interpreted differently from one population to another. While we found an association between BV results and delivery before 33 weeks, the predictive value of BV was disappointing. Although these findings reinforce the importance of a useful marker of subclinical infection, the usefulness of testing for BV in women with PL has not been demonstrated.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗

A critical role for PKC zeta in endothelin-1-induced uterine contractions at the end of pregnancy.

We have previously shown that protein kinase C (PKC) zeta and/or PKC delta are necessary for endothelin-1 (ET-1)-induced human myometrial contraction at the end of pregnancy (Eude I, Paris P, Cabrol D, Ferré F, and Breuiller-Fouché M. Biol Reprod 63: 1567-1573, 2000). Here, we report that the selective inhibitor of PKC delta isoform, Rottlerin, does not prevent ET-1-induced contractions, whereas LY-294002, a phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase inhibitor, affects the contractile response. This study characterized the in vitro contractile response of cultured human pregnant myometrial cells to ET-1 known to induce in vitro contractions of intact uterine smooth muscle strips. Cultured myometrial cells incorporated into collagen lattices have the capacity to reduce the size of these lattices, referred to as lattice contraction. Neither the selective conventional PKC isoform inhibitor, Gö-6976, or rottlerin affected myometrial cell-mediated gel contraction by ET-1, whereas this effect was blocked by LY-294002. We found that treatment of myometrial cell lattices with an inhibitory peptide specific for PKC zeta or with an antisense against PKC zeta resulted in a significant loss of ET-1-induced contraction. Evidence is also presented by using confocal microscopy that ET-1 induced translocation of PKC zeta to a structure coincident with the actin-rich microfilaments of the cytoskeleton. We have shown that PKC zeta has a role in the actin organization in ET-1-stimulated cells. Accordingly, our results suggest that PKC zeta plays a role in myometrial contraction in pregnant women.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗

A functional genomic study to identify differential gene expression in the preterm and term human myometrium.

The mechanisms that lead to the onset of human parturition are still unknown, although selected critical factors have been identified. To investigate the changes in myometrial gene expression associated with parturition, we used two macroarrays each containing 1176 different complementary human cDNA clones. Methods involving hierarchical clustering and conventional statistical analysis allowed us to generate a profile of genes expression at three stages of late pregnancy: preterm (29 wk amenorrhea); full term, not in labor (38 wk amenorrhea); and full term in labor (39 wk amenorrhea). Only 4% of the genes investigated were differentially expressed between the preterm and term groups (P < 0.05). These genes could be clustered as groups of either down-regulated or up-regulated transcripts. The changes in transcript abundance were particularly marked between the preterm and term stages of gestation, whereas the differences between term not in labor and term in labor were less pronounced. The parturition was characterized by a massive down-regulation of a large panel of developmental, cell adhesion molecule and proliferation-related genes, along with the up-regulation of inflammatory, contraction and apoptosis associated genes. We propose that the mechanisms of parturition consist primarily in the arrest of the processes of myometrial development, a step that might be essential to allow the uterus to recover appropriate contractile function before delivery.

Adult↗

Congenital erythropoietic porphyria (Günther's disease): two cases with very early prenatal manifestation and cystic hygroma.

Congenital erythropoietic porphyria (CEP) or Günther's disease is the rarest form of the porphyrias. The disease is usually diagnosed at birth or during early infancy, but rarely in utero. We describe here the first two cases of very early prenatal expression of CEP with cystic hygroma diagnosed at 14 weeks in the first fetus and at 19 weeks in the second. Both fetuses presented with severe nonimmune hydrops fetalis as early as 19 and 22 weeks, associated with intrauterine growth retardation, hyperechogenic kidneys and bones. Amniotic fluid was dark brown and uro- and coproporphyrin I was dramatically increased. Molecular screening of the CEP gene detected heterozygous C73R mutation in both fetuses, the other parental mutation being as yet unknown.

Abortion, Eugenic↗