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Biomedical subjects

Daniel W Skupski

Publications and source records attributed to Daniel W Skupski.

13 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Intrapartum maternal glycemic control in women with insulin requiring diabetes: a randomized clinical trial of rotating fluids versus insulin drip.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether continuous insulin infusion provides a greater degree of intrapartum maternal glycemic control than rotating between glucose and non-glucose containing intravenous fluids. STUDY DESIGN: Laboring patients with pregestational or gestational diabetes were recruited and randomized to an "insulin drip" or "rotating fluids" protocol. The primary outcome measure was mean maternal capillary blood glucose (CBG) levels (mg/dL). Power analysis indicated that 16 patients were needed in each arm to find a difference of 10 mg/dL. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were randomized to the rotating fluids protocol and 21 patients to an insulin drip. There was no difference in mean intrapartum maternal CBG levels (103.9 +/- 8.7 mg/dL and 103.2 +/- 17.9 mg/dL in the rotating fluids and insulin drip group, respectively, P = .89). Neonatal outcomes were also similar between the 2 treatment groups. CONCLUSION: In patients with insulin requiring gestational diabetes, intrapartum glycemic control may be comparable with a standard adjusted insulin drip or a rotation of intravenous fluids between glucose and non-glucose containing fluids.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Extracellular 70-kd heat shock protein in mid-trimester amniotic fluid and its effect on cytokine production by ex vivo-cultured amniotic fluid cells.

OBJECTIVE: The 70-kd heat shock protein is released from cells in response to stress and functions as a regulator of innate immunity. We hypothesized that 70-kd heat shock protein in mid-trimester amniotic fluid might regulate local immune system activation. STUDY DESIGN: Amniotic fluid that was obtained from 200 women who underwent amniocentesis at 15 to 19 weeks of gestation was tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for 70-kd heat shock protein, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-1beta and -6. The amniotic fluid cellular fraction also was evaluated for Mycoplasma hominis by gene amplification. Whole amniotic fluids were incubated ex vivo in medium alone or medium that contained peptidoglycan, a TLR2 ligand, or lipopolysaccharide, a TLR4 ligand. After 24 hours, the supernatants were collected and assayed for 70-kd heat shock protein. The influence of exogenous 70-kd heat shock protein on tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1beta and -6 production by whole amniotic fluid was assessed similarly. RESULTS: The 70-kd heat shock protein was detected in all amniotic fluids with a median (range) of 11.5 ng/mL (1.2-76.7). The intra-amniotic 70-kd heat shock protein concentration was correlated positively only with amniotic fluid tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels (P = .0002). Detection of M hominis was associated with an increased 70-kd heat shock protein concentration (median, 17.2 ng/mL; P = .01). The addition of peptidoglycan resulted in a stimulation of 70-kd heat shock protein production, and exogenous 70-kd heat shock protein stimulated the release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha by amniotic fluid cells. CONCLUSION: The 70-kd heat shock protein is released from cells in mid-trimester amniotic fluid as a consequence of TLR2 stimulation and potentiates tumor necrosis factor-alpha production.

Amniotic Fluid↗
PubMed2006

Improving hospital systems for the care of women with major obstetric hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: When 2 maternal deaths due to hemorrhage occurred at New York Hospital Queens in 2000-2001, a multidisciplinary team implemented systemic change. Our objective was to improve outcomes of episodes of major obstetric hemorrhage. METHODS: We report outcomes before (2000-2001) and after (2002-2005) the introduction of a patient safety program aimed at improving the care of women with major obstetric hemorrhage. Process changes were instituted in late 2001 at the direction of a multidisciplinary patient safety team. A rapid response team was formulated using the cardiac arrest team as a model. Protocols for early diagnosis, assessment, and management of patients at high risk for major obstetric hemorrhage were developed and communicated to staff. RESULTS: There were significant increases in cesarean births (P < .001), repeat cesarean births (P = .002), and cases of major obstetric hemorrhage (P = .02) between the periods of 2000-2001 and 2002-2005. There was a significant improvement in mortality due to hemorrhage (P = .036), lowest pH (P = .004), and lowest temperature (P < .001) when comparing 2000-2001 with 2002-2005. There were no differences in measures of severity of obstetric hemorrhage between the 2 periods, including Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores, occurrence of placenta accreta and estimated blood loss. CONCLUSION: Despite a significant increase in major obstetric hemorrhage cases, we found improved outcomes and fewer maternal deaths after implementing systemic approaches to improve patient safety. Attention to improving the hospital systems necessary for the care of women at risk for major obstetric hemorrhage is important in the effort to decrease maternal mortality from hemorrhage.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

West Nile virus during pregnancy: a case study of early second trimester maternal infection.

A woman who contracted West Nile virus (WNV) neuroinvasive illness during her second trimester subsequently elected to terminate her pregnancy due to concerns of possible adverse effects of WNV on her developing fetus. Consent was obtained to test maternal and post-mortem fetal tissues for WNV infection. Fetal blood, liver, kidneys, spleen, umbilicus and amniotic fluid were negative for WNV RNA by polymerase chain reaction and negative for WNV IgM antibodies by ELISA, indicating that in this case there was no evidence of WNV transmission to the fetus. Until further information regarding outcomes of WNV infection during pregnancy is available, pregnant women in areas where WNV is transmitted should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Women with WNV illness during pregnancy should undergo regular prenatal checkups including ultrasound examinations to assess fetal development, and healthcare providers should promptly report cases of WNV in pregnant women to their state or local health department or to CDC.

Abortion, Induced↗
PubMed2004

Differential vaginal expression of interleukin-1 system cytokines in the presence of Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum in pregnant women.

OBJECTIVE: The genital mycoplasmas, Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis, are commonly identified in the vagina of healthy pregnant women. However, these microorganisms are the most common isolates from the amniotic fluids of women in preterm labor. The mechanisms responsible for vaginal colonization and ascent to the uterus remain undetermined. We evaluated the association between U. urealyticum and M. hominis vaginal colonization and the presence of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory interleukin-1 system components in asymptomatic pregnant women of different ethnicities. METHODS: Vaginal specimens, obtained from 224 first trimester pregnant women, were assayed for interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) concentrations by ELISA. U. urealyticum and M. hominis vaginal colonization were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: Vaginal colonization with M. hominis was identified in 37 (16.5%) women, and was more prevalent in black (18.9%) and Hispanic (20.9%) than in white (4.2%) women (p = 0.01). U. urealyticum was present in 84 (37.5%) women and there was no ethnic disparity in its detection. M. hominis colonization was associated with elevated median vaginal IL-1beta concentrations in both black women (p = 0.02) and Hispanic women (p = 0.04), and was unrelated to vaginal IL-1ra concentrations. In marked contrast, U. urealyticum colonization was associated with elevations in vaginal IL-1ra levels, but not with IL-1beta concentrations, in black women (p = 0.02) and Hispanic women (p < 0.0001) and marginally in white women (p = 0.06). CONCLUSION: M. hominis colonization in healthy pregnant women is associated with localized pro-inflammatory immune activation, while U. urealyticum colonization is associated with immune suppression.

Black People↗
PubMed2003

Double nuchal umbilical cord and breech presentation. The value of close follow-up.

We report the management of a fetus with breech presentation and double nuchal cord in a mother desiring external cephalic version (ECV). The patient was a 26-year-old woman, gravida 1, para 0, with an unremarkable prenatal course, who was found to have a breech presentation at 34 weeks 1 day. She consented for external cephalic version (ECV) and upon evaluation at 36 weeks 2 days, the fetus was found to have double nuchal coils of the umbilical cord. ECV was not attempted. Subsequent fetal surveillance consisted of fetal movement counts, non-stress tests and Doppler ultrasound of the umbilical artery. At 38 weeks 1 day, ultrasound revealed absence of the nuchal coils. ECV was attempted and was successful. The fetus maintained the cephalic presentation and the patient delivered uneventfully. This case report illustrates the value of follow-up ultrasound in a patient who desires an ECV and for whom such a procedure was declined due to the presence of double nuchal coils. Cesarean delivery was successfully avoided.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

External cephalic version: an approach with few complications.

We performed a retrospective study of all patients referred for external cephalic version (ECV) at > or = 36 weeks gestation from 1993 to 2000. Exclusion criteria included ominous fetal heart rate changes, complete or multiple loops of nuchal umbilical cord, extension of the fetal head, oligohydramnios and poorly controlled hypertension. Three groups were compared: spontaneous cephalic version (SCV), ECV attempted (ECV) and ECV not attempted (NoECV). A total of 289 patients were referred. ECV was attempted in 191, 118 by one operator (D.W.S.). ECV was successful in 98/191 (51%) attempts. Spontaneous reversion to breech after successful ECV occurred in 6/98 (6%). There were 4 complications: 1 occult cord prolapse, 2 nonreassuring fetal heart patterns, and 1 placental abruption; all led to nonemergent cesarean delivery (CD). The CD rate (SCV 2/18, 11%; ECV 114/179, 64%; NoECV 49/51, 96%) was highest in the no-attempt group (p=0.001). The CD rate after successful ECV was 29/91 (32%). Maternal postdelivery complications (SCV 1/16, 6%; ECV 24/161, 15%; NoECV 13/48, 27%) and neonatal complications were not significantly different. With careful attention to contraindications, ECV can be performed with few complications. ECV lowers the CD rate.

Breech Presentation↗
PubMed2003

Ethical dimensions of nuchal translucency screening.

First-trimester screening for NT, when conducted according to accepted standards of quality, is a reliable diagnostic screen. There is no compelling beneficence-based argument opposed to offering it, and offering it is an important autonomy-enhancing strategy. Screening should be offered only in centers where high quality is available. In our view, the results of ongoing trials will enhance this position.

Down Syndrome↗
PubMed2003

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene polymorphism, vaginal interleukin-1 receptor antagonist concentrations, and vaginal ureaplasma urealyticum colonization in pregnant women.

Ureaplasma urealyticum is the microorganism most frequently isolated from amniotic fluids of women in preterm labor. The relationship between vaginal colonization with U. urealyticum, vaginal interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) levels, and the IL-1ra genotype in pregnant women was examined. Vaginal specimens, obtained with a cotton swab from 207 women in their first trimester of pregnancy, were tested for IL-1ra concentrations by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and for U. urealyticum and IL-1ra genotypes by PCR. U. urealyticum was detected in 85 (41.1%) women. The median IL-1ra level was 450 ng/ml in women positive for U. urealyticum, as opposed to 225 ng/ml in women negative for this microorganism (P < 0.0001). Sixty-two percent of the 16 women who were homozygous for allele 2 of the IL-1ra gene (IL-1RN*2) were colonized with U. urealyticum, as opposed to 47% of the 49 women who were IL-1RN*1/IL-1RN*2 heterozygotes and 34% of the 133 women who were IL-1RN*1 homozygotes (P < 0.05). Median IL-1ra levels were 750 ng/ml in IL-1RN*2 homozygotes, 300 ng/ml in IL-1RN*1/IL-1RN*2 heterozygotes, and 250 ng/ml in IL-1RN*1 homozygotes (P = 0.02). The vast majority of subjects had an uneventful pregnancy and delivered a healthy infant at term. The IL-1ra genotype or U. urealyticum colonization was unrelated to birth weight. Pregnant women who are colonized with U. urealyticum during the first trimester have elevated vaginal IL-1ra concentrations and a higher prevalence of the IL-1RN*2 homozygote genotype than do noncolonized women.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Intrapartum fetal stimulation tests: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the performance of stimulation tests for the prediction of intrapartum fetal acidemia. DATA SOURCES: We conducted a MEDLINE (Internet Grateful Med) literature review from 1966 to 2000 using the terms "fetal scalp pH," "fetal scalp stimulation," and "fetal acoustic stimulation." STUDY SELECTION: Articles were included if sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values for intrapartum fetal acidemia could be calculated. Reactivity was a fetal heart rate (FHR) acceleration of 15 beats per minute for 15 seconds. Likelihood ratio and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for four different fetal provocations were calculated using the Cochrane collaboration 2000 Review Manager 4.1. This permitted an estimate of the degree of confidence surrounding the point estimate of the likelihood ratio for the presence or absence of acidemia given a positive or negative test. The likelihood ratio is a stable predictive property of any test because it combines information from both sensitivity and specificity, is independent of prevalence, and avoids the limitations of traditional predictive values. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: Eleven of 512 articles met criteria for inclusion and included four stimulation tests - fetal scalp puncture, Allis clamp scalp stimulation, vibroacoustic stimulation, and digital scalp stimulation. Pooled likelihood ratio and 95% CIs were similar among the four different stimulation tests. Each test was very useful at predicting both the lack of and the presence of fetal acidemia. Likelihood ratio and 95% CIs for the prediction of fetal acidemia given a positive test were: scalp puncture 8.54 (CI 1.28, 56.96), Allis clamp 10.4 (CI 1.47, 73.61), vibroacoustic stimulation 5.06 (CI 2.69, 9.50), and digital 15.68 (CI 3.22, 76.24). For a negative test, these were: scalp puncture 0.12 (CI 0.02, 0.78), Allis clamp 0.10 (CI 0.01, 0.68), vibroacoustic stimulation 0.20 (CI 0.11, 0.37), and digital 0.06 (CI 0.01, 0.31). CONCLUSION: Intrapartum stimulation tests appear to be useful to rule out fetal acidemia in the setting of a nonreassuring FHR pattern. Our data reveal the degree of confidence around the estimate of the likelihood ratio of a stimulation test. The very low negative likelihood ratios warrant the use of these tests when a nonreassuring intrapartum FHR pattern appears. Because these tests are less than perfect, caution is advised; careful continued monitoring with repeat testing during the course of labor should be performed as long as suspicious FHR patterns persist. Fetal scalp pH should be determined whenever possible after a positive stimulation test (lack of acceleration).

Acidosis↗
PubMed2002

Outcomes of dichorionic triplet pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to describe outcomes in a series of dichorionic triplet pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN: All triplet pregnancies evaluated in our obstetric sonography unit from 1993 to 2000 were identified. Those containing a monochorionic twin pair were included. Prenatal and neonatal records were reviewed. Statistical comparison was performed by using Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-ranked sum test. RESULTS: Seventeen cases met inclusion criteria. Two pregnancies (11.8%) were delivered spontaneously before viability, at 22 and 21 weeks. Twin-twin transfusion syndrome was diagnosed in the second trimester in the monochorionic pair in 3 pregnancies (17.6%). In the remaining 12 pregnancies, mean gestational age at delivery was 33.5 +/- 2.3 weeks. The median birth weight of 23 neonates from individual monochorionic twin pairs was 1810 g (interquartile range, 1540-2180 g), which was significantly lower than the median birth weight of 12 triplets supplied by a separate placenta, 2125 g (interquartile range, 1762-2390 g) (P =.01). CONCLUSION: Twin-twin transfusion syndrome or spontaneous loss before viability complicated approximately 30% of dichorionic triplet pregnancies. Lower birth weights were noted in triplets from monochorionic twin pairs.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗
PubMed2002

The effect of treatment of twin-twin transfusion syndrome on the diagnosis-to-delivery interval.

UNLABELLED: No randomised controlled trials of treatment of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) exist. Since severely preterm neonatal survival has increased over time, survival as an outcome measure is confounded by improvements in neonatal care. The diagnosis-to-delivery interval is a measure of success of treatment independent of improvements in neonatal care. We wished to evaluate whether treatment of TTTS is associated with a lengthening of the diagnosis-to-delivery interval. MEDLINE search was performed supplemented by careful reference review. All TTTS series were included where the following information on each patient was available: survival, fetal demise, gestational age at diagnosis and diagnosis-to-delivery interval in days. INCLUSION CRITERIA: gestational age at diagnosis < 29 weeks and diagnosis by ultrasound in the absence of maternal symptoms. Cases undergoing multiple types of treatment were excluded. Eight publications met inclusion criteria and included the following cases: controls (n = 16), amnioreduction (n = 61), septostomy (n = 12), and fetoscopic laser occlusion of chorioangiopagus vessels (n = 51). There was no difference in the diagnosis-to-delivery interval, overall survival, at least one survivor, or number of fetal deaths between the four groups. Logistic regression using at least one survivor as the dependent variable revealed a positive association with gestational age at diagnosis and with diagnosis-to-delivery interval, a negative correlation with fetal death, and no correlation with treatment group. We conclude that there is no difference in diagnosis-to-delivery interval or survival for any treatment for TTTS compared to expectant management. The lack of significance appears to be due to small sample sizes.

Data Interpretation, Statistical↗