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Eftichia V Kontopoulos

Publications and source records attributed to Eftichia V Kontopoulos.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Terbutaline inhibits corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) expression in human trophoblast cells.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of beta-adrenergic agonists on the regulation of the expression of the placental corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) gene. STUDY DESIGN: Term placentae were collected at the time of elective cesarean section, and trophoblast cells were harvested, isolated, and cultured. The isolated trophoblasts were plated, cultured and subsequently treated with cortisol, terbutaline, RU486, or vehicle control. CRH expression, mRNA abundance of CRH, and the housekeeping gene beta-actin were evaluated by Northern blot analysis. RESULTS: Exposure of the trophoblasts to terbutaline (10(-8) M) inhibited the expression of the CRH gene as depicted by Northern blot analysis. Co-addition of terbutaline (10(-8) M) and RU486 (10(-6) M) did not block the stimulatory effects of RU486 on placental trophoblast cells. CONCLUSION: The beta-adrenergic agonist terbutaline inhibits the expression of CRH in human trophoblasts. This finding may provide insight into the mechanism of action of terbutaline as a tocolytic agent.

Cells, Cultured↗
PubMed2005

The influence of mode of delivery on twin neonatal mortality in the US: variance by birth weight discordance.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine if neonatal mortality rates (NMR) based on birth weight discordance (BWD) differ based on mode of delivery. STUDY DESIGN: The population-based US "matched multiple birth" database (1995 to 1998) was used to examine the effect of vaginal/vaginal (VV) and cesarean/cesarean (CC) modes of delivery (MOD) on neonatal mortality (<28 days after birth). Births at <32 weeks, congenital malformations, chromosomal anomalies, and discordant MOD (vaginal/cesarean) were excluded. The association between MOD (with CC as the reference) and neonatal mortality was expressed as relative risks (RR) with 95% CI, derived from logistic regression models. RESULTS: The NMR increased with increasing degrees of BWD regardless of mode of delivery. CC was associated with decreased NMR when BWD was between 20% and 40%, but this reached significance at BWD > or =40%; VV pairs had a 1.6-fold (95% CI 1.1-2.2) increased NMR compared with CC. CONCLUSION: In twins with BWD <40%, MOD has no effect on NMR. Beyond or equal to 40% discordance, there was lower NMR with cesarean-cesarean delivery.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Maternal anterior sacral meningocele in pregnancy.

Anterior sacral meningocele is a rare condition resulting from herniation of the meninges through a sacral defect. Women with this condition may undergo inappropriate surgery because the correct diagnosis is missed, resulting in serious complications. In labor, the cyst may rupture, with consequent meningitis and high maternal mortality. We report the case of a 31 year-old pregnant woman with an anterior sacral meningocele. We describe the role of magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation and management planning in this condition. She was delivered by cesarean section at 34 weeks without complications. Accurate diagnosis and delivery by cesarean prior to labor are important in assuring good outcomes in women with anterior sacral meningoceles.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Condition-specific antepartum fetal testing.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the best available antepartum fetal testing methods according to the underlying pathophysiologic condition. STUDY DESIGN: We reviewed the current literature and our clinical experience with respect to condition-specific antepartum fetal testing. RESULTS: The efficacy of most antepartum tests that we use today is not supported by randomized controlled clinical trials, but from observational nonrandomized studies and expert opinion (evidence levels II or III). CONCLUSION: Based on the available evidence, the accuracy of a test depends on the underlying pathophysiologic condition. To improve accuracy, we must use condition-specific fetal testing.

Female↗
PubMed2003

Fetal transcerebellar diameter nomogram in singleton gestations with special emphasis in the third trimester: a comparison with previously published nomograms.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to construct an institution-specific transverse cerebellar (transcerebellar) diameter nomogram with special emphasis in the third trimester and to compare its ability to predict gestational age with previously published nomograms. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional nomogram was constructed using transcerebellar diameter measurements in 24,026 well-dated singleton fetuses by using linear regression models. Third-trimester measurements from 2,010 fetuses were included. The performance of previously established transcerebellar diameter nomograms for predicting gestational age was assessed in our population to determine comparability between nomograms. RESULTS: Interobserver and intraobserver variabilities in the second and third trimesters were 3.1% to 3.7% and 3.4% to 3.8%, respectively. Between 14 and 27 weeks' gestation, there were no clinically important differences between our nomogram and those previously published in terms of the predicted gestational age. However, predicted gestational age in the third trimester was considerably different by using our nomogram by 1 to 2 weeks from 28 to 30 weeks and by 4 to 6 weeks after 32 weeks. CONCLUSION: Transcerebellar measurements had a similar relationship with gestational age across previously published nomograms before 28 weeks. However, clinically significant differences in predicting gestational age appear later, especially after 32 weeks. These findings suggest that this new nomogram may be particularly useful for accurate dating of pregnancies in the third trimester.

Cerebellum↗