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Biomedical subjects

G Fait

Publications and source records attributed to G Fait.

35 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Incidence and obstetric risk factors of postpartum anal incontinence.

BACKGROUND: Anal incontinence in young women may be the result of injury to the pelvic floor during vaginal delivery. This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between obstetric risk factors and the prevalence of anal incontinence 3 months and 1 year after delivery. METHODS: Three hundred consecutive women who delivered in the obstetric ward of the Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, were prospectively interviewed 3 months postpartum with regard to the symptom of anal incontinence. Patients with anal incontinence that started after delivery were questioned about the type, frequency, and severity of the problem, concomitant stress urinary incontinence (SUI), previous colorectal assessment, and wish for further evaluation and treatment. Obstetric data were collected from the women's medical charts. Symptomatic patients were followed-up 1 year postpartum. RESULTS: Anal incontinence was reported by 21 patients: 19 were incontinent to gas, whereas only 2 patients were incontinent to solid feces (6.3% and 0.7% of the study population, respectively). Five patients (24% of the anal-incontinent patients) also had concomitant SUI. The length of the first and second stages of labor, operative vaginal delivery, and episiotomy were found to be associated (P < 0.05) with the development of anal incontinence at 3 months postpartum. At I year postpartum all patients with combined anal incontinence and SUI had persistent symptoms. CONCLUSION: The major obstetric risk factors for postpartum anal incontinence are prolonged first and second stages of labor, operative vaginal delivery, and the use of episiotomy.

Adult↗

The possible role of antiovary antibodies in repeated in vitro fertilization failures.

PROBLEM: The study was conducted to investigate the possible role of circulating ovarian autoantibodies (ov-ab) in patients with repeated in vitro fertilization embryo transfer (IVF-ET) failure and to evaluate the effectiveness of immunosuppression treatment in these patients. METHOD OF STUDY: The study group comprised 80 IVF patients who had five or more failed treatment cycles (mean 10.2; range 7-22). The presence of ov-ab was compared between these women and 1) 50 IVF patients who conceived during the first three treatment cycles; 2) 50 healthy nulligravidae. All participants were seronegative to nonorgan-specific and antithyroid autoantibodies. Patients in the study group who were positive for ov-ab were treated with 10 mg/day prednisone starting 1 month before ovulation induction. Embryo grading was compared in the IVF cycles before and after treatment. RESULTS: Ov-ab were found in ten patients (12.5%) in the study group, compared to none in the control groups (P = 0.01). Nine of the patients positive for ov-ab were treated with prednisone for their following cycle. A statistically significant improvement in embryo grading was noted. Three patients conceived after treatment (33%), with a take-home baby rate of 22%, compared to only six patients (8.6%) who conceived among the rest of the seronegative study group, with a take-home baby rate of 7.1% (P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ov-ab are a possible marker of an autoimmune disorder that may be one of the causes of repeated IVF failures. Immunosuppression treatment may prove efficient in ov-ab seropositive patients with repeated IVF failures by improving embryo grading and pregnancy rate.

Adult↗

A selective increase in plasma soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 levels in preeclampsia.

PROBLEM: The study was conducted to determine whether altered plasma levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 are involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. METHOD OF STUDY: Maternal plasma samples were collected from 20 patients with preeclampsia, 20 matched normotensive patients with uncomplicated pregnancies. and ten healthy nonpregnant women. Samples were assayed for soluble VCAM-1 and soluble ICAM-1 by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Both soluble VCAM-1 and soluble ICAM-1 were detectable in the plasma of all preeclamptic, normotensive pregnant, and nonpregnant women. The mean plasma level of soluble VCAM-1 was significantly higher in preeclamptic women compared to normotensive pregnant women (1831 ng/mL +/- 534 ng/mL vs. 1254 ng/mL +/- 386 ng/mL, respectively; P < 0.05). However, the plasma level of soluble VCAM-1 was unchanged during the third-trimester of normal pregnancy compared to nonpregnant women. The mean plasma level of soluble ICAM-1 in preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women were increased when compared to nonpregnant women. However, the mean plasma level of soluble ICAM-1 was comparable in women with preeclampsia and normotensive pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: The selective increased plasma levels of soluble VCAM-1 in patients with preeclampsia provide evidence for endothelial activation and suggest distinct pathways for neutrophil and endothelial activation in preeclampsia.

Adult↗

Does typing of human papillomavirus assist in the triage of women with repeated low-grade, cervical cytologic abnormalities?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ability of testing for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) using the hybrid capture technique to detect cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in patients with repeated low-grade cervical cytologic abnormalities and an adequate and normal colposcopy. METHODS: Hybrid capture testing and LEETZ were performed on 166 women with repeated low-grade cervical cytologic abnormalities who were referred for colposcopy which was to be adequate and normal. RESULTS: A highly significant correlation (P < 0.0001) was found between a positive test for high-risk HPV types and the finding of CIN II,III. In 67 women with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance on repeated cytologic studies, a positive test for high-risk HPV types had a sensitivity and specificity of 90 and 96.5%, respectively, for detecting CIN II,III. In 99 patients with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions found on repeated cytologic study, a positive test for high-risk HPV types identified all patients as having CIN II,III on cone biopsy (sensitivity, 100%), with a specificity of 86.4%. Restriction of tissue sampling to women who were positive for high-risk HPV types would have reduced the number of tissue samplings performed to 20.4%, while identifying 20 of 21 patients with biopsy-confirmed CIN II, III. CONCLUSION: A positive hybrid capture test for high-risk HPV types is highly sensitive and specific for detecting CIN II,III in patients with repeated low-grade cervical cytologic abnormalities and an adequate and normal colposcopy and may be used in the triage of these women before performing tissue sampling.

Adolescent↗

Breech delivery: the value of X-ray pelvimetry.

OBJECTIVE: The study was conducted to compare maternal and neonatal outcome of two groups of nulliparae with breech presentations, who were selected for vaginal delivery by protocols differing only in their use of X-ray pelvimetry. STUDY DESIGN: We reviewed all term singleton breech deliveries of nulliparous patients who were eligible for vaginal trial of labour in our Centre between 1992 and 1994. In Group A (n=85) X-ray pelvimetry was performed, and in Group B (n=70) it was not. Obstetric management was otherwise similar. Admission to the two departments was on alternate days. RESULTS: The rate of caesarean section was similar in both groups (Group A, 36.4% vs. Group B, 42.8%; P>0.05), however, the indications for caesarean section differed. Neonatal outcome was similar in both groups. Maternal febrile morbidity was higher in Group B patients, especially those who underwent caesarean section after a trial of labour. CONCLUSION: X-ray pelvimetry in nulliparae with breech presentation is associated with reduced maternal febrile morbidity, but does not improve neonatal outcome.

Birth Injuries↗

Outcome of 496 term singleton breech deliveries in a tertiary center.

The study was conducted to compare the neonatal and maternal outcome of breech infants delivered vaginally at term with those delivered by cesarean section. All singleton term breech deliveries between January 1, 1992 and December 31, 1994 were reviewed (n = 496). Criteria for eligibility for vaginal trial of labor included: frank or complete breech presentation, estimated fetal weight of 2000-3800 g, no hyperextension of the fetal head and no history of uterine scar (group A, n = 283). Patients who did not fulfill these criteria, or had an abnormal pelvimetry, were delivered by cesarean section without a trial of labor (group B, n = 213). In group A, 226 patients (80%) delivered vaginally, and 57 (20%) patients underwent a cesarean section; 70% of the nulliparae and 89% of the multiparae delivered vaginally. No differences were observed between the groups in gestational week, number of nulliparae, pregnancy complications, and rates of epidural analgesia. However, maternal age and birth weight were significantly higher in group B. No maternal or perinatal mortality occurred. The incidences of 5-min Apgar score <7, birth trauma, neonatal complications, and neonatal intensive care unit admissions were similar between the groups and in the nulliparae and multiparae of each group. Maternal morbidity was significantly lower in patients who delivered vaginally. We conclude that a trial of labor in breech presentation based on appropriate selective criteria, and an active policy of labor management performed by experienced physicians, will facilitate safe delivery in most nulliparae and multiparae.

Adult↗

Plasma interleukin-12 is elevated in patients with preeclampsia.

PROBLEM: Abnormal immune activation has been suggested as a contributor to the development of preeclampsia. We hypothesized that intact interleukin (IL)-12 directly, or through its main mediator, interferon (IFN)-gamma, contributes to the altered immune response observed in preeclampsia. METHOD OF STUDY: Plasma samples were collected from 20 patients with preeclampsia and 20 normotensive patients with uncomplicated pregnancies who were matched with the preeclamptic patients by age, gestational age, and parity. Samples were collected before the onset of labor, induction, or medical intervention. The samples were assayed for IL-12 and IFN-gamma by specific enzyme-linked immunoassays. RESULTS: IL-12 was detected in 35% of the preeclamptic patients and in 5% of the patients with normal pregnancies (P < 0.01). The detection rate and mean concentration of IFN-gamma were comparable in both groups. CONCLUSION: Intact plasma IL-12 is detected more frequently in preeclamptic patients, suggesting the involvement of this cytokine in the enhanced immune response observed in preeclampsia.

Adult↗

Can labor with breech presentation be induced?

Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of labor induction in women with a breech presentation, and an unripe cervix. We conducted a retrospective, matched-paired study on patients with breech presentation and an unripe cervix (n = 23), who underwent induction of labor using extra-amniotic saline instillation. The women were compared to three matched control groups: 46 women with vertex presentation and an unripe cervix, whose labor was induced by the same method, 23 with breech presentation who underwent a vaginal trial of labor, and 23 women with breech presentation who underwent a cesarean section without a trial of labor. In the study group, 12 women (52.2%) delivered vaginally. Rates of Apgar score, birth trauma, and maternal morbidity were similar in all groups. Induction of labor in patients with a breech presentation and an unripe cervix may be attempted in selected cases as it seems to be efficacious (vaginal delivery rate of 52.2%) and safe for both fetus and mother.

Adult↗

Umbilical cord blood acid-base values in uncomplicated term vaginal breech deliveries.

BACKGROUND: This prospective study was conducted to compare the umbilical cord blood acid-base values of uncomplicated, assisted, vaginal-breech-delivery term neonates with those of uncomplicated, cephalic-vaginal delivery term neonates and to determine whether a different metabolic status should be expected in neonates born by way of uncomplicated vaginal breech delivery. METHODS: Umbilical cord artery and vein blood samples were obtained from 30 term neonates with frank or complete breech presentations who were born by uncomplicated assisted vaginal breech delivery. All these neonates had an Apgar score of >7 at 5 min and an uneventful neonatal course (study group). For each neonate in the study group the two consecutive term neonates who were delivered by uncomplicated cephalic spontaneous vaginal delivery, and had uneventful neonatal courses, served as controls (control group). RESULTS: The umbilical cord artery blood pH and pO2 were significantly lower (p<0.001 and <0.01, respectively) and the pCO2 was significantly higher (p<0.001) in newborns of the study group, compared to the controls. The umbilical cord vein blood pH was significantly lower (p<0.01), and the pCO2 significantly higher (p<0.01) in the study group. CONCLUSIONS: The umbilical cord blood acid-base values of uncomplicated, vaginal-breech-delivery term neonates differ significantly from those of uncomplicated, cephalic-vaginal delivery neonates. These differences may represent a greater degree of acute cord compression that reflects the different mechanisms of labor in vaginal breech delivery.

Adult↗

Balloon catheter with extra-amniotic saline instillation: a method of induction in pregnancies at 41 or more gestational weeks.

One hundred five women with a documented pregnancy of 41 weeks' gestation or more, admitted for induction of labour by balloon catheter with extra-amniotic saline instillation, were retrospectively compared to 196 women admitted in spontaneous labour at the same gestational age, with regard to mode of delivery. The success rate of the induction group was 97.1%. The mode of delivery did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. The Caesarean section rates were 11.4% in the induction group versus 9.7% in the spontaneous group. The mode of delivery after induction of labour by balloon catheter with extra-amniotic saline instillation and simultaneously commenced intravenous oxytocin infusion, in pregnancies of 41 weeks or more, is similar to that of spontaneous deliveries at the same gestational age.

Adult↗

Klippel-Trénaunay-Weber syndrome associated with fetal growth restriction.

Klippel-Trénaunay-Weber syndrome is a rare congenital deep-vein malformation. Pregnancy in patients with this syndrome is rare and only a few cases have been reported. Known obstetrical risks in pregnant patients with this syndrome include bleeding from angiomata in the genitalia, and coagulation disturbances. We present a 31 year old woman with this syndrome who, on two occasions, delivered small-for-gestational-age neonates. This may have been due to placental insufficiency caused by angiomatosis related to the syndrome.

Adult↗