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Biomedical subjects

J D Kitchin

Publications and source records attributed to J D Kitchin.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Dynamics of pulsatile prolactin release during the postpartum lactational period.

To investigate the pulsatile nature of PRL release in the physiologically hyperprolactinemic postpartum period, we sampled blood at 10-min intervals for 24 h in each of 6 healthy lactating women at both 3 weeks and 3 months postpartum. The subsequent immunoactive PRL time series were subjected to episodic peak detection (Cluster analysis) and multiple parameter deconvolution analysis. The 24-h mean serum PRL concentrations were significantly higher at 3 weeks than at 3 months postpartum; viz. 113 +/- 12 vs. 66 +/- 15 micrograms/L (P = 0.003). Assessment of episodic PRL pulsatility revealed significantly higher maximal PRL peak heights (296 +/- 63 vs. 141 +/- 44 micrograms/L), fractional peak heights (863 +/- 150 vs. 374 +/- 58%), incremental peak amplitudes (250 +/- 60 vs. 96 +/- 3 micrograms/L), and peak areas (13 +/- 3 vs. 4 +/- 1 mg/L.min) in the earlier postpartum period. In contrast, PRL peak frequencies and interpulse intervals were not different in the early and late postpartum sessions. Deconvolution analysis revealed that the mean mass of PRL secretory bursts was significantly greater at 3 weeks (182 +/- 4.1 micrograms/L) than 3 months (15 +/- 1.6 micrograms/L). There were no changes in the calculated half-life of endogenous PRL viz. 29 +/- 2.5 min (3 weeks) vs. 26 +/- 3.0 min (3 months). We conclude that physiological postpartum hyperprolactinemia is achieved by selectively altering the endogenous secretory rate in each PRL release episode, with no change in the number of bursts of PRL discharged or the PRL half-life.

Adult↗

Vaginal sonography findings and hCG dynamics of early intrauterine and tubal pregnancies.

Early intrauterine gestational sac recognition by ultrasound is useful for discriminating between intrauterine and tubal pregnancies. Transvaginal ultrasound offers improved resolution in the imaging of the uterus and adnexa. Seventy-four women with normal intrauterine pregnancies, 18 women with spontaneous abortions, and 34 women with tubal pregnancies were evaluated by transvaginal ultrasound and serial hCG determinations. Intrauterine pregnancies were followed within the first 50 days of gestation. In women with a normal uterus and singleton pregnancy, sacs were consistently recognized in association with an hCG level greater than 2004 mIU/mL (First International Reference Preparation). Two-to three-millimeter sacs were recognized in association with an hCG level of 2032 +/- 1253 on cycle day 36.1 +/- 2.0. When sacs were less than 5 mm in mean diameter, 33% exhibited a prominent echogenic rim, 38% exhibited a partial echogenic rim, and 29% exhibited no echogenic rim. Fetal cardiac activity was recognized in association with an hCG level of 27,284 +/- 11,479 on cycle day 45.0 +/- 2.9. The hCG doubling time was 1.46 +/- 1.0 days. Apparent loss of multiple gestational sacs was observed in five normal pregnancies. Apparent bleeding in the intrauterine cavity was observed in eight patients and associated with a 38% abortion rate. One false-positive sac was observed among 34 tubal pregnancies (3%). The extrauterine sonographic finding of a solid adnexal mass or cul-de-sac fluid was specific but not sensitive for the diagnosis of tubal pregnancy. The hCG doubling time in tubal pregnancies was 7.69 +/- 9.8 days. Transvaginal ultrasound and serial hCG determinations are useful for the early recognition of tubal pregnancy.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗

Subsequent fertility in women who undergo cardiac surgery.

A retrospective review was undertaken on all pediatric and reproductive-aged females who underwent cardiac surgery and required cardiopulmonary bypass from 1958 through 1986. The purpose of this study was to define the fertility of these patients after surgery and to compare their reproductive performance with that in the general population. Analysis was complete for 208 patients. These patients make up the following cardiac surgical categories: septal defect repairs, 92; commissurotomies, 60; valve replacements, 46; tetralogy of Fallot repairs, 6; and coronary artery bypass procedures, 4. Of 208 patients, 68 (32.7%) attempted pregnancy after surgery. Infertility was defined in five women as follows: endometriosis, 3; ovulatory dysfunction, 1; unknown, 1. A total of 64 patients conceived 121 pregnancies with the following outcomes: live births, 98; spontaneous abortion, 9; ectopic pregnancy, 2; therapeutic abortion, 12. Our results suggest that infertility is not an apparent disorder after cardiac surgery and that subsequent pregnancy outcomes are similar to those in the general population.

Adolescent↗

Utility of the 24-hour delay hysterosalpingogram film.

Controversy exists regarding the ideal contrast media for hysterosalpingography. A unique property of oil-base contrast media is the availability of a 24-hour delay radiograph for further assessment of tubal patency and adhesions. A review was undertaken of the delay films in 131 cases performed by use of oil-base contrast media with subsequent surgical confirmation of pelvic findings. A 97% predictive accuracy was achieved with regard to distal obstruction and a 79% accuracy with regard to pelvic adhesions. Objective criteria for the evaluation of 24-hour delay hysterogram films were developed and are illustrated.

Contrast Media↗

Intravasation during hysterosalpingography using oil-base contrast medium--a second look.

Hysterosalpingography is a study performed commonly to assess the upper reproductive tract in infertile women. A risk with hysterosalpingography is either lymphatic and/or venous intravasation with or without embolization. Of 593 consecutive hysterosalpingograms performed with a low-viscosity oil-base medium, intravasation occurred in 41 cases (6.9%). Embolization was documented in six patients. There were no recognized adverse sequelae from either intravasation or embolization. Intravasation was frequently associated with pathology of the upper genital tract, and suspected tubal occlusion was the most common abnormality detected. Proper timing of the procedure and avoidance of excessive instillation pressure will diminish the incidence of this complication. The use of both a low-viscosity oil-base medium and high-resolution fluoroscopic image intensification may increase the detection of intravasation.

Contrast Media↗

Surgical management of distal tubal occlusion.

During the 9-year period ending April, 1985, 103 women had bilateral and unilateral cuff salpingostomy at the University of Virginia Hospital. Currently accepted principles of microsurgery were used as well as an "antiadhesion" regimen consisting of intravenous dexamethasone and antibiotics, intraperitoneal dextran, and postoperative hydrotubations. The postoperative tubal patency rate was 75.6% in tested patients (91.2% in patients known to have conceived). Forty women (38.8%) conceived and 26 (25.2%) have had one or more term pregnancies. Fourteen women (13.5%) had ectopic pregnancies but three of these have also had term pregnancies. Fourteen women (13.5%) had first-trimester abortions. Two of nine women who had repeat salpingostomies have carried pregnancies to term as have two of 10 women who had ampullary salpingostomies. The extent of tubal disease remains the single most important factor with regard to subsequent successful pregnancy.

Adult↗

Homologous insemination--revisited.

Between July 1, 1969, and December 31, 1983, 1774 patients were evaluated in the private infertility clinic at the University of Virginia Hospital. Homologous artificial insemination was performed in 158 patients for the following indications: male factor (75.3%), cervical factor (16.7%), sperm deposition problem (3.7%), patient's request (2.5%), and immunologic factor (1.8%). Whole-ejaculate insemination was performed in 68 patients; split ejaculates were used in 90 women. Additional fertility factors in 140 patients included endometriosis, anatomic abnormalities, and ovulatory difficulties. Of the 158 women, 23 (14.6%) had a total of 27 pregnancies (mean number of cycles, 5.7); 135 failed to conceive during treatment with homologous artificial insemination (mean number of cycles, 8.4). Most pregnancies (70.4%) occurred in those patients in whom homologous artificial insemination was used for a male factor. Among the 135 couples who failed to conceive with homologous artificial insemination, 20 (14.8%) patients subsequently had 25 pregnancies. Male factor had been the indication for homologous artificial insemination in 72% of the couples. Pregnancy outcomes were similar in all subgroups. Homologous artificial insemination may not be indicated for male factor-related infertility.

Adult↗

Reproductive performance of patients treated with clomiphene citrate.

From 1967-1980, 488 infertile women underwent induction of ovulation with clomiphene citrate at the University of Virginia Hospital. Conception occurred during treatment cycles in 209 women (group 1), but 279 women (group 2) failed to conceive. The outcome of pregnancy was defined in group 1, and the pregnancies that occurred in both groups after treatment was discontinued were analyzed. Early pregnancy wastage (spontaneous abortion and ectopic pregnancy) in these groups was compared with the accepted incidence in the general population. Although the rates of adverse pregnancy outcome were higher in our study populations, there was no statistical difference when compared to the general population.

Abortion, Incomplete↗

Endogenous opiates participate in the regulation of pulsatile luteinizing hormone release in an unopposed estrogen milieu: studies in estrogen-replaced, gonadectomized patients with testicular feminization.

Administration of opiate receptor antagonists augmented pulsatile LH release in six estrogen-treated, orchidectomized individuals with testicular feminization. In response to an opiate antagonist, LH pulse frequency increased from 3.0 +/- 0.55 (+/- SE) to 5.0 +/- 0.45 pulses/8 h (P = 0.034). Since these patients have inborn target tissue resistance to androgens, we infer that sustained androgen action is not obligatory to the emergence of endogenous inhibitory opiate tone in man. Rather, these observations document that the suppressive effects of opiates on gonadotropin secretion can be unmasked in the presence of an unopposed estrogen milieu.

Adolescent↗

Effect of lengthening the fallopian tube on fertility in the rabbit.

The effect of surgically lengthening the rabbit oviduct was investigated. In the study group, a lengthened fallopian tube was created by division of the left fallopian tube at the ampullary-isthmic junction and the right fallopian tube at the uterotubal junction. The proximal left tube and the entire right tube were mobilized to the midline, and a microsurgical anastomosis was performed with 10-0 nylon. This formed a tube that was lengthened by approximately 50%, with doubling of the isthmic region. In the control group, both tubes were divided at the ampullary-isthmic junction, and the proximal left and distal right segments were joined to form a tube of normal length. The left ovary and ampulla were resected in both groups. After the animal had been bred, a second laparotomy was performed to assess adhesion formation, document tubal patency, and establish a nidation index. The median nidation index of the control group (N = 11) was 0.89, whereas that of the lengthened group (N = 7) was 0. The nidation indices of the two groups were different, with P less than 0.01.

Animals↗

Hypergonadotropic ovarian failure in young women.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate 13 patients with primary ovarian failure (POF). All patients were less than 35 years of age. Serum FSH, performed by RIA, was in the post-menopausal range in all patients. Karyotype with Q-banding was performed on peripheral leukocytes and/or ovarian tissue. All patients had 46XX karyotype. Eleven patients had laparoscopy or laparotomy and ovarian biopsy. Two of the 11 patients had ovarian follicles. One patient had Graves' disease. Based on our data, we offer these conclusions. A thorough evaluation of patients with premature ovarian failure is essential. Testing for autoimmune endocrinopathies should be considered in POF patients who exhibit any signs of endocrine dysfunction. A peripheral karyotype with banding should be performed on all patients. The resistant ovary syndrome may occur with greater frequency than has previously been reported and a review of the literature on the resistant ovary syndrome is presented.

Adolescent↗

Effects of dexamethasone therapy on serum immunoglobulin levels and peripheral cell counts in women undergoing conservative benign gynecologic surgery.

Twenty women undergoing conservative gynecologic surgery were treated perioperatively with high-dose dexamethasone (DEX) for 72 hours. Serum immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgM, IgA) and peripheral cell counts, including lymphocyte subpopulations, were measured in each patient during the immediate preoperative and postoperative periods as well as 5 to 8 weeks later. These results were compared with the levels of a control population of 16 women undergoing conservative, non-pregnancy-related gynecologic surgery for benign conditions. There was a decrease in the level of all serum immunoglobulins measured in the immediate postoperative period in both groups, with a greater statistical decrease in the control group (P less than 0.001). statistically significant transient alterations in the peripheral cell counts occurred in the DEX group, as compared with the control group (P less than 0.001). The use of DEX was not associated with any postoperative infectious morbidity.

Dexamethasone↗