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Biomedical subjects

L J Salomon

Publications and source records attributed to L J Salomon.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Third-trimester fetal MRI in isolated 10- to 12-mm ventriculomegaly: is it worth it?

OBJECTIVE: The justification for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in isolated mild ventriculomegaly remains controversial. This study was undertaken to evaluate the contribution of third-trimester MRI in isolated 10- to 12-mm fetal ventriculomegaly. DESIGN: Observational prospective cohort study. SETTING: Universitary prenatal reference centre. POPULATION: From February 2000 to May 2005, we prospectively collected data concerning fetuses referred to us for cerebral MRI following detection of ventriculomegaly by ultrasound scan (n= 310). METHODS: Among these, we identified and analysed those cases in which ventriculomegaly was isolated and did not exceed 12 mm in ultrasound examinations prior to MRI scan (n= 185). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Cases in which MRI provided additional information that was likely to have an impact on prenatal management were detailed. RESULTS: During the study period, 310 MRI were performed because of fetal ventriculomegaly. Hundred and eighty-five were suspected to be isolated 10- to 12-mm ventriculomegalies in ultrasound scan and formed our database. MRI confirmed the 10- to 12-mm isolated fetal ventriculomegaly in 106 cases (57.3%) and found other abnormalities in 5 (4.7%) of these 106 cases. MRI found ventricular measurement to be less than 10 mm in 43 cases (23.3%) and more than 12 mm in 36 cases (19.4%). Among these 36 fetuses with ventricle size more than 12 mm, 6 (16.7%) had other abnormalities, whereas MRI did not find other abnormalities in the 43 cases with ventricle size below 10 mm. CONCLUSION: Before advantages of MRI to ultrasound examination can be demonstrated, it seems reasonable that MRI should remain an investigational tool, restricted to selected clinical situations in which the results are expected to modify case management. Where ultrasound scan suspects isolated ventriculomegaly of 10 to 12 mm, our data suggest that when the finding is confirmed with MRI this could be expected in around 5% of cases. Therefore, the policy of routine MRI in such cases should depend on prenatal centres' priorities.

Brain Edema↗
PubMed2006

Feasibility and reproducibility of an image-scoring method for quality control of fetal biometry in the second trimester.

OBJECTIVES: The need for training programs and certification processes in fetal ultrasound has become obvious. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a score-based quality control system for fetal biometry in the second trimester. METHODS: Standard measurements of biparietal diameter and head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length at 20-24 weeks had been made by four operators using the same ultrasound machine. Twenty-five of each of the cephalic, abdominal and femoral images with the calipers in place were selected arbitrarily from each operator's ultrasound database and anonymized. These 300 images were analyzed by three experienced reviewers blinded to the operator's identity. Each image was first evaluated subjectively and then scored according to six criteria for abdominal and cephalic measurements and four criteria for femur length making a six-point score for abdominal and cephalic biometry and a four-point score for femur length. For subjective evaluation, inter-reviewer differences were analyzed using percentage agreement and adjusted kappa. For objective evaluation, a difference in scoring of one point or less among reviewers was considered good agreement. Intrareviewer variability was assessed using 40 images of each type of examination selected arbitrarily. RESULTS: The distribution of scores was similar between reviewers. One operator obtained significantly lower scores whereas the other three had good and comparable results. There was no statistical difference in the mean score attributed by each reviewer and agreement was good in 84-90% of the cases. Intrareviewer agreement was good in 90-100% of the cases, with similar scores for each reviewer. CONCLUSION: A quality control policy based on image scoring is feasible and allows for fair to good inter- and intrareviewer reproducibility. The potential contribution of this approach to assess the quality of routine ultrasound examinations should be tested on a larger scale.

Abdomen↗
PubMed2006

French fetal biometry: reference equations and comparison with other charts.

OBJECTIVES: To construct new reference charts and equations for fetal biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC) and femur length (FL), using a large sample of fetuses examined at 15-40 weeks in France, and to compare them with previous references. METHODS: The study data were obtained over a continuous 1-year period from a population of pregnant women undergoing ultrasound examination. Excluded were those with a known abnormal karyotype or congenital malformation, multiple pregnancies, and those with no first-trimester dating based on crown-rump length. No fetuses were excluded on the basis of abnormal biometry or birth weight. For each measurement, separate regression models were fitted to estimate both the mean and the SD at each gestational age. RESULTS: Full biometric measurements were obtained for 19 647 fetuses. New charts and reference equations are reported for BPD, HC, AC and FL. Prediction intervals for the new reference charts were similar to those of previous ones, whereas there were some differences in predicted centiles. CONCLUSION: We present new French reference charts and equations for fetal biometry. They can be used easily to compute centiles and Z-scores to control the quality of biometric assessments and to evaluate their performance relative to other references.

Abdomen↗
PubMed2005

In vivo dynamic MRI measurement of the noradrenaline-induced reduction in placental blood flow in mice.

PURPOSE: We developed a new model for in vivo placental perfusion measurements based on dynamic MRI in mice. As noradrenaline has been implicated in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, we examined whether it reduced placental perfusion in mice, and whether such a reduction could be detected with our MRI model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mice at 16 days of gestation were injected intramuscularly with saline or noradrenaline solution. A conventional gadolinium chelate was then injected IV, and a single-slice T1-weighed 2D Fast SPGR sequence was acquired for 200 s. Signal intensity was measured on all the images and converted into contrast agent tissue concentrations in the maternal left ventricle (input function) and placentas. A one-compartment model was developed using compartmental and numerical modeling software. Mean blood flow (F) was calculated from a transfer constant. RESULTS: Twenty-six mice were studied, yielding a total of 55 MRI measurements of placental perfusion (29 in the control group and 26 in the noradrenaline group). Mean placental blood flow (F) was significantly lower in the noradrenaline group (0.72+/-0.84 ml/min/g of placenta) than in the control group (1.26+/-0.54 ml/min/g of placenta). CONCLUSION: Noradrenaline reduces placental perfusion in mice. Our MRI dynamic model might be useful for detecting and investigating abnormal placental blood flow, thereby avoiding the need for invasive procedures and animal sacrifice.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

First-trimester screening for fetal triploidy at 11 to 14 weeks: a role for fetal biometry.

OBJECTIVE: Intrauterine growth restriction in triploidy has been reported as early as in the first trimester. This study was undertaken to evaluate the ability of first-trimester crown rump length (CRL)-based charts to detect triploid fetuses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of fetal biometry in cases of triploidy diagnosed in the first trimester over the last three years. Biometry for abdominal circumference (AC), head circumference (HC) and biparietal diameter (BPD) was analyzed in relation to both gestational age (GA)-based charts and to CRL-based charts. RESULTS: Five cases of fetal triploidy were diagnosed at 11 to 14 weeks. Screening based on nuchal translucency (NT) and maternal age showed a risk > 1/300 in only one of the 5 cases of triploid fetus. In all of these five cases, CRL-based biometry was grossly abnormal, although it was abnormal in only two of these five cases in relation to GA-based charts. CONCLUSION: First-trimester CRL-based biometry charts seem to reflect early asymmetrical growth delay in triploidy more accurately than GA-based charts. CRL-based biometry is likely to improve the early detection of triploid pregnancies without leading to dating error.

Abdomen↗
PubMed2005

The impact of choice of reference charts and equations on the assessment of fetal biometry.

OBJECTIVES: The assessment of fetal biometry is usually based on the comparison of measured values with predicted values derived from reference charts or equations in a normal population. This study was undertaken to assess the impact of the choice of reference charts and to develop a Z-score-based tool that could help sonographers to choose the reference charts that best fit their practice. METHODS: Fetal biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference and femur diaphysis length measurements were made at 20-24 and 30-34 weeks' gestation by four experienced sonographers. All measurements were transformed into Z-scores calculated according to three prediction equations (Snijders and Nicolaides, 1994; Chitty et al., 1994 and Kurmanavicius et al., 1999). Distributions of Z-scores were compared to the expected standard normal distribution based on mean, SD and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Simulations were made to assess sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp) and Youden's index (Se + Sp - 1) of each reference equation, reflecting their ability to identify fetuses with abnormal biometry in our population. The reference that best fitted our practice was determined based on these results. RESULTS: The Z-scores of all biometric parameters were significantly different (P < 0.001) when using any of the three reference equations, and none of the Z-score distributions could be considered similar to the standard normal distribution. The number of measurements that would be considered as abnormal according to these references ranged from 2.6% to 23.6%. Se and Sp ranged from 39.59% to 67.12% and 90.14% to 99.69%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Assessment of fetal biometry is largely dependent on the choice of reference charts. We suggest that the choice of reference charts for fetal biometry could be controlled using Z-scores in each institution and that this could be the first step towards any quality assessment policy. The method we describe for the choice of the most appropriate fetal biometry reference chart might be used for all size charts.

Biometry↗
PubMed2005

Growth discrepancy in twins in the first trimester of pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence and significance of intertwin growth discrepancy in the first trimester of pregnancy are controversial. The aim of this study was to refine the incidence and outcome of this discrepancy in relation to dating of the pregnancy and other biometric parameters. METHODS: This prospective study of twin pregnancies initially evaluated at 11-14 weeks' gestation was conducted between 2001 and 2004. Differences in crown-rump length (CRL) and estimated gestational age (GA) were calculated for each twin pair and their distribution was analyzed according to chorionicity and mode of conception (spontaneous or following assisted reproductive technologies). CRL-based GA and actual GA were compared. Other biometric parameters were also compared for each twin pair. The distribution of discrepancies was analyzed according to pregnancy outcome. RESULTS: A total of 182 twin pregnancies was included. The mean+/-SD discrepancy in CRL was 3.4+/-3.18 mm or 5.1+/-4.69% and the 95th centile was 9.8 mm or 14.3%. There was no influence of chorionicity (P=0.44), mode of conception (P=0.18) and no relation with outcome (P=0.54). In conceptions resulting from assisted technology, the measured CRL of the smaller twin was closer to the actual GA. Cephalic and abdominal biometric measurements were significantly greater in the twin with the smaller CRL (P<0.05). The two cases with a discrepancy>15 mm were affected by trisomy 18 and triploidy, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: CRL discrepancy in twin pregnancies in the first trimester is a frequent finding. Discrepancy>95th centile indicates major growth delay of one twin, which could indicate the presence of aneuploidy. For milder degrees of discordance the CRL of the smaller fetus is a more accurate estimate of the actual GA.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Analysis of Z-score distribution for the quality control of fetal ultrasound measurements at 20-24 weeks.

OBJECTIVES: To develop and evaluate the feasibility of Z-score distribution-based quality assessment for fetal biometry at 20-24 gestational weeks. METHODS: Four sonographers measured fetal biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference and femur length in unselected pregnancies undergoing routine sonography at 20-24 weeks in our center between June 2001 and January 2004. All measurements were transformed into Z-scores. Distributions of Z-scores were compared with the expected standard normal distribution based on mean, SD and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Modelling was performed to assess the sensitivity, specificity and Youden's index (sensitivity + specificity - 1) of each sonographer, reflecting their ability to detect fetuses with abnormal biometry in our population. RESULTS: A total of 5241 ultrasound examinations were included. None of the Z-score distributions could be considered similar to the standard normal distribution: means of Z-scores ranged from -0.604 to 0.73 and the SD ranged from 0.726 to 0.896. Sensitivity and specificity ranged from 25.31% to 68.67% and 93.44% to 100%, respectively; Youden's index ranged from 0.25 to 0.69. CONCLUSION: Analysis of Z-score distribution can be used to assess the quality of fetal measurements. Several indices can be extracted from this analysis in order to improve quality assessment of fetal biometry measured by ultrasound.

Abdomen↗
PubMed2005

Predicting late-onset growth abnormalities using growth velocity between trimesters.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether growth velocity parameters derived from routine prenatal ultrasound measurements at first, second and third trimester can identify normal growth at term as well as late-onset growth abnormalities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Longitudinal study of fetal growth in normal singleton pregnancies with three normal ultrasound examinations and delivered at term. Fetuses were classified into 3 groups (<10th percentile, 10-90th percentile, >90th percentile) based on birth weight. Multiple regression on birth weight classification was used to build up a prediction equation of fetal growth potential (FGP) based on fetal biometry and fetal growth velocity parameters between ultrasound examinations. Best cut-off value for FGP predicting growth restriction and macrosomia were defined. RESULTS: 356 pregnancies were included. Fetal biometry growth velocities between examinations were calculated for all measurements. Using best cut-off values, the estimated sensitivity, specificity and odds ratio were: 60% [44;74], 91% [89;92] and 14.55 [6.30;33.98] and 53% [36;69], 89% [88;91] and 10 [4.27;23.49] for the prediction of growth restriction and macrosomia, respectively. DISCUSSION: Fetal growth potential can be derived and calculated from standard ultrasound measurements. It can improve identification of these fetuses at risk for late-onset growth abnormalities and their related morbidity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Treatment of anterior vaginal wall prolapse with porcine skin collagen implant by the transobturator route: preliminary results.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility and efficacy of porcine skin collagen (Pelvicol) implant by the transobturator route for the treatment of anterior vaginal wall prolapse. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven women with stage III or IV prolapse underwent anterior vaginal wall repair with porcine skin collagen implantation by the transobturator route, together with bilateral sacropinofixation; respectively 17 and 16 women underwent hysterectomy and bilateral sapingo-oophorectomy during the same procedure. The feasibility and peri/postoperative complications of the transobturator procedure were assessed, together with anatomical and functional outcome. RESULTS: Porcine skin collagen implantation was feasible in every case. The transobturator procedure lasted a median of 25 min (range 20-35). There were no vessel or bladder injuries and no postoperative complications (including infections). Median follow-up was 14 months (range 8 to 24). No rejection of the porcine grafts occurred. Twenty-two women (81%) had optimal anatomic results, while the remaining five women (19%) had persistent asymptomatic stage I or II anterior vaginal wall prolapse (1 and 4 cases, respectively). In one case the collagen implant had to be removed after one year because of persistent pain due to transfixing vaginal stitch. One patient with optimal anatomic results had recurrent stage III Ba prolapse at 18 months. Quality of life and urinary discomfort scores improved significantly after the procedure (p<0.0001 and p<0.005, respectively). CONCLUSION: These preliminary results suggest that porcine skin collagen implantation by the transobturator route is a safe and effective treatment for anterior vaginal wall prolapse.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Fetal hypertension: an insight into the pathogenesis of the twin-twin transfusion syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate if systemic hypertension occurs in fetuses with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). METHODS: We conducted an observational cohort study in a tertiary care centre in 23 pregnant women with TTTS. Polyhydramnios stuck twin sequence occurred at a median gestational age of 22 weeks (range 15-27). Biventricular myocardial hypertrophy was diagnosed in 22/23 recipient fetuses. In cases with atrioventricular valve regurgitation (AVR), it was possible to estimate the fetal systolic systemic blood pressure by ultrasound, on the basis of the simplified Bernouilli equation. The diagnosis of fetal hypertension (FHT) was made when the estimated systolic arterial pressure was equal to or above 1.6-fold the expected value. RESULTS: In 10 pregnancies (group A), fetal blood pressure could be assessed in recipients with AVR. The maximum velocities ranged from 2.9 to 5 m/s, leading to estimates of systemic fetal arterial pressure from 37 to 104 mmHg, that is, 1.6- to 2.8-fold the expected values. In 13 pregnancies (group B), fetal blood pressure could not be assessed in the absence of AVR. In group A, perinatal death (16/20) and hydrops (7/20) were significantly more frequent than in group B (8/26 and 1/26 respectively). CONCLUSION: Fetal systemic hypertension may occur in recipient twins and could play a role in the pathophysiology of TTTS.

Cohort Studies↗
PubMed2003

Revisiting first-trimester fetal biometry.

INTRODUCTION: Although advances in ultrasound have facilitated the diagnosis of fetal abnormalities in the first trimester, fetal biometry at this stage of pregnancy remains underused in prenatal diagnosis. We hypothesized that charts which directly correlate measurements to crown-rump length (CRL) could be more accurate than those based on gestational age (GA) derived from CRL measurement. The aim of this study was to construct CRL-based biometric charts. METHODS: Measurements of biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC) and abdominal circumference (AC) were prospectively collected from 939 normal singleton fetuses. Charts and predictive equations were constructed from data obtained from pregnancies in which the CRL was between 45 and 84 mm and for which the outcome was normal. RESULTS: Measurements of BPD, HC and AC from 880 fetuses who met the criteria were correlated with CRL and used to construct charts and predictive equations. The standard error of estimates using CRL was significantly lower than that using GA in all cases. DISCUSSION: First-trimester growth charts and predictive equations based on CRL instead of GA are more accurate. They might have a role in quality control of first-trimester ultrasound examination and may help in the diagnosis of fetal conditions that involve early growth abnormalities.

Abdomen↗
PubMed2003

Fetal thoracoamniotic shunting as the only treatment for pulmonary sequestration with hydrops: favorable long-term outcome without postnatal surgery.

Although it is established that bronchopulmonary sequestration complicated by fetal hydrops carries a high risk of perinatal mortality, prenatal management remains controversial. Therapeutic options include immediate delivery, medical therapy based on an inotropic regimen, alcohol ablation of the vascular pedicle, open fetal surgery, or thoracoamniotic shunting of fetal pleural effusions. We report a case of pulmonary sequestration with hydrothorax and fetal hydrops which was successfully treated by a single fetal thoracoamniotic catheter drainage. Following emergency catheter placement, hydrothorax and hydrops decreased dramatically. The sequestration gradually disappeared postnatally, and long-term outcome remained normal without any postnatal therapy. Based on this observation, the natural history of pulmonary sequestration and prenatal management options are reviewed.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Periventricular leukomalacia and mode of delivery in twins under 1500 g.

BACKGROUND: The optimal mode of delivery in twin gestations remains undefined, particularly for twins weighing less than 1500 g. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of the mode of delivery on neonatal outcome in twins below 1500 g. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this multicenter cohort study during 1999, 66 sets of twins born in hospital and weighing below 1500 g formed our study group. Antenatal and neonatal parameters and their relationship to mode of delivery were studied, based on a factor analysis. Analysis of covariance was used to assess the effect of the mode of delivery on postnatal factors, with antenatal parameters used as covariates. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed that infants delivered vaginally had significantly more periventricular leukomalacia than those children delivered by Cesarean section (p = 0.03). The estimated odds for leukomalacia were higher in the vaginal than in the Cesarean group when adjusted for covariates (OR = 4.7; 95% CI = 1.0, 25.15). CONCLUSION: Routine Cesarean section should be recommended in twin gestations with infants weighing less than 1500 g, regardless of gestational age or fetal presentation.

Birth Weight↗
PubMed2003

Fetal growth and Doppler assessment in patients with a history of bilateral internal iliac artery embolization.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy occurring after pelvic arterial embolization for postpartum hemorrhage is rare. The harmlessness of this procedure for subsequent pregnancies is poorly documented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight pregnant women with a history of arterial embolization were followed up with fetal growth and Doppler assessment. RESULTS: Fetal growth and umbilical Doppler findings remained normal in all cases. CONCLUSION: Embolization, a life-saving and fertility-preserving procedure, does not seem to affect subsequent pregnancies.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Successful management of a heterotopic Caesarean scar pregnancy: potassium chloride injection with preservation of the intrauterine gestation: case report.

Caesarean scar pregnancy (CSP), in which the pregnancy is located in the scar of a previous Caesarean section, is a rare situation that carries a high risk of uterine rupture. Improved ultrasound imaging allows early diagnosis of this condition, but there is no standard management. We report the first case of CSP associated with a normal intrauterine pregnancy. Potassium chloride administered under transvaginal ultrasonographic guidance terminated cardiac activity in the CSP. The CSP resolved, and a healthy infant was delivered at 36 weeks. When the diagnosis is early and the patient asymptomatic, surgery can be avoided, the CSP can be terminated selectively and the intrauterine pregnancy thereby preserved.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Fertility and pregnancy outcome following pelvic arterial embolization for severe post-partum haemorrhage. A cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic arterial embolization is a safe, effective life-saving procedure in post-partum haemorrhage, but little information is yet available about its impact on menstruation and fertility. METHODS: A cohort of 28 women who underwent pelvic embolization for post-partum haemorrhage in our tertiary centre was studied. Patients were contacted by telephone to obtain long-term outcome for menstruation, clinical signs of estrogen insufficiency, desire for fertility and subsequent pregnancies. RESULTS: We found no menstrual abnormalities or signs of early menopause among the 17 patients we were able to reach. Six women expressed a clear desire for subsequent pregnancies. Five patients reported a total of six pregnancies (one biochemical pregnancy, one early miscarriage and four deliveries). The four patients with complete gestations gave birth to healthy babies, but post-partum haemorrhage recurred for all and led to two hysterectomies. No undesired pregnancies occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Embolization in post-partum haemorrhage appears to be a safe procedure that does not impair subsequent menstruation and fertility. Recurrence of severe post-partum haemorrhage may occur at subsequent deliveries.

Adult↗