PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Leonardo Pereira

Publications and source records attributed to Leonardo Pereira.

13 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2007

Proteomic analysis of cervical-vaginal fluid: identification of novel biomarkers for detection of intra-amniotic infection.

Intra-amniotic infection (IAI) is associated with preterm birth and perinatal mortality. To identify potential biomarkers, we performed a comprehensive survey of the cervical-vaginal fluid (CVF) proteome from a primate IAI model utilizing multidimensional protein identification technology (LC/LC-MS/MS) and MALDI-TOF-MS analyses. Analyses of CVF proteome identified 205 unique proteins and differential expression of 27 proteins in controls and IAI samples. Protein expression signatures and immunodetection of specific biomarkers identified can be employed for noninvasive detection of IAI.

Amniotic Fluid↗
PubMed2006

Amniocentesis results and novel proteomic analysis in a case of occult candidal chorioamnionitis.

We report a case of subclinical Candida albicans chorioamnionitis with mid-trimester cervical dilation diagnosed by amniotic fluid culture and Gram stain. Proteomic analysis of amniotic fluid demonstrated protein biomarkers previously associated only with bacterial intra-amniotic infections. We hypothesize that since amniotic fluid culture of yeast may take days, novel tests such as proteomic profiling may lead to the development of rapid diagnostic tests for fungal intra-amniotic infections.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Pregnancy outcomes following treatment for fibroids: uterine fibroid embolization versus laparoscopic myomectomy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The management of uterine fibroids in patients requiring treatment who desire future fertility remains controversial. Myomectomy has been the most common operative procedure to improve pregnancy rates and outcomes. Uterine fibroid embolization is an increasingly popular, minimally invasive treatment for fibroids. This review aims to provide critical analysis of available data on pregnancy following myomectomy and uterine artery embolization. RECENT FINDINGS: Patients with distorted uterine cavities due to submucosal fibroids of more than 2 cm have higher pregnancy rates following hysteroscopic resection. Pregnancy rates following myomectomy, both via laparoscopy and laparotomy, are in the 50-60% range, with most having good outcomes. Pregnancy rates following uterine artery embolization have not been established. Pregnancies following uterine artery embolization had higher rates of preterm delivery (odds ratio 6.2, 95% confidence interval 1.4-27.7) and malpresentation (odds ratio 4.3, 95% confidence interval 1.0-20.5) than pregnancies following laparoscopic myomectomy. SUMMARY: Both myomectomy and uterine artery embolization are safe and effective fibroid treatments, which should be discussed with appropriate candidates. Pregnancy complications, most importantly preterm delivery, spontaneous abortion, abnormal placentation and postpartum hemorrhage, are increased following uterine artery embolization compared to myomectomy. Although most pregnancies following uterine artery embolization have good outcomes, myomectomy should be recommended as the treatment of choice over uterine artery embolization in most patients desiring future fertility.

Embolization, Therapeutic↗
PubMed2005

Variation in microbiologic profiles among pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine if clinical findings and sociodemographic variables among bacterial vaginosis (BV)-positive pregnant women are associated with different microbiologic profiles. STUDY DESIGN: Pregnant women were assessed for BV by Nugent criteria. BV+ women were separated into 6 mutually exclusive microbiologic groups. In unadjusted analyses, we compared (1) sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics, and (2) 3 clinical characteristics among BV+ women with and without Mobiluncus (M+ vs M-). Unadjusted data were analyzed using the chi-square test. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the likelihood of having clinical signs of BV in women with and without Mobiluncus spp while controlling for confounders. RESULTS: A total of 1756 BV+ pregnant women were followed. The M+ group (n=702) was significantly more likely than the M- group (n=1054) to be non-Hispanic black (80.9% vs 66.2%; P < .0001), older than 21 years (61.7% vs 48.7%; P < .0001), and to have had more than 3 lifetime sexual partners (66.4% vs 54.9%; P < .0001). The M+ group was also more likely to have clue cells on wet mount (63.9% vs 47.2%; P < .0001) and a positive amine odor after addition of KOH (57.2% vs 45.0%; P=.001). There was no difference in other demographic variables or physician diagnosis of abnormal vaginal discharge. In the adjusted analyses for each clinical outcome, all findings were consistent with the unadjusted analyses. CONCLUSION: BV+ pregnant women with Mobiluncus spp are more likely to have clue cells present on wet mount, a positive amine odor after KOH preparation, and to be older, non-Hispanic black, and have had more lifetime sexual partners compared to BV+ women without any Mobiluncus species.

Bacteroidaceae Infections↗
PubMed2005

Correlation between visual examination of the cervix and digital examination.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the correlation between visual assessment of the cervix and digital examination. METHODS: Prospective study of patients presenting to Labor and Delivery. Exclusion criteria were preterm premature ruptured membranes (PPROM) and placenta previa. Visual and digital assessments of cervical dilation, effacement, position, and station of fetal presenting part were made. Correlation between visual and digital examinations was measured using Spearman rank correlation coefficient (COR). A p-value<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The study involved a total of 107 patients at a mean gestational age of 32.3 weeks (range 17-41). Seven patients had ruptured membranes, and 46 were nulliparous. Visual assessment correlated with digital examination for all parameters measured with Spearman rank correlation coefficients between 0.618 and 0.686 (all significant at p<0.001). Correlations between visual and digital assessment of cervical dilation, effacement, station, and position were not as strong (0.291-0.699), but remained significant (p<0.02) in a subgroup of 50 preterm patients<34 weeks gestation. CONCLUSION: Visual assessment correlates with digital examination of the cervix. This correlation remained significant in a subset of preterm patients with intact membranes.

Cervix Uteri↗
PubMed2005

The efficacy of sonographically indicated cerclage in multiple gestations.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of sonographically indicated cerclage in multiple gestations with sonographic evidence of short cervical length (CL). METHODS: Between 1996 and 2002, all multiple gestations undergoing serial CL determinations in the second trimester were identified in 2 separate institutions. Cervical lengths were measured sonographically with transvaginal probes (4-8 MHz). Short CL was defined as a closed CL of 2.5 cm or less. When a short CL was identified before 24 weeks, the study group underwent sonographically indicated cerclage via the modified Shirodkar technique; control patients were placed on bed rest without surgical intervention. The primary outcome was incidence of spontaneous preterm birth before 32 weeks. The groups were compared with the Mann-Whitney U test and the Fisher exact test, with a 2-sided P<.05 used to define statistical significance. Odds ratios were calculated, and 95% confidence intervals were reported. RESULTS: A total of 414 sets of twin gestations and 92 sets of triplet gestations were identified. The median gestational age at delivery for twin gestations was 34.0 weeks for patients who received cervical cerclage and 34.4 weeks for patients with short cervix and no cerclage (P=.77). The median gestational age at delivery for triplet gestations was 34.1 weeks for patients who received cervical cerclage and 33.0 weeks for patients with short cervix and no cerclage (P=.21). There was no difference in the rate of spontaneous preterm delivery at fewer than 28, 30, 32, and 34 weeks or in the rate of preterm premature ruptured membranes. CONCLUSIONS: In our study of multiple gestations with short CL, sonographically indicated cerclage was not associated with a lower incidence of spontaneous preterm delivery compared with conservative management.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Pregnancy outcomes after treatment for fibromyomata: uterine artery embolization versus laparoscopic myomectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare pregnancy outcomes in women with fibromyomata who were treated with uterine artery embolization to the outcomes in women who were treated with laparoscopic myomectomy. STUDY DESIGN: We compiled data from 53 pregnancies after uterine artery embolization and 139 pregnancies after laparoscopic myomectomy. We calculated and compared rates for spontaneous abortion, postpartum hemorrhage, preterm delivery, cesarean delivery, small for gestational age, and malpresentation. RESULTS: Pregnancies after uterine artery embolization had higher rates of preterm delivery (odds ratio, 6.2; 95% CI, 1.4, 27.7) and malpresentation (odds ratio, 4.3; 95% CI, 1.0, 20.5) than did pregnancies after laparoscopic myomectomy. The risks of postpartum hemorrhage (odds ratio, 6.3; 95% CI, 0.6, 71.8) and spontaneous abortion (odds ratio, 1.7; 95% CI, 0.8, 3.9) after uterine artery embolization were similarly higher than the risks after laparoscopic myomectomy; however, these differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Pregnancies in women with fibromyomata who were treated by uterine artery embolization, compared with pregnancies after laparoscopic myomectomy, were at increased risk for preterm delivery and malpresentation.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗
PubMed2004

Prior cone biopsy: prediction of preterm birth by cervical ultrasound.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to determine the predictive accuracy for preterm birth of transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) of the cervix in women with a prior cone biopsy. STUDY DESIGN: Pregnant patients with a history of cervical cone biopsy by cold knife, loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), or laser were monitored prospectively with TVU of the cervix between 16 and 24 weeks. The predictive value of TVU was evaluated by using less than 25 mm cervical length as criteria for the definition of a short cervix. The primary outcome was spontaneous preterm birth less than 35 weeks. RESULTS: Of 109 women with prior cone biopsy identified, 55 had LEEP, 45 cold knife, and 9 laser cone biopsies. Thirty (28%) had a short cervix, with 9 (30%) having spontaneous preterm birth less than 35 weeks. Seventy-nine (72%) did not have a short cervix, with 5 (6%) having spontaneous preterm birth less than 35 weeks. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for spontaneous preterm birth were 64%, 78%, 30%, and 94%, respectively (relative risk [RR] 4.7, 95% CI 1.6-15.3). CONCLUSION: TVU of the cervix is predictive of preterm birth in women with prior cone biopsy.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Solid pseudopapillary pancreatic tumor in pregnancy. A case report.

BACKGROUND: Solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT) of the pancreas is a rare neoplasm, occurring predominantly in young African American women. Tumor growth, which is typically slow, may be accelerated during pregnancy secondary to the influence of progesterone. CASE: We report a rare case of an 8-cm SPT in the head of the pancreas presenting as hyperemesis gravidarum during pregnancy. In contrast to previous case reports, surgical resection of the tumor at 16 weeks' gestation, although successful, did not ameliorate the patient's abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting. With intravenous nutritional support, she delivered a healthy infant near term. CONCLUSION: SPT may present as hyperemesis gravidarum. Patients with refractory hyperemesis gravidarum should be evaluated for thyroid disease, gastroesophageal reflux, cholestasis and pancreatitis. If these more common etiologies are excluded, then one may consider SPT in the differential diagnosis, particularly in African American patients. SPT may grow during pregnancy due to progesterone responsiveness. Surgical resection during pregnancy is possible without harmful fetal effects but may not correct gastrointestinal dysfunction during pregnancy.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Conventional management of maternal red cell alloimmunization compared with management by Doppler assessment of middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to compare management of red blood cell alloimmunization by Doppler measurement of middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA-PSV) to conventional management with amniocentesis. STUDY DESIGN: A historical cohort of 28 fetuses at risk for anemia caused by red blood cell alloimmunization was followed between 1999 and 2002 at a single institution. The decision to perform percutaneous umbilical cord blood sampling (PUBS) was based on conventional management. MCA-PSV Doppler was measured before amniocentesis or PUBS but not used clinically. RESULTS: Twenty-eight fetuses were followed up: 4 had severe anemia, 1 had moderate anemia, 3 had mild anemia, and 20 were nonanemic. Conventional management had a sensitivity and positive predictive value for moderate-to-severe anemia of 80% and 44%, with a false-positive rate of 56%. In the same patients, MCA-PSV Doppler had a sensitivity and positive predictive value for moderate-to-severe anemia of 100% and 71%, with a false-positive rate of 28%. CONCLUSION: Compared with conventional management, MCA-PSV Doppler may have a better predictive accuracy for moderate-to-severe fetal anemia in red blood cell alloimmunization. Management by MCA-PSV Doppler may eliminate the need for amniocentesis and reduce the number of PUBS performed in red blood cell-alloimmunized pregnancies.

Amniocentesis↗
PubMed2003

Obstetric management of the patient with spinal cord injury.

Pregnancies in spinal cord-injured patients present unique clinical challenges to obstetric providers. Spinal cord injury (SCI) alters the function of multiple organ systems, and chronic medical conditions are extremely common in this patient population. Autonomic dysreflexia (ADR) is a potentially life-threatening complication of SCI, usually involving patients with spinal cord lesions at or above the T6 level. Intrapartum care of women with SCI is particularly complicated, and labor is the period during which ADR is most likely to arise. A multidisciplinary team in a unit capable of invasive hemodynamic monitoring should deliver these patients. Epidural anesthesia should be administered early in labor to prevent ADR. If proper precautions are taken, most patients with SCI will have successful vaginal deliveries at term.

Autonomic Dysreflexia↗
PubMed2002

Pregnancy after uterine artery embolization.

BACKGROUND: Uterine artery embolization is an increasingly popular alternative to hysterectomy and myomectomy as a treatment for uterine leiomyoma. Whether this procedure is safe for women desiring future fertility is controversial. CASES: A primigravida who had previously undergone uterine artery embolization had premature rupture of membranes at 24 weeks. She had a cesarean delivery at 28 weeks, which was followed by uterine atony requiring hysterectomy. A primigravida who had previously undergone uterine artery embolization delivered appropriately grown dichorionic twins at 36 weeks. An analysis of the 50 published cases of pregnancy after uterine artery embolization revealed the following complications: malpresentation (17%), small for gestational age (7%), premature delivery (28%), cesarean delivery (58%), and postpartum hemorrhage (13%). CONCLUSION: Women who become pregnant after uterine artery embolization are at risk for malpresentation, preterm birth, cesarean delivery, and postpartum hemorrhage.

Adult↗