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Biomedical subjects

M W Tomlinson

Publications and source records attributed to M W Tomlinson.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

Does delivery improve maternal condition in the respiratory-compromised gravida?

OBJECTIVE: To describe the effect of delivery on respiratory status and outcome in the respiratory-compromised pregnant woman. METHODS: During 1990-1994, 10 patients requiring intubation for respiratory compromise who delivered during ventilatory support were identified by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes. Charts were reviewed retrospectively for cardiorespiratory variables and outcome. RESULTS: Pneumonia led to intubation in all but one case. The onset of labor was spontaneous in eight. Three were delivered by cesarean. Mechanical ventilation was used for a median (range) of 7 (2-22) days in surviving patients. Fraction of inspired oxygen requirements decreased an average of 28% by 24 hours after delivery. Positive end-expiratory pressure requirements remained unaltered. Surviving patients remained intubated for a median (range) of 2.6 (1-19) days postpartum. Three women died, all after vaginal delivery (days 4-14). CONCLUSION: Delivery of respiratory-compromised gravidas resulted in a 28% reduction in fraction of inspired oxygen requirement within 24 hours after delivery. Although most patients were then able to be maintained below critical fraction of inspired oxygen requirement levels (under 0.6), dramatic improvement in overall respiratory function was not observed uniformly. Given the limited benefit of delivery on maternal oxygenation, along with the inherent risks of labor induction in this critically ill population, caution should be exercised in initiating the induction process electively.

Adolescent↗

Testosterone-producing benign cystic teratoma with virilism. A case report.

BACKGROUND: Mature cystic teratomas are common tumors in reproductive-age women. Biologic activity in a small percentage of these neoplasms is well recognized. Thyroid hormone is the most commonly secreted substance. CASE: A 25-year-old woman presented with a large abdominal mass and virilism. Preoperative evaluation revealed elevated creatinine and testosterone levels and anemia. Computed tomography (CT) showed fat-fluid levels and multiple calcifications within the mass and obstruction of the right kidney. At surgery a 30-cm left ovarian mass was removed. Left ovarian vein testosterone levels were markedly elevated. Pathology reported a mature cystic teratoma. Postoperatively the testosterone levels returned to normal. CONCLUSION: In rare instances androgen production and virilization may occur with mature cystic teratoma.

Adult↗

Computer-generated admission forms have greater accuracy.

We examined the accuracy of computer-generated admission forms to standardized handwritten admission forms for 40 patient records. There was a mean of 8.3 errors among handwritten forms but only 0.9 errors among computerized forms (p < 0.0001). Written forms had seven serious errors versus one for computerized forms (p < 0.05). We conclude that computerized admission forms have superior accuracy.

Admitting Department, Hospital↗

Changes in health care delivery: a threat to academic obstetrics.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to examine the effect of anticipated health care policy changes on delivery trends at leading academic obstetric institutions. STUDY DESIGN: The 51 centers in the United States with the most Society of Perinatal Obstetricians presentations in the past 2 years were surveyed regarding annual deliveries from 1990 to 1993 and reasons for any changes. Analysis of variance and chi 2 analysis were used as appropriate. RESULTS: Complete data were available from 43 hospitals representing 39 institutions. Their 1990 to 1993 delivery rates declined faster than United States delivery rates (12.3% vs 2.0%, p < 0.0001). The largest hospitals (> 6000 deliveries) had a decline of 18.2% compared with declines of 9.0% for medium and 0.9% for small hospitals (< 2500 deliveries). Regionally the greatest impact was seen in the West and the South, with 22% and 12% declines, respectively (p < 0.05). Reasons cited for the decline included competition from private or community physicians or hospitals (59%) and managed care (15%). CONCLUSION: As the national health care debate focuses on cost containment and coverage, we believe the potential effects of national policy on research and education should be considered. Continued selective reduction in deliveries at academic institutions can be expected to adversely affect research and education.

Delivery of Health Care↗

Isolated mild ventriculomegaly: associated karyotypic abnormalities and in utero observations.

OBJECTIVE: The incidence of abnormal chromosomes in fetuses with mild lateral ventriculomegaly as an isolated prenatal ultrasound finding is not well established, and the rate of progression to more severe ventriculomegaly is uncertain. We wished to better define both the incidence of karyotypic abnormalities and the in utero course of fetuses with isolated mild ventriculomegaly. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: From July 1992 to September 1994, all cases of mild ventriculomegaly at our institution were reviewed (N = 94). Forty-six were isolated. Of these, 25 had genetic evaluation, and 37 had serial ultrasound examination. We evaluated the frequencies of karyotype abnormality and in utero progression for atrial measurements of 11-15 mm. RESULTS: In fetuses with atria 11-15 mm, three of the 25 karyotypes were abnormal (47 XXY and two 47 + 21, giving an incidence of 12% (95% CI 4.2-30.1%). Of the 37 with serial scans, five resolved in utero, 11 remained unchanged, and 20 progressed (one beyond 15 mm). CONCLUSION: Isolated mild ventriculomegaly is associated with a significantly increased incidence of chromosomal abnormalities. Therefore, these patients should be offered genetic testing. When mild and isolated, some fetuses will show in utero resolution of the ventriculomegaly. Progression to more severe degrees of hydrocephalus is uncommon.

Cerebral Ventricles↗

Effects of intrapartum zidovudine therapy on fetal heart rate parameters in women with human immunodeficiency virus infection.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of intrapartum maternal administration of zidovudine on fetal heart rate (FHR) parameters in women infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). METHODS: Term HIV-infected women who delivered at our institution (1995-1998) were identified by medical records coding. Sixty minutes of FHR tracing prior to zidovudine administration and 60 min of FHR tracing 2 h after initiation of therapy were reviewed by 3 perinatologists blinded to patient status. Data were compared with paired t tests; p < 0.05 was considered significant. Inter- and intra-observer FHR interpretation variation were calculated. RESULTS: Ten patients met study criteria. Their demographic data included: Maternal age 26.5 +/- 6.5 years, gestational age 38.9 +/- 1.3 weeks, median parity 2 (range 0-3). Eighty percent were African American. There were no significant differences in FHR parameters after intravenous zidovudine therapy (pretreatment versus 2 h after treatment) with respect to FHR baseline (p = 0.2), FHR variability (p = 0.3), or the number of accelerations (p = 0.1). There was also no difference in the number of variable (moderate or severe), early, or prolonged decelerations following zidovudine infusion. CONCLUSION: Two hours of continuous intrapartum intravenous infusion of zidovudine does not alter any parameter of the FHR in the laboring HIV-infected gravida.

Adult↗