Biomedical subjects

Naoki Tokunaga

Publications and source records attributed to Naoki Tokunaga.

2 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2002

Coagulation index to distinguish severe preeclampsia from normal pregnancy.

The purpose of this study was to establish a new coagulation index to distinguish severe preeclampsia from normal pregnancy using optimal coagulation parameters. The difference between platelet counts in early gestation and before delivery (DeltaPlt = [platelet counts before delivery] - [platelet counts in early gestation]) was calculated as an index of changes in platelet counts. Antithrombin (AT) activity, thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) complex, fibrin degradation products (FDP) D-dimer, and DeltaPlt were investigated in 72 cases of normal pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy and 56 cases of severe preeclampsia. The new coagulation index was calculated using multivariate logistic regression analysis. As a result, in a case using four parameters, the following formula was obtained: Y = (-0.019 x AT activity) + (0.067 x TAT) + (0.067 x D-dimer) + (-0.064 x DeltaPlt) + 0.706. According to this formula, coagulation indices in normal pregnant women and in patients with severe preeclampsia were -0.77 +/- 0.51 and 1.41 +/- 1.56, respectively (p < 0.0001). Among patients with severe preeclampsia, coagulation and fibrinolysis disorders before delivery were typical in patients terminated by cesarean section (coagulation index = 1.62 +/- 1.66) compared with those with successful vaginal delivery (coagulation index = 0.52 +/- 0.34) (p < 0.05). These facts suggest that an excessive hypercoagulable state is associated with the termination of pregnancy resulting from the aggravation of preeclampsia. From the viewpoint of coagulation and fibrinolysis disorders, the predictive value in order to decide the optimal time for the termination of pregnancy could be recommended when the coagulation index exceeded 1.20.

Antithrombins↗

PubMed2002

Anticholinergics induce eclamptic seizures.

Severe preeclampsia is a pathophysiological disorder specific to pregnancy and characterized by vasoconstriction and hypercoagulability. Eclampsia (convulsion associated with preeclampsia) and hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count associated with preeclampsia (HELLP syndrome) are serious complications in patients with severe preeclampsia. They are thought to be characterized by generalized vasoconstriction and reduction in blood flow to various organs that may be explained by increased sensitivity of the vascular smooth muscles and increased vasopressors. Liver involvement in eclampsia and preeclampsia is referred to as HELLP syndrome, and epigastric and right upper quadrant pain is often a symptom of severe preeclampsia and may be indicative of imminent convulsions. In addition, marked dilatation of the stomach and the colon is often demonstrated in these patients. These phenomena result from the hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system but are not caused by the hyperactivity of the parasympathetic nervous system. The authors experienced two cases of eclamptic seizures after the administration of an anticholinergic (scopolamine butylbromide) in patients with severe preeclampsia complicated by HELLP syndrome. Anticholinergics, blocking agents of the parasympathetic nervous system, can enhance the hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system; therefore, vasospasms of the vessels may be easily aggravated, and eclamptic seizures may be induced in patients with severe preeclampsia, especially in those complicated by HELLP syndrome. The administration of anticholinergics should be avoided in patients with severe preeclampsia, especially when there is epigastralgia.

Adult↗