Biomedical subjects

P M Wisniewski

Publications and source records attributed to P M Wisniewski.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1991

Postpartum vaginal atrophy.

Postpartum vaginal atrophy has been briefly noted without adequate clinical description. We present a study of 215 puerperas at a scheduled 4-week postpartum visit, investigating colorpHast vaginal pH, vestibular cotton swab testing, vaginal wall tenderness, and both fixed and wet mount cytologic studies. Thirty-seven patients with vaginal atrophy (17.2%) had a mean pH of 6.55 with a mean maturation index of 49.2% parabasal, 46.5% intermediate, and 4.3% superficial cells. Eighty patients (37.2%) served as control subjects, with a mean maturation index of 0.3% parabasal, 73.6% intermediate, and 26.1% superficial cells, and a mean vaginal pH of 4.68. Ninety-eight patients (45.6%) were excluded for multiple confounding conditions, the most common of which was bacterial vaginosis in 37 (17.2%). This study demonstrates the existence of postpartum vaginal atrophy, notes lactation as an apparent causal factor, and establishes a statistically significant (p less than 0.0001) relationship between vaginal pH and maturation index. Further studies are needed to confirm therapeutic efficacy of estrogens.

Atrophy↗

PubMed1990

Studies on the transmission of viral disease via the CO2 laser plume and ejecta.

While recent reports have noted the presence of viral DNA sequences in the laser plume, no significant effort has been made to study transmission of the virus in vivo via airborne laser debris. Studies were undertaken to identify potential hazards to operating room occupants in gynecologic laser surgery. ACO2 laser in the continuous wave mode using a power density of 666 W/cm2 was fired through a 5-cm metal cylinder at virus-infected tissues. Airborne particulate debris, 100-200 microns, was removed from the cylinder's inner surfaces. In one instance, deposition of the debris was found on the surgeon's eyeglasses 1 m from the site of impact despite the use of a smoke evacuator. The first set of studies involved confirmed human papillomavirus (HPV) lesions of the human female lower genital tract. Specimens were collected for electron microscopy and Southern Blot viral hybridization. Additional cervical electron microscopy specimens were recovered from the speculum during pulsed CO2 laser treatment at 13 W average power during conization. Electron microscopy of the vulvar debris revealed only anucleate keratinized squamous epithelial cells. Cervical specimens demonstrated similar cells with nearly instantaneous vaporization of intracellular water and apparent condensation of cellular carbon. HPV Southern Blot testing revealed insufficient quantities of DNA for that technique. The second set of studies involved bovine papillomavirus lesions from dairy cattle. The debris was transmitted to susceptible animals. The bovine studies failed to demonstrate the transmission of disease in vivo.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

PubMed1990

Interferon for vulvar vestibulitis.

Eight women with human papillomavirus-associated vestibular adenitis were treated with locally administered alpha interferon, 1 million units, three times weekly for four consecutive weeks. Five patients had a complete remission, and one had a slight, transient improvement, with a relapse after the therapy ceased.

Adult↗

PubMed1988

Early diagnosis of a diverticular colovaginal fistula with colposcopy. A case report.

Seventy cases of colovaginal fistula complicating diverticular disease are documented in the literature. Predisposing factors are advanced age and previous hysterectomy. We diagnosed a case early on with careful colposcopic observation of the volcanic ejection of pus from multiple sites in the vaginal apex; we propose naming that phenomenon the "Io" sign after the most eruptive celestial body known. We also documented the association of a coloovarian fistula, ureteral obstruction and endometriosis with this disease process. Considering the expected growth in the geriatric population and the frequency of hysterectomy, clinicians should familiarize themselves with this life-threatening illness.

Aged↗