Gestational diabetes mellitus.
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Diabetes, Gestational↗
Biomedical subjects
R B Gherman
Publications and source records attributed to R B Gherman.
Successful pregnancy outcome in a woman with a gain-of-function mutation of the calcium-sensing receptor. A case report.
BACKGROUND: Gain-of-function mutations of the calcium-sensing receptor gene have recently been identified as a cause of familial hypercalciuric hypocalcemia. There have been no earlier reported cases of pregnancy among patients with this disorder. CASE: A 26-year-old woman, gravida 1, para 0, was diagnosed at age 18 as being a heterozygous carrier of a mutation in the calcium-sensing receptor gene. Stable maternal hypocalcemia was achieved during pregnancy with high-dose calcium and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 therapy. Prenatal diagnosis was accomplished via amniocentesis at 16 weeks' gestation. The patient underwent cesarean delivery at 35 5/7 weeks' gestation after developing the HELLP syndrome. CONCLUSION: Patients with mutations of the calcium-sensing receptor may have a successful pregnancy outcome. This abnormality may be transmitted to the fetus via an autosomal dominant pattern.
Adult↗
Symphyseal separation, sacroiliac joint dislocation and transient lateral femoral cutaneous neuropathy associated with McRoberts' maneuver. A case report.
BACKGROUND: McRoberts' maneuver is often used prophylactically with the onset of active maternal expulsive efforts or immediately before delivery of the fetus. CASE: A 31-year-old woman, gravida 1, para 0, at 39 + 2 weeks' gestational age, was continuously maintained in an exaggerated lithotomy position while actively pushing during the second stage of labor. Immediately following spontaneous vaginal delivery of a 3,598-g infant, the patient noted left gluteal pain and left anterior thigh dysesthesia. Orthopedic evaluation revealed a 5-cm symphyseal separation, sacroiliac joint dislocation and transient lateral femoral cutaneous neuropathy. The patient underwent closed reduction of the left hemipelvis, followed by open reduction and internal fixation of the symphysis pubis two weeks later after failing conservative treatment. CONCLUSION: Although McRoberts' maneuver is generally safe, care should be exercised with use of excessive force or prolonged placement of the patient's legs in a hyperflexed position.
Adult↗
Increased cesarean delivery rate: no effect on brachial plexus palsy.
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Brachial Plexus↗
Obstetric maneuvers for shoulder dystocia and associated fetal morbidity.
OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the fetal injury rate associated with shoulder dystocia and to determine whether there is a higher rate of brachial plexus injury or bone fracture when fetal manipulation techniques are required for delivery. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of 285 cases of shoulder dystocia that occurred between January 1991 and December 1995 was performed. The type, sequence, and combination of obstetric maneuvers used to relieve the shoulder dystocia were noted. These cases were divided into two groups, as follows: (1) those resolved with McRoberts' maneuver, suprapubic pressure, or proctoepisiotomy or a combination of these and (2) those that required the addition of direct fetal manipulative maneuvers (Woods, posterior arm, or Zavanelli). Fetal injury was defined as the occurrence of brachial plexus palsy, clavicular fracture, humeral fracture, or fetal death caused by asphyxial complications. RESULTS: The fetal injury rate was 24.9% (71/285), including 48 (16.8%) brachial plexus palsies, 27 (9.5%) clavicular fractures, and 12 (4.2%) humeral fractures. Sixteen infants had both nerve injury and bone fracture. Four (8.9%) brachial plexus palsies had documented persistence at 1 year of follow-up. One neonatal death occurred at age 3 months after an episode of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. The incidence of bone fracture was not higher when direct fetal manipulation was required: 21 of 127 (16.5%) versus 18 of 158 (11.4%), p = 0.21. The incidence of brachial plexus palsy was also similar in both groups (27/127 vs 21/158, p = 0.1). CONCLUSIONS: Direct fetal manipulation techniques used to alleviate shoulder dystocia are not associated with an increased rate of bone fracture or brachial plexus injury.
Adult↗
Spontaneous vaginal delivery: a risk factor for Erb's palsy?
OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine whether Erb's palsies occurring in the absence of shoulder dystocia differ from those occurring after shoulder dystocia. STUDY DESIGN: We compared the time course of resolution and incidence of persistent injury at 1 year of age in 17 cases of Erb's palsy without shoulder dystocia and 23 cases associated with shoulder dystocia. RESULTS: The rate of persistence at 1 year was significantly higher in those Erb's cases without identified shoulder dystocia, 7 of 17 (41.2%) versus 2 of 23 (8.7%), p = 0.04. These cases of Erb's palsies also took longer to resolve (6.4 +/- 0.9 vs 2.6 +/- 0.7 months, p = 0.002), had a higher rate of associated clavicular fracture (12 of 17 vs 5 of 23, p = 0.006), and were more likely to occur in the posterior arm (10 of 15 vs 4 of 21, p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Erb's palsy occurring without shoulder dystocia may be a qualitatively different injury than that occurring with shoulder dystocia.
Adult↗
Symphyseal separation and transient femoral neuropathy associated with the McRoberts' maneuver.
Many authors have recommended the McRoberts' maneuver as the initial technique in the management of shoulder dystocia. There have been, however, no reported adverse maternal outcomes associated with this technique. We report a case of symphyseal separation and transient femoral neuropathy associated with the McRoberts' maneuver. An overly exaggerated lithotomy position and thigh abduction stretches the articular surfaces of the symphysis pubis and places increased pressure on the femoral nerve by the overlying inguinal ligament.
Adult↗
Experience with oral methylprednisolone in the treatment of refractory hyperemesis gravidarum.
OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to describe the effect of oral methylprednisolone on the course of refractory hyperemesis gravidarum. STUDY DESIGN: Patients with intractable hyperemesis gravidarum were candidates for oral methylprednisolone. Forty-eight milligrams per day was given for 3 days followed by a tapering dose over 2 weeks. If vomiting recurred after 2 weeks of therapy or during tapering, the medication was restarted or extended but not longer than 1 month total. RESULTS: Seventeen of 18 patients (94%) were free of vomiting and were able to tolerate a regular diet within 3 days. Seven did not have further symptoms during their pregnancies. Nine vomited during or after tapering, but 7 of these responded to extension or reinstitution of therapy. Four of 6 patients on total parenteral nutrition at the start of therapy had a complete response within 3 days. CONCLUSIONS: A short course of oral methylprednisolone appears to be a reasonable therapeutic alternative for intractable hyperemesis.
Adolescent↗
Shoulder dystocia.
Shoulder dystocia continues to represent a largely unpredictable and potentially disastrous obstetric emergency. Recent attention has been focused on the effectiveness of obstetric maneuvers employed to alleviate shoulder dystocia. Reports have also questioned the traditional thinking that brachial plexus injury is caused by application of excessive lateral traction to the fetal head. Rather, in-utero forces may underlie a significant portion of these injuries.
Delivery, Obstetric↗
Brachial plexus palsy associated with cesarean section: an in utero injury?
OBJECTIVE: Brachial plexus injury may be unrelated to manipulations performed at the time of delivery, occurring in the absence of shoulder dystocia and in the posterior arm of infants with anterior shoulder dystocia. To further support the hypothesis that some of these nerve injuries appear to be of intrauterine origin, we present a series of brachial plexus palsies associated with atraumatic cesarean delivery among fetuses presenting in the vertex position. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a computerized search of all deliveries from 1991 to 1995 for the discharge diagnoses of brachial plexus injury and cesarean section. Inclusion criteria included cephalic presentation at the time of delivery and the absence of traumatic delivery. RESULTS: We noted six cases of Erb's palsy, with four palsies in the anterior shoulder and two in the posterior arm. Among those five patients undergoing cesarean section because of labor abnormalities, two had uterine cavity abnormalities whereas one had a prolonged second stage of labor. One brachial plexus palsy occurred in the absence of active labor. All nerve injuries were persistent at age 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Brachial plexus palsy can be associated with cesarean delivery. Such palsies appear to be of intrauterine origin and are more likely to persist.
Adult↗
The McRoberts' maneuver for the alleviation of shoulder dystocia: how successful is it?
OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine the rate of success of the McRoberts' maneuver as the initial treatment for shoulder dystocia and to compare the rate of maternal and neonatal morbidity with those cases of shoulder dystocia requiring additional obstetric maneuvers. A secondary goal was to assess those factors associated with successful McRoberts' maneuvers. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of shoulder dystocia cases occurring between 1991 and 1994 was performed. The identified cases were divided into two groups on the basis of the maneuvers used to relieve the shoulder dystocia. The first group comprised cases in which the McRoberts' maneuver was used as the sole treatment and the second group consisted of cases in which additional maneuvers were subsequently used. Exclusion criteria included lack of documentation concerning the maneuvers used or cases in which the McRoberts' maneuver was not the initial technique used. The two groups were compared with respect to various antepartum, intrapartum, and neonatal characteristics. RESULTS: During the study period we identified 250 cases of shoulder dystocia among 44,072 vaginal deliveries, for an incidence of 0.57%. Of these, 236 cases (94%) fulfilled entry criteria. The McRoberts' position alone successfully alleviated the shoulder dystocia in 98 cases (42%). In the group of cases where the McRoberts' maneuver was the sole maneuver used, there were significantly lower mean birth weights (p = 0.008), shorter durations of the active phase of labor (p = 0.009), and shorter second stages (p < 0.0001). In the group of cases that required additional maneuvers to relieve the shoulder dystocia, there was a trend toward an increased incidence of postpartum hemorrhage and brachial plexus injury (p = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that the McRoberts' maneuver is associated with a significant degree of success in relieving shoulder dystocia and may be associated with decreased morbidity compared with other maneuvers. On the basis of these findings, we recommend the McRoberts' maneuver as the initial technique for disimpaction of the anterior shoulder.
Adult↗
Intrapartum rupture of the unscarred uterus.
OBJECTIVE: To examine risk factors and maternal and neonatal outcomes in ten cases of intrapartum rupture of the unscarred uterus. METHODS: Uterine ruptures in women without previous cesarean deliveries were identified from an ongoing log for a 12-year period beginning January 1, 1983. Detailed information was obtained by review of hospital records. RESULTS: From January 1, 1983, through December 31, 1994, we identified 13 uterine ruptures in women without previous cesarean deliveries. Three resulted from motor vehicle accidents and were excluded from analysis. Ten occurred during labor and are the subjects of our report. The incidence of intrapartum rupture of an unscarred uterus was 1 in 16,849 deliveries. Associated factors included oxytocin use (four cases), prostaglandin use (three cases), use of vacuum or forceps (three cases), grand multiparity (two cases), and malpresentation (two cases). Intervention was prompted by fetal heart rate decelerations in seven cases and by severe hemorrhage in three. Uterine rupture was associated with acute abdominal pain in six cases, maternal tachycardia in five, and severe hypotension in two. Neonatal outcomes were normal in nine cases. There were no maternal or perinatal deaths. CONCLUSION: Intrapartum rupture of the unscarred uterus is a rare obstetric emergency. Maternal and perinatal outcomes are optimized by awareness of risk factors, recognition of clinical signs and symptoms, and prompt surgical intervention.
Adult↗
Chlamydial psittacosis during pregnancy: a case report.
BACKGROUND: Chlamydia psittaci infection typically causes a mild influenza-like illness in humans. However, during pregnancy, this disease may present with severe headache, hypoxemia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, hepatic dysfunction, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Limited reports of ovine-acquired psittacosis indicate appreciable maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality. CASE: A 19-year-old woman, gravida 1, para 0, at 32 weeks and 3 days' gestation developed C psittaci pneumonia after exposure to a parakeet. Worsening maternal respiratory status, development of a coagulopathy, and fetal compromise prompted cesarean delivery. CONCLUSION: Avian strains of C psittaci can cause atypical pneumonia during pregnancy. Massive placental infection with impaired placental perfusion may ensue subsequently. Given the serious nature of the disease and the ineffectiveness of erythromycin treatment, administration of tetracyclines may be justified, despite the possible adverse fetal effects. With persistent disease, early delivery of the fetus may provide good maternal and fetal outcomes.
Adult↗
Granulosa cell tumor of the ovary associated with antecedent tamoxifen use.
BACKGROUND: Increased attention has been focused recently on the estrogenic effects of tamoxifen. Review of the literature reveals an association between tamoxifen use and gynecologic tumors. CASE: A 52-year-old postmenopausal woman was treated with tamoxifen for stage II estrogen receptor-positive breast carcinoma. Her aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase levels increase markedly after 6 months of tamoxifen use. After an additional 17 months of elevated serum transaminases, the patient was found to have a stage Ic granulosa cell tumor of the ovary. CONCLUSION: Patients with tamoxifen-induced liver dysfunction may be at increased risk for granulosa cell tumors because of alterations in tamoxifen metabolism.
Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal↗
Ballantyne syndrome: is placental ischemia the etiology?
Ballantyne syndrome is a condition in which the gravid patient essentially "mirrors" the in utero state of the hydropic fetus. The exact pathophysiological mechanism, however, is unclear. At 25 weeks gestation, a 28-year-old G3P2 presented with acute onset lower extremity edema, hyperuricemia, polyhydramnios, generalized pruritus, hemodilutional anemia, and pre-term labor. The human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) level was markedly elevated, at 570,020 mIU/ml. Postpartum, she developed a pre-eclampsia-like syndrome with oliguria and pulmonary effusions. Associated placental findings included a 8 x 7 x 7 cm chorangioma. Underlying placental ischemia, reflected by a hyperproliferative trophoblast, increased hCG secretion, and increased placental resistance may account for the maternal findings of Ballantyne syndrome.
Adult↗
Recurrent fetal cystic hygroma with normal chromosomes: case report and review of the literature.
Recurrence of fetal cystic hygroma in subsequent pregnancies is extremely rare. A review of the literature to date revealed only two other reports of recurrence with normal fetal karyotypes documented in at least two of the affected pregnancies. At 11 weeks' gestation, the fetus of a 19-year-old gravida 3 para 0 was discovered to have a large cystic hygroma. Subsequent evaluation during the second trimester revealed increasing size of the septated nuchal mass and ascites. A 46,XX fetal karyotype was noted in her two prior pregnancies, both of which had also been complicated by the development of cystic hygroma and nonimmune hydrops. Cystic hygroma, associated with a normal karyotype, can be inherited as an autosomal recessive trait.
Adult↗