Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to S Depret.
We relate the embolization of a hematoma of the broad ligament which developed suddenly in the post-partum period. The radiological intervention could be considered as an alternative treatment. The decision for embolization must be a multidisciplinary decision involving all the specialists concerned (interventional radiologist, intensive care specialist, and obstetrician).
After a normal pregnancy and labour in a 29-year-old parturient, a single seizure followed by a transient headache was observed during the uterine revision for placental retention. Mild uterine haemorrhage of 150 ml per hour without any uterine atony was associated with activation of clotting and fibrinolysis (decrease of fibrinogen, elevated fibrin soluble complexes and D-dimers). A ten fold value of foetal blood cells in maternal serum suggested the diagnosis of amniotic fluid embolism. Atypical forms of amniotic fluid embolism and their diagnosis are discussed.
If pregnancy is very frequently normal, severe complications can appear for fetus, mother or both. The etiologies are various but preeclampsia and its complications remain one of the leading causes. The management is discussed according to the etiology and the severity of the disease and also the level of maternity and neonatal unit which can accept the newborn. However, all situation is a case apart and any decision will not be taken without concertation between obstetricians and neonatologists. In France, a regionalization policy is taking place to improve the maternal and neonatanal management.
OBJECTIVE: To report our experience with high doses (0.1-0.2 mg per 10 kg pregnant weight) of intravenous (IV) nitroglycerin as a uterine relaxing agent for managing internal podalic version of the second twin in transverse lie with unruptured membranes. METHODS: Between August 1994 and December 1997, we managed 22 cases of internal podalic version of the second twin with the administration of high doses of IV nitroglycerin. RESULTS: Twenty internal podalic versions were completed successfully, and two cases failed. One failure was considered not related to IV nitroglycerin because the patient had a panic attack, requiring general anesthesia for sedation. The internal podalic version then succeeded. The patient with true failure of IV nitroglycerin required emergency cesarean because of acute fetal bradycardia and a nonrelaxed uterus. This was the only nontransverse lie, but with a very high face presentation. One internal podalic version was complicated by hemorrhage (2000 mL). CONCLUSION: Intravenous nitroglycerin to induce uterine atonia, with epidural analgesia, avoids general anesthesia and makes internal podalic version easier. In 22 cases (with success in 20) of internal podalic version of the second twin in transverse lie with unruptured membranes, IV nitroglycerin induced transient and prompt uterine relaxation without affecting maternal and fetal outcomes.
Preeclampsia complicating 3% of all births is an important cause of maternal death and is associated with an increased risks of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Among the numerous theories proposed to explain this syndrome, the concept of placental ischaemia resulting in a generalized disturbance of endothelial physiology is receiving increasing support. Maternal immunological systems is often solicited during normal pregnancy. Most likely the immunological system is implicated in preeclampsia. Its responsibility is protean. Trophoblastic antigens may not be properly recognized by maternal immunologic system, resulting in a defect of trophoblastic invasion of the myometrial segment of the spiral arteries. Preeclampsia does not seem to be accompanied with trophoblast immunological rejection by the mother. Some cases of preeclampsia are associated with autoimmune phenomena. The autoantibodies could be directed against phospholipids or/and trophoblastic membrane components. Activated neutrophils release a variety of substances, capable of mediating vascular damage. An imbalance between the protective antioxidant activity and aggressive oxidant mechanisms could initiate the endothelial lesions. Preeclampsia could be one presentation of immunodystrophism with local excess of harmful cytokines. The immunologic system is probably not the initiator of preeclampsia, but its role is ambiguous: either the protective immunologic mechanisms usually operating during pregnancy can be surpassed, or immunologic responses are inadequate and directly aggressive. A better understanding of the underlying immunologic anomalies will improve the nosologic classification of preeclampsia syndrome.
We report our personal experience with 35 laparoscopically prepared vaginal hysterectomies performed over a 3 year period, for January 1990 to January 1993. We give our indications for this new technique present our results. We compared our results with those reported in the literature evaluating indications, technique and complications and demonstrate the numerous advantages of this new technique. Finally, a decision protocol has been prepared in order to chose the optimal approach according to the preoperative work-up.
An antenatal echography performed at 32 weeks of amenorrhoea revealed a formation in the liver. Other tests during the antenatal period were unable to provide an exact diagnosis which was only established after exploratory laparotomy after birth. A review of the literature showed that this hepatic tumour has been diagnosed in 3 reported cases antenatally. Haemangioendothelioma occurring during the antenatal period is difficult to diagnose and the severe forms discovered by echography have a poor prognosis.
The authors present a case of partial trisomy 12q associated with chylothorax, diagnosed at 30 weeks of pregnancy. Cordocentesis for the karyotype as well as thoracocentesis were carried out. In spite of the administration of tocolytic drugs the patient delivered a girl with multiple clinical abnormalities, who died at 7 days of age. From this case, the authors report 6 other cases of partial trisomy 12q in the literature, and, in the discussion they suggest the management after the diagnosis of hydrothorax has been made by ultrasound.