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S Marcoux

Publications and source records attributed to S Marcoux.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

A simple reconstructed human epidermis: preparation of the culture model and utilization in in vitro studies.

The preparation of a reconstructed human epidermis is described with examples of its utilization in in vitro studies. The model was obtained by culturing normal human keratinocytes at high cell density for 14 days in serum-free and high calcium (1.5 m M) medium on an inert polycarbonate filter at the air-liquid interface. These stratified cultures showed histological features similar to those observed in vivo in the epidermis: a proliferating basal layer and differentiating spinous, granular, and cornified layers. Electron microscopy illustrated lamellar bodies, junctions and keratohyalin granules. Immunofluorescent localization of epidermal markers (keratins 14 and 10, involucrin and filaggrin) revealed typical differentiation. This in vitro reconstructed tissue was used in studies of toxic effects of chemicals. The modelled tissue showed progressive cytotoxicity of a skin irritant (benzalkonium chloride) and a sensitizer (dinitrochlorobenzene) as assessed by MTT assay. Moreover, differential release of interleukin-1alpha and interleukin-8 were measured after 20 h of incubation allowing the irritant to be distinguished from the sensitizer. Permeation studies indicated efficient barrier function of the reconstructed epidermis, as well as metabolizing properties towards hormones. This model can be custom-made and is potentially useful for studies involving keratinocytes in the epidermis, in basic science, dermatology or toxicology.

Benzalkonium Compounds↗
PubMed2001

Secular trends in congenital anomaly-related fetal and infant mortality in Canada, 1985-1996.

Prenatal diagnosis of major congenital anomalies and subsequent termination of affected pregnancies has been widely available as part of routine obstetric care in recent years. In this study, vital statistical data on stillbirths, live births, and infant deaths were used to examine secular trends in gestational age-specific and category-specific fetal and infant mortality due to congenital anomalies in Canada (excluding Ontario and Newfoundland) from 1985-1996. Comparisons of the rates between 1985-1987 and 1994-1996 were made using relative risks and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The overall fetal mortality rate due to congenital anomalies increased significantly, from 68.0 per 100,000 total births in 1985-1987 to 78.6 per 100,000 total births in 1994-1996, while the overall infant mortality rate due to congenital anomalies decreased significantly over the same period, from 2.47 to 1.79 per 1,000 live births. The fetal death rate due to congenital anomalies at 20-21 weeks of gestation increased approximately five-fold (relative risk [RR] = 4.83, 95% CI = 3.28-7.11) from 4.5 to 21.5 per 100,000 fetuses at risk, while the rate at 37-41 weeks decreased by 30% (RR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.50-0.97). Fetal death rates among pregnancies at 20-25 weeks of gestation increased in all categories of congenital anomaly except anencephaly and respiratory system anomalies. Congenital anomaly-related fetal and infant deaths have increased at early gestation but declined at later gestation in Canada. These changes suggest an increase in prenatal diagnosis and selective termination of pregnancies with congenital anomalies in recent years.

Canada↗
PubMed2001

Comparison of maternal and infant outcomes between vacuum extraction and forceps deliveries.

The authors conducted a population-based historical cohort study in the Canadian province of Quebec to assess the maternal and infant outcomes associated with vacuum extraction and forceps deliveries. The study database contains information on 305,391 mother-infant dyads (linked by a common institutional code and hospital chart number) for singleton live vaginal births with a nonbreech presentation at the gestational age of 37 or more completed weeks and a birth weight between 2,500 and 4,000 g during fiscal years 1991/1992 to 1995/1996. Of the births, 31,015 were delivered by vacuum extraction, and 18,727 were delivered by forceps. Compared with delivery by forceps, the adjusted risk ratios for third-/fourth-degree perineal laceration, intracranial hemorrhage, subdural or cerebral hemorrhage, intraventricular hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, cephalhematoma, and neonatal in-hospital death were 0.48 (95% confidence interval: 0.45, 0.50), 1.28 (95% confidence interval: 0.73, 2.25), 0.97 (95% confidence interval: 0.49, 1.93), 0.99 (95% confidence interval: 0.16, 5.97), 5.44 (confidence interval: 1.26, 23.43), 2.02 (95% confidence interval: 1.89, 2.16), and 0.93 (95% confidence interval: 0.32, 2.70), respectively. The authors conclude that vacuum extraction causes less maternal trauma but may increase the risk of cephalhematoma and certain types of intracranial hemorrhage (e.g., subarachnoid hemorrhage).

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Risks of induction of labour in uncomplicated term pregnancies.

Our objective was to evaluate the risks of maternal and perinatal morbidity associated with induction of labour in uncomplicated term pregnancies. We conducted a retrospective cohort study including 7,430 women, not referred from another institution, with a single baby in vertex presentation, and delivering between 38 and 40 weeks of pregnancy. Among these women, 3,546 were excluded for prelabour pregnancy complications. Relative risks (RR), adjusted for parity, were computed to compare 3,353 women who went into labour spontaneously with 531 women whose labour was induced. Induction of labour was found to be associated with a higher risk of caesarean section [RR = 2.4, 95% CI 1.8, 3.4]. Use of non-epidural [RR = 1.5, 95% CI 1.2, 1.8] and of epidural analgesia [RR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.1, 1.7] was more frequent after labour induction. Resuscitation [RR = 1.2, 95% CI 1.0, 1.5], admission to the intensive care unit [RR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.0, 2.4] and phototherapy [RR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.0, 1.6] were more frequent after induction of labour. Results were similar when controlling simultaneously for parity, maternal age, gestational age, year of delivery, birthweight and the physician in charge of delivery in a logistic regression analysis. The results of this study suggests that induction of labour is associated with a higher risk of caesarean section and of some perinatal adverse outcomes. Induction of labour should be reserved for cases where maternal and perinatal benefits outweigh the risk of these complications.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Maternal asthma and pregnancy outcomes: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the relationship between asthma during pregnancy and selected infant and maternal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on mother-infant dyads identified from a linked infant and maternal hospital discharge database in the Canadian province of Quebec between fiscal years 1991-1992 and 1995-1996. Mothers with asthma (n = 2193) were compared with a randomly selected control sample (n = 8772) from the remaining population of mothers. RESULTS: After important confounding variables were accounted for, maternal asthma was significantly associated with several adverse infant outcomes, including preterm birth and birth of infants who are very small for gestational age, and adverse maternal outcomes, such as idiopathic preterm labor, early idiopathic preterm labor, preeclampsia, transient hypertension of pregnancy, pregnancy-associated hypertension, chorioamnionitis, and cesarean delivery. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that pregnant women with asthma are at substantially increased risk for several adverse infant and maternal outcomes and suggest the need for extra attention to mothers with asthma and their infants.

Abruptio Placentae↗
PubMed2001

Women's views on the practice of prenatal perineal massage.

OBJECTIVE: To determine how women who practised perineal massage during pregnancy assessed the technique. DESIGN: Observational study within one arm of a randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Five secondary and tertiary care hospitals in the Province of Quebec, Canada. PARTICIPANTS: Among 763 women randomised to the massage arm of a clinical trial of perineal massage during pregnancy, 684 (90%) who completed a questionnaire after delivery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A 20-item questionnaire completed a few days after birth. The first 18 questions elicited opinions using a 6-point Likert scale. Based on a factor analysis, 17 of these questions were classified into four categories: acceptability of perineal massage (8 items); preparation for birth (4 items); relationship with the partner (2 items); and effect of massage on delivery (3 items). Scores of each scale varied between 1 (highly negative assessment) to 6 (highly positive assessment). The last two questions asked whether women would perform the massage in their next pregnancy and whether they would recommend perineal massage to another pregnant woman. In addition, 262 also provided comments about their experience in the daily diary provided to record compliance during the trial. RESULTS: On average, perineal massage was felt to be quite acceptable [mean (standard deviation) 4.09 (0.93)]. Pain and technical problems reported during the first week or two of massage tended to disappear after a few weeks. Women's assessment of the effect of massage on preparation for birth [4.34 (1.08)] and on delivery [4.18 (1.37)] was positive. Women's views about the effect on their relationship with their partner were either positive or negative [3.54 (1.74)] and were proportional to the partner's participation with the massage. Most women said they would massage again if they were to have another pregnancy (79%; 95% CI, 76%-82%) and would recommend it to another pregnant woman (87%; 95% CI 84%-90%). CONCLUSION: Overall, women's assessment of prenatal perineal massage is positive.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Changes in stillbirth and infant mortality associated with increases in preterm birth among twins.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether the recent substantial increase in preterm birth among twins has been associated with changes in fetal and infant mortality. DESIGN: Cohort study based on information in the linked live birth, stillbirth, and mortality databases of Statistics Canada. SETTING: Ten of 12 provinces and territories in Canada. PARTICIPANTS: All twin live births and stillbirths between 1985 and 1996, along with information on deaths during infancy (1985-1997). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Fetal and infant mortality rates. RESULTS: The rate of preterm birth among twin live births increased significantly by 17% (95% confidence interval: 14%-20%) from 42.5% between 1985 and 1987 to 49.6% between 1994 and 1996. Overall, stillbirth rates among twins declined from 22.4 per 1000 total births in 1985 to 1987 to 18.8 per 1000 total births in 1994 to 1996. Among twin fetuses >/=34 weeks' gestation, stillbirth rates decreased from 9.5 per 1000 in 1985 to 1987 to 5.4 per 1000 fetuses at risk in 1994 to 1996. Infant mortality rates among twin live births declined substantially in all categories of gestational age above 24 weeks except for live births at 32 to 33 and 34 to 36 weeks' gestation. CONCLUSIONS: The recent increase in preterm birth among twins was associated with a substantial reduction in stillbirth rates at and near term gestation. Infant mortality rates declined concurrently, although the absence of a significant decrease in infant mortality among twin live births at 32 to 33 and 34 to 36 weeks' gestational age needs additional scrutiny.

Canada↗
PubMed2001

The association between perineal trauma and spontaneous perineal tears.

OBJECTIVE: We assessed whether women who had a perineal trauma (episiotomy or spontaneous tear of the second degree or higher) at the first delivery were at increased risk for spontaneous perineal tears at the next delivery, and whether the risk increases with the severity of previous perineal trauma. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. POPULATION: We included data from 1895 women who had their first and second deliveries at Saint-Sacrement Hospital, Quebec City, Canada, between 1985 and 1994. Our study was restricted to women who gave birth vaginally to a single living neonate at their first 2 deliveries and who did not have an episiotomy at the second delivery. We extracted the data from the Department of Obstetrics computerized database. OUTCOMES MEASURED: Spontaneous perineal tears (of second degree or higher) at the second delivery. RESULTS: Having a perineal trauma at the first delivery more than tripled the risk (relative risk=3.3; 95% confidence interval, 2.6-4.2) of spontaneous perineal tears at the second delivery. The risk of spontaneous perineal tears at the second delivery increased with the severity of previous perineal trauma at birth. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that the risk of spontaneous perineal tears at subsequent deliveries increases with the presence and the severity of perineal trauma at the first delivery.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Impact of prenatal glucose screening on the diagnosis of gestational diabetes and on pregnancy outcomes.

The authors examined the impact of universal screening on the diagnosis of gestational diabetes and its complications. All mothers and newborns registered by the Canadian Institute for Health Information from 1984 to 1996 (even-numbered fiscal years only) were included in the analysis. Over this time period, the proportion of women with gestational diabetes increased ninefold (from 0.3% to 2.7%) while the proportion with prepregnancy diabetes fell from 0.7% to 0.4%. As rates of gestational diabetes increased, a corresponding reduction in the risks of complications (polyhydramnios, amniotic cavity infection, cesarean delivery, and preeclampsia) occurred for women with gestational diabetes. The incidence of gestational diabetes fell in Metro-Hamilton (where screening was discontinued in 1989) but remained high in the rest of Ontario (where screening continued in most areas). No related temporal trends for fetal macrosomia, cesarean delivery, or other diabetes-related complications were observed, regardless of screening policy. The authors concluded that the substantial increase in gestational diabetes in Canada is an artifact caused by universal screening, with no evidence of beneficial effects on pregnancy outcomes.

Blood Glucose↗
PubMed2000

Rapid detection of group B streptococci in pregnant women at delivery.

BACKGROUND: Group B streptococcal infections are an important cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. A rapid method for the detection of this organism in pregnant women at the time of delivery is needed to allow early treatment of neonates. METHODS: We studied the efficacy of two polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) assays for routine screening of pregnant women for group B streptococci at the time of delivery. We obtained anal, vaginal, and combined vaginal and anal specimens from 112 pregnant women; in 57 women, specimens were obtained before and after the rupture of the amniotic membranes. The specimens were tested for group B streptococci by culture in a standard selective broth medium, with a conventional PCR assay, and with a new fluorogenic PCR assay. RESULTS: Among the 112 women, the results of the culture of the combined vaginal and anal specimens were positive for group B streptococci in 33 women (29.5 percent). The two PCR assays detected group B streptococcal colonization in specimens from 32 of these 33 women: the one negative PCR result was in a sample obtained after the rupture of membranes. As compared with the culture results, the sensitivity of both PCR assays was 97.0 percent and the negative predictive value was 98.8 percent. Both the specificity and the positive predictive value of the two PCR assays were 100 percent. The length of time required to obtain results was 30 to 45 minutes for the new PCR assay, 100 minutes for the conventional PCR assay, and at least 36 hours for culture. CONCLUSIONS: Colonization with group B streptococci can be identified rapidly and reliably by a PCR assay in pregnant women in labor both before and after the rupture of membranes.

Anal Canal↗
PubMed2000

Randomized trial of perineal massage during pregnancy: perineal symptoms three months after delivery.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of perineal massage performed during pregnancy on perineal symptoms 3 months after delivery. STUDY DESIGN: Pregnant women from 5 hospitals in the province of Quebec, Canada, participated in this single-blind, randomized, controlled trial. All participants received oral and written information on the prevention of perineal trauma. Women in the experimental group were taught the perineal massage technique and were asked to perform a 10-minute perineal massage daily from the 34th through 35th weeks of pregnancy until delivery. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire on perineal pain, dyspareunia, sexual satisfaction, and incontinence of urine, flatus, and stool at the time of enrollment and 3 months after delivery. RESULTS: Among participants without a previous vaginal birth there were no differences between the massage (n = 283) and the control (n = 289) groups with respect to perineal pain, dyspareunia, sexual satisfaction, and incontinence of urine, gas, or stool 3 months post partum. Among women with a previous vaginal birth more women in the massage group (n = 187) than in the control group (n = 190) were free of perineal pain (93.6% vs 85.8%; P =.01) but the frequencies of dyspareunia and incontinence of urine, gas, or stool were similar in the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Perineal massage during pregnancy neither impairs nor substantially protects perineal function at 3 months post partum.

Delivery, Obstetric↗
PubMed2000

Placenta praevia and male sex at birth: results from a population-based study.

This study examined the relationship between male sex at birth and placenta praevia in 433031 mother/infant dyads (linked by a common institutional code and hospital admission number) in the Canadian province of Quebec, during the fiscal years of 1991/92-1995/96. The male-to-female ratio among pregnancies with and without placenta praevia was calculated and compared. The male-to-female ratio at birth was higher in pregnancies complicated by a placenta praevia (1.19) than in those without it (1.04; P < 0.02). This increased ratio persisted after accounting separately for the potential confounding and/or modifying effects of maternal age, infant birthweight and gestational age by stratified and multiple logistic regression analyses. We conclude that pregnant women with male babies carry a higher risk of placenta praevia.

Birth Weight↗
PubMed2000

Multicenter, randomized, controlled trial of delayed pushing for nulliparous women in the second stage of labor with continuous epidural analgesia. The PEOPLE (Pushing Early or Pushing Late with Epidural) Study Group.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to determine whether a policy of delayed pushing for nulliparous women with continuous-infusion epidural analgesia reduces the risk of difficult delivery (cesarean delivery, operative delivery from a midpelvic position, low-pelvic procedures with rotation >45 degrees ). STUDY DESIGN: In this multicenter, randomized, controlled trial women in the delayed pushing group (n = 936) were advised to wait > or =2 hours after full dilatation before commencement of pushing. Women in the early pushing group (n = 926) were advised to commence pushing as soon as they had been randomly assigned. RESULTS: Difficult delivery was reduced with delayed pushing (relative risk, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.66-0.95). The greatest effect was on midpelvic procedures (relative risk, 0.72; 95% confidence interval, 0.55-0.93). Although there was little evidence for an effect on low-pelvic procedures, spontaneous delivery was more frequent among women who practiced delayed pushing (relative risk, 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.18). Abnormal umbilical cord blood pH (<7.15 venous value or <7.10 arterial value) was more frequent in the delayed pushing group (relative risk, 2.45, 95% confidence interval, 1.35-4. 43). However, scores for a summary indicator, the Neonatal Morbidity Index, were similarly distributed in the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Delayed pushing is an effective strategy to reduce difficult deliveries among nulliparous women.

Analgesia, Epidural↗
PubMed2000

[Multicenter randomized trial of amnioinfusion].

Meconium staining of the amniotic fluid in labor is a frequent problem that is associated with an increase in the risk of neonatal and maternal morbidity. Amnioinfusion is a simple technique that is designed to prevent neonatal and maternal morbidity associated with meconium. Preliminary studies indicate that amnioinfusion is a promising approach to the prevention of such complications of labor. However, further research is required. The primary objective of this multi-centre randomized controlled study is to determine if amnioinfusion for thick meconium stained amniotic fluid results in a reduction in perinatal death or moderate to severe meconium aspiration syndrome. We will also assess the effects of amnioinfusion on other indicators of neonatal morbidity and on cesarean section. The study includes an evaluation of womens views on their childbirth experience and an economic evaluation of a policy of amnioinfusion The study will be achieved with the collaboration of approximately 50 obstetrical centres from across Canada, US, Europe, South America and South Africa. This multicentre trial will provide urgently needed information on the efficacy and effectiveness of amniofusion for the indication of meconium stained amniotic fluid.

Amniotic Fluid↗
PubMed1999

Randomized controlled trial of prevention of perineal trauma by perineal massage during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of perineal massage during pregnancy for the prevention of perineal trauma at birth. STUDY DESIGN: Pregnant women with (n = 493) and without (n = 1034) a previous vaginal birth from 5 hospitals in the province of Québec, Canada, participated in this single-blind, randomized, controlled trial. All participants received oral and written information on the prevention of perineal trauma. Women in the experimental groups were requested to perform a 10-minute perineal massage daily from the 34th or 35th week of pregnancy until delivery. RESULTS: Among participants without a previous vaginal birth, 24.3% (100/411) from the perineal massage group and 15.1% (63/417) from the control group were delivered vaginally with an intact perineum, for a 9.2% absolute difference (95% confidence interval 3.8%-14.6%). The incidence of delivery with an intact perineum increased with compliance with regular practice of perineal massage (chi2 for trend 13.2, P = 0.0003). Among women with a previous vaginal birth, 34.9% (82/235) and 32.4% (78/241) in the massage and control groups, respectively, were delivered with an intact perineum, for an absolute difference of 2.5% (95% confidence interval -6.0% to 11.0%). There were no differences between the groups in the frequency of sutured vulvar and vaginal tears, women's sense of control, and satisfaction with the delivery experience. CONCLUSION: Perineal massage is an effective approach to increasing the chance of delivery with an intact perineum for women with a first vaginal delivery but not for women with a previous vaginal birth.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Job strain and pregnancy-induced hypertension.

In a case-control study we assessed whether exposure to high job strain during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy increases the risk of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension. Cases (128 with preeclampsia and 201 with gestational hypertension) and controls (N = 401) were primiparous women who had a paid occupation for at least 1 week during the first 20 weeks of their pregnancy and who delivered between 1984 and 1986 in 10 hospitals of Quebec, Canada. Based on their job title, we assigned women scores of psychological demand and decision latitude derived from the National Population Health Survey and classified these women as exposed to high (high demand, low latitude) versus low (low demand, high latitude) job strain. Women exposed to high job strain were more likely to develop preeclampsia [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1-4.1] than women exposed to low job strain. The risk was quite similar for women exposed to a full-time, high strain job (> or =35 hours per week) (aOR = 2.0) than in a part-time, high strain job (aOR = 1.8). High job strain increased the risk of gestational hypertension slightly (aOR = 1.3; 95% CI = 0.8-2.2). These results indicate that women exposed to high job strain are at higher risk of developing preeclampsia and, to a lesser extent, gestational hypertension.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Sweeping of the membranes to prevent post-term pregnancy and to induce labour: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of sweeping of the membranes to prevent post-term pregnancy and to induce labour. DESIGN: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials. METHODS: Potentially eligible trials were identified in Medline and in the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. Inclusion of studies and data extraction were performed by two reviewers working independently. Summary estimates of the effect of the intervention were computed as relative risks, risk differences and weighted mean differences. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Use of formal methods of labour induction, delay before spontaneous onset of labour, prevention of post-term pregnancy, side effects, maternal and perinatal morbidity. RESULTS: Sixteen reports were identified. Thirteen were included in the review, with a total of 1992 women. Sweeping of the membranes, when performed at term, reduced the duration of pregnancy and the proportion of women continuing pregnancy beyond 41 and 42 weeks. When sweeping of the membranes was performed, a reduction in the use of formal methods for labour induction was observed (RR = 0.48; 95% CI 0.28-0.85). There was no difference between groups in the mode of delivery or in the risk of infection. Discomfort during vaginal examination and other side effects (e.g. bleeding, irregular contractions) were more frequently reported by women allocated to sweeping. CONCLUSIONS: While sweeping of the membranes reduces the interval to spontaneous onset of labour, there is no evidence of a reduction in maternal or neonatal morbidity. When used as a means of induction of labour, the reduction in the use of formal methods must be balanced against women's discomfort and other side effects attributable to the procedure.

Extraembryonic Membranes↗