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Biomedical subjects

U Dan

Publications and source records attributed to U Dan.

18 recordsLinked to original sources

Increased incidence of high-order and singleton conceptions after ovulation induction in winter.

The possible relationship between the season of conception after ovulation induction and high-order multifetal pregnancies, was investigated. From 1975 to 1989, 111 high-order multiple births after ovulation induction were recorded at the Chaim Sheba Medical Center. This group was compared with 142 singleton pregnancies that resulted from induction of ovulation during 1989. Composite monthly cohorts of high-order multifetal pregnancies were constructed for each month of the year, and the probability of such pregnancies was estimated. The period of ovulation induction and the day of presumed conception were noted. A statistically-significant increase in the probability of high-order and singleton conceptions occurred during the winter. Our observation indicates a seasonal pattern in high order and singleton conceptions after ovulation induction.

Adolescent↗

Laparoscopic prophylactic oophorectomy in women belonging to ovarian cancer-prone families. Advantages and shortcomings.

Laparoscopic prophylactic oophorectomy was performed on four women who belonged to ovarian cancer prone families. The procedure was of short duration with an uncomplicated intra- and postoperative course and required only brief hospitalization. These merits may outweigh those of prophylactic oophorectomy performed by laparotomy during which hysterectomy is usually also performed. When prophylactic oophorectomy is contemplated, operative laparoscopy should also be considered.

Adult↗

A possible effect of ultrasound on RNA synthesis in cultured amniocytes.

The effect of both diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound on cellular RNA synthesis was investigated in amniocytes cultured in F-10 medium enriched with fetal calf serum. The rate of RNA synthesis was tested using incorporation of H3 uridine, which was added following the exposure to acid insoluble RNA. Cultured amniocytes which were not exposed to ultrasound served as the control. Different results were obtained following the two ranges of exposure. A significant decrease in RNA synthesis was demonstrated immediately following diagnostic ultrasound and a certain increase in RNA synthesis was demonstrated soon after exposure to therapeutic doses. These effects were transient and could not be shown 24 hours later. It is concluded that the routine use of ultrasound can not have any clinical implications on RNA synthesis.

Amniotic Fluid↗

The effect of thyroxine and corticosteroids upon amniotic fluid fluorescence polarization: a randomized controlled study.

The efficacy of glucocorticoid and intra amniotic thyroxine therapy on fetal lung maturity were compared in a randomized prospective clinical trial. Eighty two patients received either intra amniotic thyroxine (n = 36), or intra muscular Dexamethasone (n = 46). The Fluorescence Polarization (FP) of amniotic fluid measured prior to and one week following treatment were similar in the two groups. The rate of decrease in FP value per unit of time (dFP/dt) was identical in the T4 and corticosteroid treated patients and the proportion of immature FP values obtained was similar in the two groups. The effect of thyroxine therapy was more pronounced in pregnancies above 33 weeks gestation. Intra amniotic thyroxine therapy appeared to be as effective as glucocorticoids for the enhancement of fetal lung maturity. This therapeutic modality may be of particular use on pregnant subjects in whom a relative contra indication for the administration of steroids exists.

Amniotic Fluid↗

Induction of fetal lung maturation with intra-amniotic thyroxine in multiple pregnancy.

Two premature triplet pregnancies underwent repeated treatment aimed at acceleration of individual fetal lung maturity while administering intravenous tocolytic treatment. From the early third trimester, repeated amniocenteses were used for intra-amniotic administration of thyroxine to each sac, while the individual fetal lung maturation rate was determined by surfactant microviscosity until lung maturity was achieved.

Adult↗

Combined gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist/human menopausal gonadotropin therapy (GnRH-a/hMG) in normal, high, and poor responders to hMG.

Patients who failed to conceive after gonadotropin stimulation in in vitro fertilization treatment were classified into normal, high, or poor responders. They were routinely offered another cycle with a combination of a gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist and gonadotropin therapy (in order to evaluate whether this combined therapy could improve their response). The gonadotropin-induced cycle was compared with the combined therapy cycle. With the combination treatment, in the normal responders the phase of ovarian stimulation was significantly (P less than 0.001) prolonged, and the number of follicles and oocytes collected (5.7 +/- 0.7 vs 3.1 +/- 0.4) was increased, without any change in serum estradiol level compared to the control cycle. In high responders the number of oocytes was not modified by the combined treatment compared with the control cycle. However, serum estradiol level was significantly (P less than 0.005) decreased. The combined therapy did not modify any parameter of response in poor responders. We conclude that the response to combined agonist/gonadotropin therapy is dependent on the patient's own basal response. No improvement in response was expected in poor responders.

Delayed-Action Preparations↗

Intravenous pethidine and nalbuphine during labor: a prospective double-blind comparative study.

The perfect analgesic regimen is constantly sought, no matter how labor is conducted. The quest for an effective drug that will afford maximum relaxation and pain relief with minimum interruption of any natural homeostatic mechanism is a foremost subject in present obstetric analgesics research. Synthetic alternatives are being offered, promising perfect compatibility with the clinician's demands. Nalbuphine, a semisynthetic narcotic agonist-antagonist analgesic of the penanthren series, is supposed not to be liable to cause respiratory depression and is expected to have fewer side effects. A double-blind, randomised prospective study of 137 patients who received 10 mg nalbuphine or 50 mg pethidine i.v. during the active phase of labor in term was carried out. Maternal cardiovascular variables, pain intensity, progress of labor and fetal heart rate during labor were related to side effect and neonatal outcome (1- and 5-min Apgar scores and umbilical venous pH). Neither regimen showed an advantage over the other. Data analysis points to a possible transient depressive effect induced by nalbuphine on the fetal or neonatal central nervous system.

Analgesia, Obstetrical↗

Sonography-guided fetal blood sampling for pH and blood gases in premature fetuses with abnormal fetal heart rate traces.

In nine pregnancies, remote from term, with an abnormal Non-Stress Test (NST) and Bio-Physical Profile (BPP) of 3 or above, cordocentesis for fetal blood gas analysis was performed. In seven cases an immediate post-partum blood sample was taken from the fetal cord for a similar analysis. The two tests gave very similar results. The results showed fetal acidemia (pH 7.09-7.19 and B.E. -10-15) in 4 cases, followed by immediate delivery. In the remaining 5 cases, normal blood gases were evident (pH 7.28-7.35); despite the abnormal NST, pregnancy was allowed to continue for 2 to 7 weeks, under close supervision. At birth, 2 out of 9 newborns were deemed by the neonatologist suffering from asphyxia. Both belonged to the acidemic group of women who were managed by immediate cesarean section. The other 5 fetuses, which were managed expectantly, had normal post-partum blood gases or Apgar score; none had asphyxia. Fetal blood gas analysis, on samples obtained by cordocentesis, provides useful information that can assist in the management of premature fetuses suspected of being distressed, according to their heart traces. Normal fetal blood gases can identify those fetuses falsely identified by the NST as in distress and thereby spare them unnecessary premature birth with its known complications.

Acidosis↗

[Cordocentesis for prenatal diagnosis].

Cordocentesis for prenatal diagnosis was being performed in the seventies during the process of fetoscopy. Since then the technique has been used as a diagnostic tool for intrauterine infection, hematological and metabolic disorders and metabolic status of the fetus; and for rapid cytogenic analysis. We report our first 207 cordocenteses performed since December 1985. First puncture was successful in half the cases. The procedure resulted in termination of pregnancy in only 0.96% of cases. Though a new technique, cordocentesis is playing a major role in modern perinatology. The possibility of a direct route to fetal blood vessels early in pregnancy would lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment.

Blood Specimen Collection↗

Management of labor in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Transient thrombocytopenia may occur in infants born to mothers with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, suggesting transplacental passage of the antiplatelet factor. Labor in women with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura calls for a special management. Irrespective of the maternal platelet count, we believe that labor should be conducted vaginally but reassessed after a thrombocyte count of fetal scalp blood. Maternal thrombocytopenia, which may indicate a possible risk of coagulopathy, should be treated aggressively and followed up with replacement therapy. Percutaneous umbilical sampling is to be avoided because it carries an immediate risk of fetal and maternal complications. A count of 50,000/mm3, obtained early during the course of labor, may be taken as a threshold indicator for abdominal delivery via cesarean section.

Blood Platelets↗

Prenatal diagnosis using sonographic guided cordocentesis.

Cordocentesis has been practiced as a diagnostical tool for prenatal diagnosis of intrauterine infections, hematological disorders, metabolic status of the fetus and rapid cytogenetic analysis. The performance of 198 cordocentesis is presented over 3 years of experience. A 21 gauge spinal needle is inserted via the optimal point on the maternal abdomen under real-time ultrasonic guidance into the insertion of the umbilical cord in the placenta. Successful cordocentesis were achieved in 98.5% of the cases. Termination of pregnancy was directly related to the procedure in only 1%. Hematoma surrounding the puncturing site was demonstrated in one case, but without damage to the fetus. In our series the main indication for performing cordocentesis was the need for rapid karyotyping. The use of fetal lymphocytes for chromosomal analysis offers a rapid and a reliable method for routine clinical demands. The availability of a rapid chromosomal analysis offers a considerable advantage in pregnancies of advanced gestational age. In those pregnancies it appears to be most important to have a rapid diagnosis where anatomical structural anomalies are associated with chromosomal malformations in up to 30%. The metabolic status of the fetus is considered in either acute distress or in cases of suspected sub-optimal metabolic hemostasis, where IUGR or oligohydramnios are demonstrated. Cordocentesis, even though is a new technique, turns to play a major role in modern perinatology. The possibility of a direct rout to fetal blood vessels early during the pregnancy bears the tremendous potential of early diagnosis and treatment.

Female↗

Iatrogenic mechanical ileus due to over-distended uterus.

The combination of an over-distended uterus caused by a multiple-fetus pregnancy with therapeutic bed-rest may cause mechanical ileus. Iatrogenic triggering of a pathological consequence of events is presented in purpose to highlight the simplicity of its prevention.

Adult↗