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Biomedical subjects

W F O'Brien

Publications and source records attributed to W F O'Brien.

144 records · Page 8Linked to original sources
PubMed1981

Peritoneal fluid thromboxane B2 and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha in endometriosis.

An anatomic basis for the infertility associated with endometriosis is often lacking. The present study measured peritoneal fluid levels of two of the stable products of prostaglandin endoperoxides (thromboxane B2 and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha) in patients with and without endometriosis. Both compounds were significantly elevated in the endometriosis group (n = 15, p less than 0.05). This suggests an increase in the peritoneal fluid levels of thromboxane A2 and prostacyclin, both of which could act on tubal smooth muscle and interfere with tubal function. Such altered tubal function might explain the phenomenon of endometriosis-induced infertility when there is no direct damage to the reproductive organs.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗
PubMed1981

The role of prostaglandins in endotoxemia and comparisons in response in the nonpregnant, maternal, and fetal models. II. Alterations in prostaglandin physiology in the nonpregnant, pregnant, and fetal experimental animal.

The present study evaluates the response of the nonpregnant ewe, the pregnant ewe, and the fetal lamb with regard to prostaglandin physiology after E. coli endotoxin administration. Baseline levels are reported and response to a stimulator (E. coli endotoxin) and an inhibitor (indomethacin) of prostaglandin synthesis is evaluated. The results reveal that the prostaglandin response to stimulation or inhibition relies upon the baseline levels and that acute alterations of prostaglandin ratios may occur with inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. The fetus reacts differently than the pregnant and nonpregnant animal and appears to be resistant to the effects of endotoxin, which may be secondary to the elevated baseline fetal prostaglandin levels.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

The role of prostaglandins in endotoxemia: comparisons in response in the nonpregnant, maternal, and fetal models. I. Prostaglandins and the pulmonary effect of experimental endotoxemia.

The mechanism of respiratory distress in sepsis is unknown. Previous work has shown elevations of prostaglandins during sepsis. This study reveals a correlation between levels of prostaglandins F 2 alpha and E and pulmonary hypertension and other parameters of respiratory distress in oophorectomized ewes subjected to endotoxin. The use of prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors prior to endotoxin prevented the rise in prostaglandins and the development of respiratory distress.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

Clinical applicability of amniotic fluid tests for fetal pulmonic maturity.

Recent advances in the understanding of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome have led to a proliferation of amniotic fluid tests for fetal pulmonic maturity. Clinical application of these tests requires a knowledge of reliability, availability, and cost. This review outlines the major features of the most widely utilized pulmonary maturity tests and allows the clinician to make a comparative assessment.

Amniocentesis↗
PubMed1980

Perinatal risk factors in gravidas with moderate renal impairment.

The coexistence of chronic renal disease and pregnancy leads to an increased risk for mother and fetus. This report retrospectively analyzes a series of patients with moderate renal impairment. Infants of patients who had superimposed preeclampsia showed a significant decrease in birth weight and gestational age at delivery. These patients were characterized by a significantly higher mean arterial pressure at the time of the first clinic visit.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1980

Pituitary response to LHRH in hypothyroid women.

This study was designed to characterize pituitary function in premenopausal women during hypothyroid and euthyroid periods. Six subjects with basal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels above 10 microU/ml were studied. Estradiol (E2), prolactin (PRL), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were measured by radioimmunoassay at 30, 15, and 0 minutes before infusion. Pituitary function was evaluated by rapid infusion of 10 micrograms of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) every 2 hours for a total of 6 hours. Samples were then obtained for FSH and LH every 30 minutes for the duration of the 6-hour study. A significant elevation in basal gonadotropins was observed during the hypothyroid period regardless of basal E2 levels in all 6 subjects (P < .01). Basal PRL levels were not significahtly different during the 2 periods (P > .05). In all 6 patients pituitary sensitivity and reserve correlated significantly with basal E2 levels (P < .05), but were not altered by the hypothyroid condition. It is concluded that pituitary responsiveness to LHRH is not altered in hypothyroid women, but that chronic elevation of basal gonadotropins may in part explain the anovulation that so often accompanies this disorder.

Estradiol↗
PubMed1980

Ultrasonographic versus clinical evaluation of a pelvic mass.

Ultrasonography has become an essential tool in the practice of modern obstetrics. Its usefulness in the evaluation of a pelvic mass in gynecologic practice remains unclear. The present investigation is a comparison of pelvic examination findings and preoperative ultrasound findings in 72 patients who underwent exploratory laparotomy for a pelvic mass at the Nation Naval Medical Center. Of the 72 patients, 65 (90%) were correctly diagnosed as having a pelvic mass by both pelvic examination and ultrasonography. The ultrasound study had a 5.6% false-negative rate (4 patients), and 4.4% (3 patients) had false-positive pelvic examinations. There was no significant difference by chi 2 analysis in accuracy between ultrasonography and pelvic examination in detection, estimation of size, or determining the unilateral or bilateral position of the mass (P less than .05). Ultrasonography was significantly more accurate in determining the cystic or solid nature of the mass (P greater than .05). In no patient was the decision to perform exploratory laparotomy altered by the preoperative ultrasound study. It is concluded from this investigation that routine ultrasonography is not necessary in the preoperative evaluation of a pelvic mass unless the cystic or solid nature of the mass will modify the patient's treatment.

Cysts↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Enhancing substance abuse treatment with case management. Its impact on employment.

This article examines the effectiveness of strengths-based case management in assisting persons with substance abuse problems improve employment-related functioning. In a study of 632 veterans seeking treatment for substance abuse problems, Wright State University's Enhanced Treatment Project found that veterans in substance abuse treatment had improved in several areas of employment functioning, including number of days employed. Among clients who expressed interest in receiving assistance with employment-related issues, those who received strengths-based case management demonstrated additional improvement in employment functioning including more days employed, fewer employment problems and being less troubled about their employment situation. Correlations between improved employment functioning and improved functioning in other life areas further support the value of case management. The implications of these findings for the inclusion of case management services in substance abuse treatment programs will be discussed.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Modulators of prostaglandin E2 synthesis in human amnion.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of these studies was to determine the effects of the essential fatty acid, linoleic acid, and the commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, aspirin and acetaminophen, on the rate of prostaglandin (PG) biosynthesis by human amnion cells. METHODS: Amnion cells were isolated from term, normal pregnancies and grown to confluence. Cells were incubated with control or medium containing 100 mumol/L linoleic acid. Cells were also incubated with control medium or medium containing 10 or 100 micrograms/mL aspirin or acetaminophen. RESULTS: Following an initial delay, amnion cells exposed to linoleic acid exhibited a significant increase in PGE synthesis. Both aspirin and acetaminophen in clinically relevant concentrations had a significant inhibitory effect on amnion cell PGE synthesis. CONCLUSIONS: Linoleic acid has a stimulatory effect and aspirin and acetaminophen have an inhibitory effect on PGE synthesis in human amnion cells in culture. We speculate that dietary habits, supplement ingestion, and over-the-counter drug use may affect amnion cell PG production. In view of the potential importance of intrauterine PG production in normal and abnormal labor, further study in this area is indicated.

Acetaminophen↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A comparison of birth weight and weight/length ratio for gestation as correlates of perinatal morbidity.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to evaluate a low weight to length ratio as a correlate of perinatal morbidity and mortality. STUDY DESIGN: Data from the Collaborative Perinatal Project for infants of 34 weeks' gestation or more were evaluated. Associations between the weight to length ratio of < 10% (low weight to length) and birth weight of < 10% (small for gestational age) by gestational age and gender, perinatal depression, dysmaturity, cerebral palsy, and neonatal mortality were evaluated. RESULTS: A low weight to length ratio and small for gestational age status were associated with most markers of perinatal morbidity and mortality in term and preterm infants. In infants not small for gestational age, a low weight to length ratio was associated with increased morbidity and mortality (relative risk of 1.9 to 4.2) in term infants, and with perinatal depression (relative risk of 2.9) in preterm infants. Logistic regression found low weight to length ratio was a better independent correlate than small for gestational age status for all markers assessed and found low weight to length ratio was significantly associated with all morbidity and mortality markers in infants not small for gestational age. CONCLUSION: Low weight to length ratio, a marker for asymmetric growth restriction, is correlated with perinatal morbidity, even in infants not small for gestational age.

Birth Weight↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Twins, asymmetric growth restriction, and perinatal morbidity.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective in this study was to evaluate decreased weight/length ratio as a correlate of perinatal morbidity in twins. STUDY DESIGN: Rates of weight/length ratio less than 10% (low WL) were compared in 986 neonates from twin gestations and 4929 matched singletons. Low WL was compared with birth weight less than 10% (SGA) and 25% birth weight discordance as a marker for perinatal depression and neonatal mortality. RESULTS: Both SGA (42% vs 8%) and low WL (38% vs 8%) occurred more commonly in twins. Low WL was a better correlate of depression and mortality than SGA or 25% birth weight discordance. After adjustment for major anomalies, prematurity, and low WL, perinatal morbidity in twins and singletons did not differ. CONCLUSIONS: Low WL, a marker of asymmetric growth restriction, is a better marker for perinatal morbidity in twins than SGA or 25% discordance. Twins and singletons have similar rates of perinatal morbidity and mortality after adjustment for anomalies, prematurity, and growth restriction.

Body Height↗