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Biomedical subjects

Y Barnhard

Publications and source records attributed to Y Barnhard.

16 recordsLinked to original sources

The hazards to practitioners of obstetric and gynecological ultrasound.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the specific complaints of physicians and technicians performing obstetric and gynecological ultrasound. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional retrospective survey. Questionnaires were distributed to members of the Israeli Society of Gynecological Ultrasound, including questions on gender and profession, number and type of scans performed, pain related to profession and any therapy undergone. Statistical analysis included chi-square or Fisher's exact test, Student's t-test, Pearson's correlation coefficient and logistic regression. RESULTS: Joint pain was reported by 51.7% (30/58) of the technicians compared with 25.3% (19/75) of the physicians (P = 0.002). It was more common in females than in males (P = 0.05) and it was more common among those who performed transabdominal sonography more frequently than they did transvaginal sonography (P = 0.004). There was a significant association between performing transabdominal ultrasound and back pain (P = 0.05). Although females reported pain more frequently, the rate of surgical procedures was higher among males (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A technician is 3.5 times more likely to report joint pain than is a physician. Transabdominal sonography is a risk for both joint and back pain. There may be gender differences in pain perception.

Arthralgia↗

Gestational diabetes and preterm labour: is glycaemic control a contributing factor?.

OBJECTIVES: (1) to evaluate the incidence of preterm delivery in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus; (2) to determine the association between glycaemic control and preterm delivery in these patients. STUDY DESIGN: (1) The incidence of spontaneous preterm singleton deliveries was determined in 550 intensively-treated patients with gestational diabetes mellitus. A total of 14 552 consecutive patients without gestational diabetes mellitus who delivered during the same interval served as a control population; (2) Glycaemic profiles (i.e., mean blood glucose, percent of hypoglycaemic [ < 60 mg/dl] and hyperglycaemic [ > 120 mg/dl] episodes) were compared in 34 patients with gestational diabetes mellitus who delivered preterm, and 68 matched controls with gestational diabetes mellitus who delivered at term. RESULTS: (1) The incidence of preterm delivery in gestational diabetics was similar to that found in the non-diabetic population (6.2% vs. 6.5%, respectively, P = 0.82; confidence limits: 0.65, 1.36); (2) women with gestational diabetes mellitus who delivered at term, or preterm had similar glycaemic profiles for both the entire treatment period and the week preceding delivery. CONCLUSIONS: (1) There is no increased risk for preterm delivery in intensively-treated gestational diabetes mellitus patients; (2) In a population such as this women with gestational diabetes mellitus who deliver preterm cannot be characterised by their glycaemic profile.

Adult↗

Fetal heart rate patterns in pregnancies complicated by maternal diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the fetal heart rate (FHR) pattern between fetuses of well controlled diabetic and non diabetic mothers using a computerized analysis of FHR. STUDY DESIGN: Weekly fetal surveillance was performed in 99 fetuses of mothers with diabetes class A, 21 fetuses of mothers with diabetes class B-R, and 55 fetuses of non-diabetic women, starting at 30 weeks' gestation. All diabetic patients were well controlled. Fetal surveillance included a computerized analysis of the FHR, umbilical and uterine Doppler velocimetry, and a biophysical profile. Changes of FHR variation, frequency of FHR accelerations, and umbilical and uterine Doppler velocimetry were calculated using a regression analysis for each patient. The average slopes and the intercept at 30, 34, and 38 weeks' gestation of these variables were compared among the three groups. RESULTS: The slope of FHR variation and the frequency of accelerations had a lower rate of increase during the third trimester in fetuses of mothers with diabetes class A (0.84 +/- 0.25 ms/week and 0.06 +/- 0.02/20 min/week, respectively) compared with fetuses of non-diabetic mothers (1.34 +/- 0.55 ms/week and 0.5 +/- 0.1/20 min/week, respectively). In fetuses of mothers with diabetes class B-R, FHR variation did not change with gestation (-0.011 +/- 0.2 ms/week) with a small increase in the frequency of accelerations (0.02 +/- 0.004/20 min/week). While no differences were observed at 30 weeks' gestation, FHR variation and the frequency of accelerations were significantly reduced at 34 weeks' gestation in fetuses of mothers with diabetes class B-R compared with fetuses of non-diabetic mothers (P < 0.01). At 38 weeks' gestation, fetuses of mothers with diabetes class B-R and diabetes class A had both significantly reduced FHR variation as well as frequency of accelerations compared with fetuses of non-diabetic mothers (P < 0.01). The rate of decrease of the umbilical and uterine artery S/D ratios were similar among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: The FHR pattern appears to be different in fetuses of well controlled diabetic mothers when related to fetuses of non-diabetic mothers. Disease specific standards should be considered for interpretation of FHR patterns in diabetic pregnancies.

Adult↗

Doppler study of the fetal cardiac function in prolonged pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between fetal cardiac function and amniotic fluid index (AFI) in postterm fetuses, and to determine if changes in fetal cardiac function precede the occurrence of nonreassuring intrapartum fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns. METHODS: Forty-five otherwise low-risk pregnant women between 41 and 43 weeks' gestation were studied longitudinally. Gestational age was confirmed in all patients by ultrasound before 20 weeks' gestation. Each subject had two or three tests performed every 3-4 days, including a non-stress test, a biophysical profile, and Doppler studies of the aortic and pulmonic outflow tracts. Aortic and pulmonic artery flow velocity waveforms were recorded slightly distal to the valves. Peak velocity, velocity time integral, and heart rate were calculated from the flow velocity waveforms we obtained. The change in AFI and aortic and pulmonic peak velocity and [velocity time integral] x [heart rate] were calculated for each fetus. RESULTS: Labor was induced at 42 weeks' gestation in 20 patients, and 17 entered labor spontaneously. Changes in AFI, observed during the follow-up period, correlated significantly with changes in aortic peak velocity (r = 0.54, P < .01) and with aortic outflow [velocity time integral] x [heart rate] (r = 0.60, P < .001) but not with pulmonic peak velocity and [velocity time integral] x [heart rate]. The decrease in aortic peak velocity and aortic and pulmonic [velocity time integral] x [heart rate] was significantly higher (P < .01) in eight fetuses that developed a nonreassuring intrapartum FHR (reduced FHR variability, late decelerations, and severe variable decelerations) than in those who had an uneventful labor. CONCLUSION: In prolonged pregnancies, cardiac function deteriorates in fetuses that develop a nonreassuring intrapartum FHR, and the changes in the left cardiac function correlate with changes in AFI.

Adult↗

Can fetal renal artery Doppler studies predict postnatal renal function in morphologically abnormal kidneys? A preliminary report.

PURPOSE: The diagnosis of multicystic kidney in utero can be made with reasonable reliability with real-time sonography. However, a cystic hydronephrotic kidney may be difficult to distinguish from a multicystic kidney, necessitating postnatal renography. We report our preliminary observations of Doppler waveform variation in normal and cystic fetal kidneys. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five consecutive fetuses with a unilateral cystic kidney, and one with a unilateral hydronephrotic duplex kidney and cystic upper moiety were evaluated in utero with color Doppler renal sonography. RESULTS: Doppler signal on serial ultrasound was consistently absent in the ipsilateral cystic kidney, while normal renal artery Doppler waveforms with a systolic and diastolic component were obtained from the contralateral and unaffected moieties. Postnatal renography confirmed nonfunction in all cystic moieties. The hydronephrotic noncystic moiety of the duplex kidney showed a normal Doppler waveform and good function. CONCLUSIONS: Absence of renal artery Doppler waveforms in fetal cystic kidneys correlates with renal nonfunction. If this observation can be further confirmed by additional cases, fetal Doppler sonography would become an additional tool to diagnose confidently a multicystic kidney in utero, which may allow us to dispense with postnatal renography.

Female↗

Accuracy of intrapartum estimates of fetal weight. Effect of oligohydramnios.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of oligohydramnios on the accuracy of intrapartum clinical and sonographic estimates of fetal weight (EFWs). STUDY DESIGN: Intrapartum clinical and sonographic EFWs and an amniotic fluid index (AFI) were obtained on 124 term patients. Oligohydramnios was defined as an AFI < or = 5 cm. RESULTS: Clinical and sonographic EFWs in women with oligohydramnios were significantly less accurate than estimates derived in patients with normal amniotic fluid: P = .03 and .02, respectively. The incidence of clinical and sonographic EFWs within +/-10% of the actual birth weight were 70.1% and 68.4%, respectively (P = NS). CONCLUSION: In term patients, intrapartum sonographic prediction of birth weight offers no advantage over estimated fetal weight obtained by abdominal palpation. The presence of oligohydramnios significantly reduces the accuracy of intrapartum clinical as well as sonographic EFWs. Therefore, we suggest that intrapartum EFWs be obtained prior to artificial rupture of the membranes.

Amniotic Fluid↗

Short-rib polydactyly syndrome (SRPS) type III diagnosed during routine prenatal ultrasonographic screening. A case report.

The prenatal diagnosis of skeletal dysplasias is often initiated by the finding of a shortened extremity during a routine sonographic examination. Second-trimester diagnosis of these anomalies allows the couple to consider the option of terminating a pregnancy when a lethal anomaly is detected. A 21-year-old Bedouin woman underwent routine ultrasonographic screening at 20 weeks' gestation. Severe micromelia, a narrow thorax with shortened ribs, and postaxial polydactyly were detected. The patient delivered a male dwarf at 20 weeks' gestation following prostaglandin induction of labour for a diagnosis of short-rib polydactyly syndrome type III. The prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis of short-rib polydactyly syndrome type III was made at 20 weeks' gestation, allowing termination of the pregnancy. A proper sonographic approach to skeletal dysplasias allows both early detection and differentiation between lethal and non-lethal anomalies.

Adult↗

Is oligohydramnios in postterm pregnancy associated with redistribution of fetal blood flow?

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine whether postterm patients with oligohydramnios differ in their fetal and umbilical blood flow distribution from those with a normal volume of amniotic fluid. STUDY DESIGN: Pulsed-wave Doppler imaging was used prospectively to determine the resistance index in the fetal middle cerebral, renal, and umbilical arteries in 57 postterm (i.e., > 41 weeks' gestation) pregnancies. Semiquantitative assessment of amniotic fluid volume was obtained by use of the ultrasonographically determined amniotic fluid index. RESULTS: Oligohydramnios (amniotic fluid index < 5 cm) was detected in 15 patients; 42 patients with a normal amniotic fluid index served as a control group. The various resistance index values and the ratio s among them were not significantly different when patients with oligohydramnios were compared with controls (0.51 +/- 0.1 vs 0.52 +/- 0.06, 0.63 +/- 0.1 vs 0.64 +/- 0.08, and 0.71 +/- 0.08 vs 0.73 +/- 0.05 for the umbilical, middle cerebral, and renal arteries, respectively). However, the mean birth weight (in grams) was significantly lower (3297 +/- 438 vs 3742 +/- 448, p < 0.003), in the oligohydramnios group. CONCLUSION: Oligohydramnios was not associated with a major redistribution of blood flow in postterm patients, suggesting that the cause of oligohydramnios in these patients is related to birth weight rather than to renal perfusion.

Amniotic Fluid↗

Is polyhydramnios in an ultrasonographically normal fetus an indication for genetic evaluation?

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine the frequency of fetal chromosomal anomalies in pregnancies complicated by polyhydramnios. STUDY DESIGN: Between Jan. 1, 1992, and July 31, 1993, an amniotic fluid index was measured prospectively in 2730 third-trimester pregnant women. Polyhydramnios was defined as an amniotic fluid index > or = 24 cm. A computer search identified all infants born with structural or chromosomal anomalies. RESULTS: Polyhydramnios was detected in 49 of 2730 women (1.7%). The incidence of chromosomal anomalies was two in 49 (4.1%) compared with three in 2681 (0.12%) among women with normal fluid (p < 0.05). Six of the 49 newborns had structural anomalies (12.2%), whereas 48 of 2681 (1.8%) structural anomalies occurred in the control group (p < 0.05). Among study patients both fetuses with chromosomal anomalies were growth retarded; four of the six structural anomalies were associated with an amniotic fluid index > 30 cm. CONCLUSIONS: (1) Polyhydramnios is associated with an increased incidence of congenital fetal anomalies. (2) Growth-retarded fetuses with polyhydramnios warrant genetic evaluation. (3) A genetic study is not absolutely indicated for patients with polyhydramnios and a sonographically normal fetus.

Amniocentesis↗

Cloacal exstrophy sequence: an exceptional ultrasound diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE: To establish sonographic criteria for an early prenatal diagnosis of cloacal exstrophy sequence, an extremely rare congenital malformation. METHODS: We assessed all cases of anterior midline abdominal wall defects occurring between November 1, 1986, and May 31, 1993. The charts of those with cloacal exstrophy sequence were reviewed thoroughly. The sonographic findings in each case of cloacal exstrophy sequence were evaluated and compared with the ultrasonic manifestations in other types of anterior abdominal wall defects. RESULTS: During the study period, six cases of cloacal exstrophy were diagnosed by ultrasound and confirmed by postnatal autopsy examination. Two of the cases were in different twin gestations. There were 58,288 deliveries during the study period; 665 (1.14%) major malformations were diagnosed ultrasonographically. Identical specific sonographic signs appeared in all six cases of cloacal exstrophy. These included a large infraumbilical, anterior midline defect, a protruding large omphalocele, an absent bladder, a narrowed thorax, a distorted spine, a large sacral meningomyelocele, and bilateral clubfeet. In all cases, the fetal bowel was floating in a large amount of ascites within the omphalocele sac. Polyhydramnios was present in four of the six cases. CONCLUSION: Based on our sonographic criteria, we believe that an accurate prenatal diagnosis of cloacal exstrophy sequence is feasible, even in the first trimester of pregnancy. These signs distinguish cloacal exstrophy from other types of midline anterior abdominal wall defects, ie, gastroschisis, amniotic band syndrome, and limb-body wall complex (body-stalk syndrome).

Adult↗

Fetal pelvic kidney: a challenge in prenatal diagnosis?

The objective of this study was to establish ultrasonographic guidelines for the prenatal diagnosis of fetal pelvic kidneys and assess the relationship to clinical outcome. The records of all ultrasonographic diagnoses of a fetal pelvic kidney between 1 January 1991 and 31 December 1993 were reviewed. After review of the sonographic evaluation, the prenatal records were obtained, to assess demographic data as well as the obstetric course and neonatal outcome. If a fetal pelvic kidney was suspected on prenatal ultrasound examination, its precise location and size were recorded and compared with neonatal sonograms. Twenty-six cases of fetal ectopic kidney were diagnosed of which 13 were on the right side and 13 on the left (24/26 cases were diagnosed in the late second trimester). The size of the ectopic kidney did not differ from that of the normal kidney. Except for one case of hydronephrosis, there were no associated structural anomalies. All prenatal diagnoses were confirmed by postnatal sonograms and all neonates had normal renal function. Our conclusions are that prenatal sonographic detection of fetal pelvic kidney is feasible, although in most cases the diagnosis is made beyond 24 weeks' gestation. The importance of prenatal diagnosis is that the parents can be reassured that normal renal function is highly probable and that early neonatal intervention is usually unnecessary.

Adult↗

Amniotic fluid volume reflects recent glycemic status in gestational diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine the association between amniotic fluid volume and recent glucose status in gestational diabetes. STUDY DESIGN: Serial amniotic fluid index values, mean blood glucose levels, and percent hyperglycemia (> or = 120 mg/dl) 1 day and 1 week before the ultrasonographic examinations were prospectively collected in 399 gestational diabetics. Patients demonstrating at least one amniotic fluid index measurement within the normal range (i.e., 5 cm < amniotic fluid index < or = 20 cm) and at least one elevated measurement (i.e., amniotic fluid index > 20 cm) formed the study group. With each patient serving as her own control, glucose index values preceding normal and elevated amniotic fluid index values were compared. RESULTS: Significantly higher mean blood glucose values 1 day (114.7 mg/dl vs 102.8 mg/dl, p < 0.01) and 1 week before (111.0 mg/dl vs. 102.0 mg/dl, p < 0.05) were calculated for examinations resulting in elevated amniotic fluid index values compared with normal amniotic fluid index values, respectively. Similarly, significantly higher percents of hyperglycemia 1 day (32% vs 16.5%, p < 0.05) but not 1 week (30.8% vs 21.7%, p > 0.05) before the elevated amniotic fluid index were documented. CONCLUSION: Amniotic fluid volume reflects recent glycemic status in gestational diabetes mellitus.

Adult↗

Fetal surveillance.

The primary objective of fetal surveillance is to prevent antenatal fetal deaths, which still account for greater than one half of perinatal mortality. Several techniques for assessing fetal well-being are available to the practicing obstetrician, including fetal movement counting, nonstress testing, contraction stress testing, fetal biophysical assessment with real-time sonography, and Doppler ultrasonography for measuring umbilical and fetal blood flow. Despite several unanswered questions regarding fetal surveillance, identification of high-risk pregnancies allows appropriate fetal evaluation that can reduce intrauterine fetal death rates.

Exercise Test↗