PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Z Palti

Publications and source records attributed to Z Palti.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1987

In utero ponderal index as a prognostic factor in the evaluation of intrauterine growth retardation.

The in utero ponderal index has become a method of estimating fetal growth. Several methods have been used in the formulation of the in utero ponderal index. In the present study, 1040 pregnant women underwent ultrasonic examination between 24 and 41 weeks of gestation, and the in utero ponderal index was determined by dividing the estimated fetal weight by the third power of the femur length, rendering a relatively constant value of 8.345 +/- 2.5 (2 SD). Fifty-one cases were defined as intrauterine growth retardation due to an estimated fetal weight lower than the tenth percentile for gestational age. The in utero ponderal index proved to be a valuable index in the prediction of fetal outcome in those cases of intrauterine growth retardation in which the in utero ponderal index was smaller than 1 SD from the average of 8.345. Fetal and neonatal well-being was clearly compromised when intrauterine growth retardation was associated with a low in utero ponderal index.

Birth Weight↗
PubMed1987

The effect of insulin on progesterone production and cellular growth in long-term cultures of human granulosa lutein cells.

The direct action of insulin on human granulosa lutein cells (GLCs) in long-term cultures obtained from in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles was investigated. Progesterone (P) secretion by GLC increased progressively in both basal and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG; 100 mIU/ml) stimulated conditions up to 4 days in culture, and plateaued thereafter. Insulin (0.0025 mU/ml to 2500 mU/ml) had no effect on either basal or hCG stimulation during the culture period. GLC in culture formed a monolayer and multiplied at a rate of approximately once every 3 days. Neither morphology nor cell division was affected by insulin in supraphysiologic levels (25 mU/ml). These results suggest that GLC obtained from preovulatory follicles in an IVF program are already stimulated maximally by in vivo exposure to high doses of human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG)/hCG administered to the women. Contrary to its stimulatory effect on early preovulatory granulosa cells, insulin dose not affect P production, cellular morphology, or growth rate of luteinized granulosa cells.

Cell Division↗
PubMed1987

Vitamin D3 metabolites in amniotic fluid in relation with maternal and fetal sera in term pregnancies.

The concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3), 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (24,25(OH)2D3) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) were determined in amniotic fluid, fetal cord serum and maternal serum in 26 cases of elective cesarean sections at term. All the women had a normal pregnancy and did not get any vitamin D fortified preparations. The samples were collected during December 1982-April 1983, at 37-40 weeks of pregnancy. The respective levels (+/- S.D.) of 25(OH)D3, 24,25(OH)2D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 in maternal serum were: 18.03 +/- 10.8 ng/ml, 1.473 +/- 1.562 ng/ml and 36 +/- 21.5 pg/ml; in fetal cord serum: 13.15 +/- 8.3 ng/ml, 0.9 +/- 0.76 ng/ml and 29.2 +/- 18.55 pg/ml and in amniotic fluid: 0.732 +/- 0.508 ng/ml, 0.212 +/- 0.104 ng/ml and 14.3 +/- 10.0 pg/ml. The levels of the three metabolites in maternal and fetal cord serum were not statistically different. There was a statistically significant correlation between maternal and fetal serum levels of 25(OH)D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3 (r = 0.79, p less than 0.01 and r = 0.743, p less than 0.01 respectively). No significant correlation was found in 1,25(OH)2D3 levels between maternal and fetal cord sera. This lack of correlation may well be in agreement with the recent findings of Kouppala, et al. who demonstrated that the fetus contributes to its own pool of 1,25(OH)2D3. A significant difference was found between maternal serum and amniotic fluid levels of the three metabolites. A statistically significant difference was also found between fetal serum levels of 25(OH)D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3 and amniotic fluid levels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

24,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D 3↗
PubMed1987

Absence of HLA linkage in familial hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

In a family with five daughters, three suffered from primary amenorrhea. The diagnosis of familial idiopathic gonadotropin deficiency (FIGD) was established. The entire family underwent HLA evaluation, and no linkage between the HLA and FIGD was found.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Psychological variables and premature labour: a possible solution for some methodological problems.

Two studies on the relationship of psychological variables and premature labour were conducted. The first was a retrospective comparison of psychopathological tendencies, attitudes towards pregnancy, physical complaints during pregnancy and perceived marital and social support, between a group of women who had premature labour and a group of women with term deliveries without premature contractions. Data were collected a few months after deliveries to neutralize bias caused by anxiety for newborns' condition and by proximity in time to the trauma of premature delivery. The second study was a prospective one in which the target category included not only women who delivered prematurely but also women who developed premature contractions but delivered at term. In this study we examined trait and state anxiety, mothers' attitudes towards pregnancy and physical complaints during pregnancy. Results showed that psychopathological tendencies were linked to premature labour and premature contractions. No differences were found concerning perceived social support or mothers' attitudes towards pregnancy.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1986

Evaluating treatments for preterm labor: possible solutions for some methodological problems.

The usual evaluation procedures for labor-inhibiting therapies are criticized and a new measure is proposed. This measure (rate of pregnancy prolongation) is shown to fulfil the criteria of high sensitivity to treatment effects and of unbiasedness for the gestational age of patients. The use of analysis of covariance is proposed as a solution for the problem of confounding background variables. The advantages of the new evaluation procedure are illustrated by the analysis of a clinical trial of labor inhibition by hypnotic relaxation.

Female↗
PubMed1986

The hormonal response of patients with polycystic ovarian disease to subcutaneous low frequency pulsatile administration of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone.

Four patients with oligoamenorrhea manifesting hormonal and clinical features of polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) were selected for treatment. All patients had high luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and a basal LH/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio of greater than 3. Three of them had high androgen levels with normal adrenal cortical function. The four patients were treated for 12 cycles by pulsatile LH-releasing hormone (LH-RH) subcutaneously. Frequency of pulses varied between once in every 120 to once in every 400 minutes in consecutive cycles, in an attempt to reverse LH/FSH ratio. The dose of LH-RH varied between 20 and 40 micrograms/pulse. Treatment was monitored hormonally by the determinations of LH, FSH, 17 beta-estradiol, prolactin, progesterone, testosterone (T) (total and free), androstenedione (delta 4A), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) every 2 days. The most striking change was the lowering of the LH/FSH ratio to the normal range, due to LH decrease and FSH increase with a pulse frequency of 180 to 240 minutes. DHEA-S levels reversed to normal in two patients and were reduced in one patient. T and delta 4A levels returned to normal with elevation to normal of SHBG. These hormonal improvements did not result in ovulation as expected (2 of 12 cycles). It may be assumed that either subcutaneous administration is inadequate in PCOD patients or that the frequency of pulses needed to correct the hormonal disturbances in PCOD patients differs from that needed for ovum maturation and ovulation.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Detailed sonographic mappings of normal fetal brain anatomy in utero at six levels in the axial plain.

An investigation of real time sonographic features of the normal fetal brain at six levels in the axial plain was undertaken between the 26th and 40th week of gestation. Structures such as cerebrum, midbrain, basal ganglia, ventricular system, vascular system, and cerebellum can be routinely identified if ultrasound is performed systematically. The sonographic appearance of detailed brain anatomy at each level is presented with the hope that it may provide a systematic form of scanning the fetal brain. With such standardization of technique many erroneous interpretations may possibly be avoided.

Brain↗
PubMed1984

Is conservative management of preterm rupture of membranes justified?

The management of preterm rupture of membranes (ROM) is controversial. Some advise immediate delivery and others advocate conservative approach in the hope of decreasing morbidity and mortality rates associated with prematurity. A retrospective review of 75 pregnancies with preterm ROM treated conservatively was performed to delineate the relative risk factors. All patients with preterm ROM were placed at bed rest until either labor or chorioamnionitis prompted delivery. Chorioamnionitis developed in 25% of the cases. The percentage of women developing chorioamnionitis increased with duration of ROM. Fetal morbidity and mortality was not increased in the group with chorioamnionitis. Hyaline membrane disease (HMD) and intra ventricular hemorrhage (IVH) were the major causes of neonatal death in the entire group of preterm ROM. There was a significant relationship between neonatal mortality and birth weight. The smaller the birth weight, the greater the risk of neonatal death. Our data support the conservative approach to preterm ROM especially in the very low birth weight group where extreme caution must be taken before a decision is made to terminate pregnancy.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Maternal blood pressure response to the intravenous administration of pethidine-promethazine during labor.

A double blind study on the effect of an intravenous injection of a combination of 75 mg pethidine and 25 mg promethazine was conducted on 200 women during normal deliveries. Four groups of 50 women each received injections of pethidine and promethazine, promethazine alone, pethidine alone and normal saline. In the pethidine-promethazine group there was a significant elevation in blood pressure in the first 10 min following the injection as compared with the other groups. The mean (+/- S.D.) systolic blood pressure after the injection was 143.2 +/- 14.3 mmHg as compared with 118.9 +/- 8.4 mmHg before the injection, and the mean diastolic blood pressure as 96.9 +/- 8.4 mmHg after the injection as compared with 77.7 +/- 9.3 mmHg before the injection. 25 mg promethazine alone caused slight elevation in blood pressure which was further increased by combination with pethidine. The clinical significance of these observations is discussed.

Blood Pressure↗
PubMed1984

Advice from the obstetrician and other sources: do they affect women's breast feeding practices? A study among different Jewish groups in Jerusalem.

Breast feeding practices and the sources of advice that influenced them were studied in a sample of 276 women from North East Jerusalem. They were followed-up for 4 1/2 months and interviewed on 4 occasions during that period. It was found that 89.7% started breast feeding after parturition, 62.4% were breast feeding by 6 weeks, 40.3% were breast feeding after 3 months and 27.3% were still breast feeding by 4 1/2 months postpartum. Obstetrician's advice given at the 6 weeks postpartum examination was significantly associated with duration of breast feeding (P = 0.001). Other sources of guidance were not significantly related to duration of breast feeding when controlling for social class. Analysis of variance indicated that women of higher social classes breast fed more and for a longer period of time. There was no difference in the pattern of attendance at the obstetrician's examination by social class, although a very small proportion of women belonging to the lower social classes reported getting advice on breast feeding during that visit. There was a strong relation between advice of the obstetrician and percentage of women breast feeding 4 1/2 months postpartum. Country of origin of the women also affected breast feeding practices. Women of Western origin breast fed more and longer than women of Asian or North African origin. This might be explained by social movements that attempt a return to more natural life styles which are prominent in Western societies. The differential relationship between advice of obstetrician and women belonging to different social classes is discussed and key elements in the relation between obstetrician's advice and women's breast feeding practices are considered.

Breast Feeding↗
PubMed1984

Growth characteristics of human first trimester decidual cells cultured in serum-free medium: production of prolactin, prostaglandins and fibronectin.

A procedure for the establishment of pure human first trimester decidual cells in primary cultures has been developed. The high rate of success in obtaining such cultures resulted from the elimination of fibroblasts by appropriate enzyme dissociation and filtration of the initial tissue sample, and subsequent maintenance of the cells in a serum-free medium supplemented with insulin, fibroblast growth factor (FGF), estradiol, progesterone, hydrocortisone, transferrin and sodium selenite. Under these culture conditions, we obtained pure and actively dividing decidual cells forming tightly packed and nonoverlapping epithelioid cell monolayers covering more than 75% of the culture area. The cultured decidual cells retained their in vivo capacity to produce prolactin and various prostaglandins (PGs), primarily PGE2. There was a marked reduction in hormone production after 20 days in culture. A massive network of fibrillar surface fibronectin was detected by indirect immunofluorescence staining of the cultured cells. The production of prolactin and PGs together with the secretion of fibronectin may play a role in the implantation and subsequent growth of the embryo. The described procedure of obtaining fibroblast-free decidual cell monolayers will promote studies on the hormonal regulation of this tissue at the time of early intrauterine life.

Cells, Cultured↗
PubMed1984

Maternal-fetal transfer of aminophylline.

Ten women with normal pregnancies who underwent an elective cesarean section received orally 200 mg of aminophylline every 6 hours for 24 - 36 hours prior to surgery. The levels of aminophylline and caffeine were measured in maternal and cord sera and in amniotic fluids. The mean level of aminophylline (+/- SD) in maternal serum was 10.4 +/- 1.74 micrograms/ml, and in cord serum 11.2 +/- 1.25 micrograms/ml. The mean aminophylline level in amniotic fluids was 8.2 +/- 1.42 micrograms/ml. The serum aminophylline levels were within the therapeutic level range. Caffeine levels in those specimens ranged between traces to 6 micrograms/ml which correspond to the normal dietary range.

Aminophylline↗
PubMed1984

Corpus luteum function in ectopic pregnancy.

Serum beta HCG, progesterone, and 17 alpha hydroxy progesterone values were determined in cases of ectopic pregnancy. They were found to be significantly lower than in normal intrauterine pregnancies of the same gestational age. No correlation was found between serum beta HCG and 17 hydroxy progesterone values or between serum progesterone and 17 hydroxy progesterone values. Our results tend to support the theory that a normal feto placental unit is needed for the preservation of the function of the corpus luteum.

17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone↗
PubMed1984

Growth and sexual development before and after sex steroid therapy in patients with thalassemia major.

Growth, sexual development, and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal function were evaluated in 23 patients with thalassemia major (14 female and nine male) aged 13 to 29 years. Five women (group 1) with hemoglobin levels of less than 7 g/dL, which were maintained by transfusions during childhood, did not spontaneously enter puberty. They had evidence of severe hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction. Maintaining hemoglobin levels of about 8 g/dL resulted in spontaneous onset of puberty in seven of nine female patients (group 2), but had no such ameliorative effect on the nine male patients. In the latter, peak luteinizing hormone (LH) responses to gonadotropin releasing hormone correlated with bone age. Treatment with testosterone produced inconsistent partial inhibition of LH and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) responses to stimulation. After discontinuation of testosterone treatment, a rebound of basal testosterone, LH, and FSH levels was observed, but this was not sustained. These findings are compatible either with dysfunction of hypothalamic maturation or with partial pituitary dysfunction. Four of the group 1 females and six of the males treated with appropriate sex hormones showed satisfactory pubertal progression. Acceleration in linear growth was observed in four of the male patients whose epiphyses were still open. Treatment was well tolerated in all patients.

Adolescent↗