Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to A K Ertan.
Single fetal death in monochorionic pregnancies is believed to be associated with increased risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality for the living twin and risk of coagulopathy affecting the mother. In this report we present a case of single intrauterine death in a monochorionic twin gestation diagnosed in the 28th week of pregnancy.
We investigated the validity of the flow parameter minimal resistance index (min RI) for discrimination of breast tumours. Colour and spectral Doppler sonography was performed on 114 patients. An increase in number of tumour vessels was paralleled by a significant drop of the minimal (min) RI (p=0.004) and increase of the maximal (max) RI (p=0.03) while mean RI was not influenced. The present results question the validity of min RI as parameter for discrimination of breast tumours. Min RI does not represent the actual flow resistance.
AIM AND METHOD: In a prospective study of 113 patients with breast tumours, we measured the vascular resistance index (mean RI) of physiologic tissue and the tumour by using pulsed colour coded Doppler sonography. RESULTS: The group of carcinomas showed a significantly higher mean RI (0.71 +/- 0.09 SD) compared to the group of benign tumours (0.66 +/- 0.09 SD) (p = 0.003). After dividing the groups according to menopausal status, this difference disappeared. In general the mean RI was higher in postmenopausal women. Only premenopausal women showed a significantly higher mean RI within the carcinoma (0.69 +/- 0.1 SD) compared to physiological tissue (0.65 +/- 0.07 SD, p = 0.02). The mean RI measured in the tumour area from carcinomas correlated with the S-phase fraction: r = -0.53 (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Mean RI reflects vascular resistance but does not allow discrimination between benign or malignant and is significantly influenced by menopausal status. The dynamics of proliferation and low vascular resistance seem to depend on each other. All these facts should be considered when doing Doppler sonographic examination of the breast.
The new cytostatics titanocene dichloride and vinorelbine were compared to cisplatin and paclitaxel using a human ovarian cancer xenografts model. Biopsy material from a native human ovarian carcinoma was expanded and transplanted into 96 nude mice. The animals were divided into six treatment groups: cisplatin 3 x 4 mg/kg, paclitaxel 5 x 26 mg/kg, vinorelbine 1 x 20 mg/kg, titanocene dichloride 3 x 30 mg/kg, titanocene dichloride 3 x 40 mg/kg and a control group treated with 0.9% saline. Each experiment was repeated with eight mice in each treatment group. Treatment groups were evaluated in terms of average daily increase in tumor volume and average daily body weight increase of nude mice based on slopes of least-square regressions performed on individual animals. The slope factors alpha and beta of the body weight (alpha) and tumor volume changes (beta) within each group during the course of an experiment were calculated. Both a statistically significant decrease (p<0.05) in the body weight of the experimental animals (cisplatin: alpha = -0.5163, vinorelbine: alpha = -0.6598, paclitaxel: alpha = -0.6746, titanocene dichloride 3 x 30 mg/kg: alpha = -0.6259, titanocene dichloride 3 x 40 mg/kg: alpha = -0.7758) and a significant reduction (p<0.05) of the increase in tumor volume (cisplatin: beta = 12.049, vinorelbine: beta = 0.504, paclitaxel: beta = -1.636, titanocene dichloride 3 x 30 mg/kg: beta = 6.212, titanocene dichloride 3 x 40 mg/kg: beta= -0.685) was shown in all treated groups compared to the control group (alpha = -0.1398; beta = 23.056). No significant weight changes were observed between the individually treated groups. A statistically significant reduction of the tumor growth occured under paclitaxel (beta = -1.636), vinorelbine (beta = 0.504) and titanocene dichloride medication 3 x 40 mg/kg (beta = -0.685), as compared to the group treated with cisplatin (beta = 12.049). We found titanocene dichloride to be as effective as paclitaxel and more effective than cisplatin. Vinorelbine seems to be a very effective antineoplastic agent exhibiting a significant higher cytostatic effect than cisplatin. Both titanocene dichloride and vinorelbine provide new therapeutic options in women with ovarian carcinoma not responding to standard chemotherapy.
PURPOSE: In this study new cytostatic therapies with titanocene dichloride in different dosages for the treatment of ovarian cancer are analyzed on human tumour xenografts in nude mice. The aim was to compare the effects of different dosages of titanocene dichloride on the growth of human tumour xenografts and nude mice body weight. METHODS: Biopsy material from one human ovarian carcinoma was expanded and transplanted into 52 nude mice. The treatment protocol included one experiment that consisted of the following six treatment groups: titanocene dichloride 3 x 10 mg/kg, titanocene dichloride 3 x 20 mg/kg, titanocene dichloride 3 x 30 mg/kg, titanocene dichloride 1 x 30 mg/kg, titanocene dichloride 1 x 40 mg/kg and a control group treated with 0.9% saline. Treatment groups were evaluated in terms of average daily increase in tumour volume and average daily body weight increase on nude mice. The slope factors alpha and beta of the body weight and tumour volume changes were calculated. RESULTS: Titanocene dichloride in the dosage of 3 x 30 mg/kg and 3 x 20 mg/kg brought about a significant reduction in tumour volume (p < 0.05) compared to the control group and to the treatment group under medication with titanocene dichloride 1 x 30 mg/kg. There were no significant changes in the body weight of nude mice. CONCLUSION: We found titanocene dichloride to be effective in the reduction of tumour volume increase in nude mice. Titanocene dichloride could be an active chemotherapeutic drug in women with ovarian carcinoma not responding to standard therapies.
The aim of this study was the validation of the minimal Resistance Index (min RI) measured by colour Doppler sonography as parameter of tumour neoangiogenesis. 107 patients with clinically or radiologically diagnosed breast tumour with a sonographically detectable lump had preoperative measurements and analysis of blood flow in the tumour area and in the healthy parenchyma of both breasts. The min RI was compared with histology, menopausal status and age. In all 107 patients blood flow could be measured in the tumour area and in 98% of the bilaterally investigated quadrants. Irrespective of tumour status the mean min RI was lower in the tumour area (0.62) than in the other quadrants of the affected (RI = 0.65, p = 0.002) or contralateral breast (RI = 0.65, p = 0.0003). The mean min RI of benign tumours was 0.60 (+/- 0.11 SD) and of malignant tumours 0.64 (+/- 0.11 SD), this difference was not significant (p = 0.07). Irrespective of tumour status postmenopausal patients had a higher mean min RI than premenopausal patients. This was true for the tumour area (RI = 0.64 vs 0.60, p = 0.11) and also for the quadrants (RI = 0.68 vs 0.62, p = 0.0002). In postmenopausal women there was a statistically significant correlation with age (r = 0.58, p = 0.0001). We conclude that the min RI is of no diagnostic relevance for the classification of breast tumours as benign or malignant.
In a group of 65 twin pregnancies the difference of perinatal findings and antepartal test results was evaluated in relation to amnionicity and chorionicity. Monochorionic placentation was found in 33% of the pregnancies. The rate of foetal malformation (11%), neuromuscular dysfunction (6%), perinatal mortality (11%) and duration of neonatal intensive care was increased in those cases. The most useful diagnostic tool was B-Mode-ultrasound (first detection and surveillance of multiple pregnancy, especially diagnosis of inter-twin growth discordancy). Non stress test and Doppler sonography were found to be of value as additional tests for detection of functional differences between both twins. There were no differences between findings in first and second twin as well as between findings in pregnancies with mono- or dichorionic placentation.
We report on a case of a 22-year old primigravida with HELLP syndrome in association with blindness and cerebral sinus thrombosis. The diagnosis of the cerebral sinus thrombosis was based on MRI 1h after delivery. Immediate caesarean section and intensive care treatment led to a complete recovery of the patient.
In a study group of 41 pregnant women of postpartally confirmed placental abruption, the prognostic value of clinical and diagnostic findings was investigated. The incidence of placental abruption was 1.4% of all deliveries within a three-year interval. 51% of patients showed vaginal bleeding before delivery. Retroplacental haematoma was found in 49% of cases ultrasonographically. A total of 75% had a pathological CTG test. More than 95% of these findings occurred within 3 days before delivery. Abnormal Doppler flow findings in foetal vessels more than 3 days before delivery were seen in 62% of cases. In the last three days before delivery, 86% were abnormal. Preterm delivery before 37 weeks of gestation was registered in 82% of patients. Perinatal mortality amounted to 12%. The rate of severely dystrophic newborn was 30%. Even in cases with lack of the clinical and/or sonographical findings, the possibility of placental abruption should be considered, if an acute deterioration of cardiotocographic or Doppler-sonographic findings.
The incidence of umbilical cord entanglement is about 20-33%. The present study describes the antepartal detection of nuchal cord using Colour Doppler sonography. In 137 cases, the identification of cord entanglement through a high resolution real-time Colour Doppler equipment (Picker 192/Acuson 128 XP) was achieved with sensitivity of 97%, the positive predictive value was 89%, the negative predictive value 96% and the efficiency 93%. In complicated cases, the pulsed Doppler sonography of the cord vessels provided significant differential diagnostic evaluation (Aa. and V. umbilicales vs. uteroplacental vessels). The use of this new method is especially indicated in situations with uncertain variable decelerations and/or other abnormal findings in the antepartal FHR-registration. The early recognition of a nuchal cord could possibly prevent serious peri-/subpartal complications in many cases. The result of our investigations suggest, that once a cord entanglement has been identified sonographically, the antepartal cardiotocography, sonography, Doppler flow examination and intrapartal foetal monitoring should be more frequently and intensively performed.
In a group of 79 pregnancies with highly abnormal Doppler-flow findings in foetal vessels the value of antepartal CTG criteria was evaluated in detail. In cases with absent enddiastolic flow (AEDF) the prognostical value was not further increased by antepartal pathological CTG findings. In cases with permanently normal antepartal CTG's, however, foetal outcome was fairly good (median duration of pregnancy 38 + 6 weeks, median foetal birth weight 2,545 grams, arterial pH < 7.20 in 9%). This was true also in the presence of pathological Doppler-flow findings except AEDF. In cases with pathological antepartal CTG findings in the antepartal course of pregnancy the loss of acceleration was most frequent (82%), followed by decreased frequency (53%) or narrowed amplitude (38%) of the foetal heart rate variation. Combination of both methods (Doppler sonography and CTG) is recommended clinically because the rate of uncertain findings can be reduced. Especially in cases with AEDF an active management would be justified before CTG's become pathological.
Serial sonographic studies of the involution of the uterus and Doppler ultrasound studies of the uterine artery blood flow were done with a pulsed Doppler apparatus on 102 patients with uncomplicated pregnancy, normal vaginal develivery, and normal puerperal course on the 2nd and 4th post-partum days and 1 and 2 months post partum. Length of the uterus, anteroposterior and transversal uterine diameter, and diameter of the myometrium on the anterior and posterior uterine wall underwent main involution during the 1st month post partum and showed only a slight decrease during the 2nd month post partum. Systolic/diastolic ratio and resistance index of the uterine artery increased slightly, but not significantly, between the 2nd and 4th post-partum days, but significantly until the end of the 1st month post partum. Until the end of the 2nd month post partum systolic/diastolic ratio and resistance index of the uterine artery showed, although the involution of the uterus was largely completed, a further significant increase.
"Reverse Flow" as a Doppler sonographic finding indicates the appearance of retrograde blood flow in the diastolic part of the cardiac cycle. It has so far not been observed in uncomplicated pregnancies and seems to be an indicator of severe deterioration of the foetal condition. Several pathophysiological hypotheses are discussed in this paper on the basis of own results and the findings of other investigators.
Of 1950 pregnant patients (2870 Doppler ultrasound measurements) we observed, in a study group with highly abnormal Doppler-flow findings (n = 66, Feb. 1990), a correlation of Doppler flow and FHR-recordings. Among these 66 patients we retained 60 (91%) in the hospital. They had at least 2 FHR-recordings a day. The results of Doppler flow measurements in the fetal aorta and umbilical artery correlated well with diagnosis of IUGR. The comparison of the overall results of both fetal vessels did not indicate any significant difference. In 21% of all patients with highly abnormal Doppler flow findings, was no abnormal FHR record until delivery. 26% already showed an abnormal non-stress test before the first pathological Doppler assessment, in 44% abnormal FHR-recordings were observed later than the first abnormal Doppler flow finding in the course of pregnancy. The median interval was 13.5 days in cases with increased Doppler flow parameters but with detectable end-diastolic blood flow and was reduced to 8 days in cases with absent end-diastolic blood flow. In 9% of all cases, abnormal results were found with both methods on the same day. In 32% we observed a reproducible notch in Doppler flow velocimetry of uteroplacental vessels. The rate of congenital malformations was 14%. Thus abnormal Doppler flow signals can be estimated as "early" prognostic criterias for a compromised fetus at risk.
In 50 cases with an end-diastolic zero flow or reverse flow all antenatal and perinatal abnormalities have been recorded. The fetal outcome was registered. The percentage of highly dystrophic newborns (percentile less than 5) was 88%. The perinatal mortality counted up to 16% and the percentage of congenital malformations (including chromosomal anomalies) was 12%. A reverse flow was registered in 4 cases. The perinatal mortality of those cases with reverse flow was 100%. In approx. one-quarter of those pregnancies and in 50% of the perinatally deceased newborns, there were no pathological or suspicious changes in the antepartal and/or subpartal CTG-recordings. The Duplex sonographical diagnosis of an end-diastolic zero flow/reverse flow, has a highly positive predictive value, whereas its sensitivity is low. It can be regarded as a very helpful parameter in clinical diagnosis, particularly as it is independent of borderline values. The correct choice of the high-pass wall filter (50-100 Hz) is important.
OBJECTIVES: The intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) contributes specially to perinatal mortality and morbidity. An effective treatment is not yet available. The purpose of this study is to analyse the perinatal data of a cohort with IUGR-infants including mortality and morbidity and to describe prematurity and IUGR as a combination of high risk. STUDY DESIGN: We have analysed the perinatal data of a cohort of 220 patients with IUGR-infants including mortality and morbidity. Regularly we examined fetal ultrasonographic growth, doppler measurements of fetal and maternal vessels and CTG, as well as indicated amniocentesis, placentesis and cordocentesis. Entry criteria were: normal menstrual period before pregnancy, clear gestational age, complete history of pregnancy. RESULTS: At the Department of Gynaecology & Obstetrics, University Hospital, Homburg/Saar, the incidence of IUGR (< 10th Percentile) in premature babies and newborns was 13.1% over five years (1993-1997). The percentage of premature babies with IUGR was 18.6%. The overall mortality was 4.1%, the perinatal mortality was 3.6% and the neonatal mortality was 2.7%. In 1.4% intrauterine foetal death was observed, all associated with a birthweight below the 3th percentile. The average duration of pregnancy was 34 + 4 weeks. A high perinatal mortality of 13.1% and an overall mortality of 14.7% was observed. 11.4% of the premature babies with IUGR showed deformities and about 2% presented chromosome aberrations. 46.4% of children have been transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. 57.1% of the postnatal complications have been related to the lungs, 26.5% to the cardiovascular system and 14.3% to the cerebrum. Maternal complications were referred to: SIH/EPH-gestosis (65.4%), HELLP-syndrome (5.8%), nicotine abuse (31.4%), pregnancy anaemia (17.3%) and gestational diabetes with insuline therapy (7.7%). On the placental site the most noticeable conditions have been placental insufficiency (40.6%) and placental infarction (28.7%). CONCLUSION: Children with IUGR are exposed to high perinatal mortality and postnatal morbidity. Premature babies in association with an IUGR are at high risk. The surveillance of the pregnant women and the new-born children should be performed in a perinatal centre.
BACKGROUND: Fetuses with a reversed enddiastolic flow in the umbilical artery and/or aorta are at risk pregnancies and show a higher incidence of perinatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pathological changes in the terminal villous tree in fetuses with a reverse flow in the fetal aorta or umbilical artery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, 16 cases with a reverse flow in the fetal aorta or umbilical artery (Gr. 1) were compared with gestational age matched 16 healthy pregnant women (Gr. 2). The following morphometric parameters were evaluated in 50 sections in each placenta (1600 measurements): mean vessel diameter, volume density of the villous tissue, stem villi and terminal villi. Measurements were performed using a computerized Video Image Analysis system. RESULTS: The mean gestational age at birth was similar in both groups (30 + 4 weeks gestation vs. 30 + 6 weeks gestation, respectively, for Gr. 1 and Gr. 2). The birth weights (985 g vs. 1780 g) and the placental weights (216 g vs. 385 g) were significantly lower in the reverse flow group. There was a significant reduction in the proportion of total villous tissue (19 % versus 45 %) and in the diameter of tissue at the terminal villi (2.1 % versus 7.6 %) in the reverse flow group. Although the mean number of vessels at the terminal villi was lower than the control group (4.1 versus 5.6), the mean and total areas of the vessels were not different. CONCLUSION: Our observations showed a significant association between the placental morphometric parameters and reversed enddiastolic flow in the umbilical artery or fetal aorta. The reduced number of functional placental units is responsible for the diminished exchange function of the placental vessels in "reverse flow" cases. This could partially explain the adverse outcome in this clinical situation.
A massive cervicothoracal lymphangioma was diagnosed in a fetus at 25 weeks of gestation. On ultrasound study, the mass showed septated, cystic components and extended from the right submandibular region to the right anterolateral thoracic wall including the right axilla and right scapula. Close sonographic follow-up revealed an increase in the size of the lymphangioma without fetal hydrops. An interdisciplinary approach including a pediatric surgeon, neonatologist, perinatologist and anesthesiologist was chosen. Elective cesarean section under general anesthesia was planned at 37 + 0 weeks of gestation. Surgical correction of the lymphangioma was successfully performed on the 4th day of life. Possible differential diagnoses and the obstetrical management are presented.