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Biomedical subjects

C Dadak

Publications and source records attributed to C Dadak.

53 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Reduced umbilical artery prostacyclin formation in complicated pregnancies.

Prostacyclin synthesis is severely depressed in the umbilical arteries of neonates of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus, juvenile-onset diabetes mellitus, or preeclamptic symptoms, and of mothers who smoke during pregnancy and diabetic mothers who smoke. The reduced production of prostacyclin might be responsible for an increased abortion rate and a higher rate of intrauterine fetal death because of a decrease in placental perfusion and umbilical blood flow.

Adult↗

[Plasma factors regulating prostacyclin synthesis during pregnancy].

Prostacyclin is the most potent endogenous inhibitor of platelet aggregation known so far, produced by endothelial and smooth muscle cells. This substance is assumed to play a key role in maintaining a sufficient blood flow in maternal and fetal circulation. There is now some evidence that there is a non-cellular component in human blood, which is able to influence the prostacyclin formation to a certain degree, the so-called "prostacyclin synthesis stimulating plasma factor". A change in the plasma factor activity in patients with a disturbance of PGI2 metabolism has been observed. We examined the activity of this plasma factor during pregnancy and one year after delivery. During the first and second trimenon increased values were observed, whereas at the end of pregnancy the values were significantly decreased. The values for plasma factor activity one year after delivery were comparable to those of the control group. In patients with diabetes mellitus decreased activity of the plasma factor was observed, but its course was similar to that seen in normal pregnancy.

Biological Products↗

[Prostacyclin synthesis in human umbilical vessels].

Umbilical arteries exhibit the highest capacity to synthesize PGI2 of all human blood vessels. This capacity is not only severely suppressed in adults, but also in umbilical arteries in mothers suffering from diseases accompanied by vessel wall alterations such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension and with smoking, for example. In parallel, severe morphological changes of endothelium and smooth muscle cells of umbilical arteries can be observed. It is assumed that a decrease in PGI2 formation might cause a disturbance in local haemodynamics.

Diabetes Mellitus↗

[Ability to work following radical surgery for cervix carcinoma].

During follow-up examinations of 74 women after radical hysterectomy the time interval between the end of treatment and the start of the subsequent professional activity has been examined. 34.1% of the patients started to work after 3 months, 46.8% worked within 6 months, 72.3% within 12, and 87.2% within 18 months. 61.7% of the women worked in the same job as before their operation, 29.8% started in an new job. The results are in full agreement with the personal opinion of 73.1% of all women who consider a space of up to 6-7 months optimal for their rehabilitation, up to 3 months was ideal for not less than 44.7%. A sick leave of up to 6 months was considered essential and helpful by 51% of all women. In 74.5% of all cases the date for the start in their professional work was in agreement with the personal plan of the women. It is concluded from these results that 3 months after treatment the problem of professional work should be discussed with the patient, provided that she is free of recurrence. This time interval is optimal from the patient's standpoint.

Adult↗

[Early diagnosis of fetal malformation by ultrasonography (author's transl)].

Today, echography can be considered as routine diagnosis in every pregnancy. Besides the detection of growth retardation very often in early stages of the fetal life malformations can be diagnosed incompatible with postnatal life. Reviewing the cases of the II. Women's Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Vienna within the last 2 years, 13 cases of serious malformations could be detected by regular routine ultrasonic examinations. The echographic appearance of these partially very rare cases is discussed and documented by pictures. The advantage of ultrasonic diagnosis in comparison with other diagnostic procedures in the detection of malformation is discussed. The necessity and importance of regular ultrasonic examinations of all pregnancies as well in respect in the detection of malformations are stressed.

Adolescent↗

Morphological changes in the umbilical arteries of babies born to pre-eclamptic mothers: an ultrastructural study.

The umbilical arteries of babies from ten normal pregnancies and from ten babies born to pre-eclamptic mothers were studied. Ultrastructurally, there were marked abnormalities of umbilical arterial morphology in the pre-eclamptic group. A loss of intercellular junctions, distension of the endoplasmic reticulum and an increase in cell organelles in the endothelial cells leading to a partial de-endothelialization was noted. Smooth muscle cells showed the morphological features of metabolic activation. These ultrastructural findings can be attributed to fetal hypoxia and to disturbances in cellular lipid metabolism; they suggest that there may be an abnormal fetal arterial blood flow in maternal pre-eclampsia.

Adult↗

Immunohistochemical detection of mutant p53-suppressor gene product in patients with breast cancer: influence on metastasis-free survival.

Overexpression of p53-protein appears to be a common event in primary breast cancer. It has been proposed that the presence of elevated levels of this protein may be an independent prognostic factor and may be important for the ability of a tumor to metastasize. This study was performed to evaluate the influence of immunohistochemically detectable mutant p53-protein on metastasis-free survival of patients with breast cancer. Immunohistochemistry was performed on 117 paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens of consecutive patients with stage T1-T4 breast cancer, using a monoclonal antibody against p53 suppressor gene product. 29 (24.8%) specimens showed positive staining, whereas in 88 (75.2%) a negative staining reaction for p53 was found. Comparing time intervals to diagnosis of metastasis, using Kaplan-Meier curves, Log-Rank test revealed no significant differences in metastasis-free survival between p53 positive and negative patients (P = 0.32), whereas statistically significant differences were noted for tumor stage (P < 0.01), nodal status (P < 0.01), histological grading (P < 0.01) and estrogen receptor status (P = 0.03). Mutant p53-protein, as detected by immunohistochemistry in paraffin embedded tumor tissue, does not appear to influence metastasis-free survival in patients with breast cancer.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

[Morbidity and mortality of retarded and normal weight premature infants].

Differences of fetal outcome between appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and small for gestational age (SGA) preterm newborns with birth weight below 2500 g and gestational age ranging from 27 to 36 weeks have been evaluated. As described by Rohrer SGA have been divided into symmetrical retarded and asymmetrical retarded newborns using ponderal index. Therefore distribution of ponderal index on our local population has been analysed. SGA more often had an Apgar score below 6 five minutes post partum (p = 0.01) and their mothers more often announced abuse of nicotine during pregnancy. AGA have been on respiratory ventilation significantly longer than SGA (p = 0.001) and photo therapy because of hyperbilirubinaemia more often had to be performed on AGA (p = 0.02). AGA have spent a longer time at the neonatal intensive care unit than SGA (p = 0.0006). No differences could be found in mortality between AGA and SGA. Preterms with low ponderal index had no different outcome than SGA with normal ponderal index.

Apgar Score↗

[Lead, mercury and cadmium in newborn infants and their mothers].

The objective of the present study was to determine the toxic trace element status of 51 healthy Austrian women and their newborn babies. Lead, mercury and cadmium content of early breast milk, blood and urine were measured post partum by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. None of the toxic trace elements could be found in elevated concentrations; the content of mercury and cadmium in milk was below limits of detection. Mean lead concentration in breast milk was 35.8 (SD:15.0) micrograms/l. Whole blood content of lead was 37.0 (SD:12.7) micrograms/l in mothers and 26.3 (SD:11.6) in newborns. High blood concentrations of mercury were found both in mothers (4.46 micrograms/l, SD:1.95) and in umbilical cord blood (5.58 micrograms/l, SD:2.33). The corresponding values for cadmium were 0.44 (SD:0.4) micrograms/l and 0.08 (SD:0.16) micrograms/l. Urine excretion of the elements assayed was normal. Significant correlations between maternal and neonatal blood toxic mineral levels could be demonstrated in lead (p < 0.001).

Adult↗

[Obstetric management of patients with HELLP syndrome].

The syndrome of haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count (HELLP-Syndrome) is a severe form of preeclampsia and eclampsia. The clinical course is characterized by right upper quadrant and epigastric pain, hypertension, proteinuria and edema. Maternal and neonatal morbidity are high. The underlying cause for this pregnancy-related syndrome is still unclear. As soon as a reliable diagnosis is established handling of patients suffering from HELLP-Syndrome is ambivalent: Immediate termination of pregnancy, however, poses a problem at early gestational age. Therefore some authors have advocated a conservative management. At our department active management and delivery by Caesarean section as soon as possible has gained acceptance in the past 5 years. We report our experience with 23 patients over a 12 year period, and with 4 patients from the intensive care unit (N = 27). Mean gestational age was 33.5 weeks (+/- 4.8) and the mean birthweight was 1922.5 g (+/- 971.5). 19 patients were delivered by Caesarean section. Most complications were based on a delayed delivery and subsequent deterioration of maternal condition. Reduction of the time interval between establishment of diagnosis and termination of pregnancy (1980-1985-3 days; 1986-1992-12 hours) resulted in a better outcome. We recommend intensive laboratory screening and exact clinical examination since missed or delayed diagnosis as well as delayed delivery are life threatening for mother and child. Only prompt delivery yields an improvement of prognosis.

Adult↗

Infiltrating ductal carcinoma of the breast: extensive intraductal component has no impact on lymph node involvement and survival.

The extensive intraductal component (EIC) in infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC) was reported to be a predictor of local recurrence. We investigated the influence of this histopathological parameter on nodal status and overall survival. In 115 patients suffering from an IDC with tumor stage FIGO I and II, 35 were EIC positive. We did not find a correlation with the nodal status. The mean follow up was 73 (+/- 38) months. EIC showed no influence on overall survival. Based on our findings, the presence of EIC is not a criterion for therapeutic decisions in IDC.

Breast Neoplasms↗

Serum evaluation of basic FGF in breast cancer patients.

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is a potent endothelial cell mitogen found in a variety of normal and tumour tissues and is of prognostic relevance in human malignancies such as renal cell carcinoma and leukaemia. This study presents the data of 104 serum samples of 20 patients suffering from breast cancer. Mean serum levels of bFGF in these patients were 13.9 +/- 17. 1 (min 0, max 56.4) pg/ml and 2.4 +/- 5.9 (min 0, max 24.7) pg/ml, respectively (p = 0.01). Basic FGF reached a sensitivity of 61% at a specificity of 87% when applying a cut-off level of 5 pg/ml. A continuous increase of bFGF serum levels before the clinical detection of relapse (lead time) was seen in 3 out of 8 cases with a mean lead time of 4 months. Preoperative serum levels were not of prognostic value and showed no correlation with axillary lymph node metastasis. These preliminary results indicate that, in breast cancer patients, soluble bFGF may be useful in early detection of primary tumours, recurrences and monitoring of therapy.

Adult↗

The serum tumor marker M3/M21 in the follow-up of breast cancer patients.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the new serum tumor marker M3/M21 in comparison to CA 15-3, CEA and MCA in the follow-up of breast cancer patients. We investigated 267 serum samples from 35 patients suffering from invasive breast cancer, International Union Against Cancer (UICC) stage pT1 to pT4. Cut-off values for M3/M21, CA 15-3, CEA, and MCA were 25 U/I, 30 U/I, 5 ng/ml and 11 U/I, respectively. Serum tumor marker results were correlated with the results of the clinical and radiological examinations. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of serum CA 15-3, CEA and MCA were 47/85/61/76%, 24/90/55/70% and 39/84/55/73%, respectively. Serum M3/M21 showed a sensitivity of 45%, specificity of 81%, PPV of 73% and NPV of 69%. The combination of CA 15-3 and M3/M21 increased the sensitivity to 55%, with a specificity, PPV and NPV of 83%, 79% and 86%, respectively. CA 15-3 measurements showed a lead time effect in 5 patients, ranging from 3 to 7 (median 4.1) months. The combination of CA 15-3 and M3/M21 provided lead time effects in 7 cases, ranging from 2 to 8 (median 5.7) months. We conclude that the detection of breast cancer recurrence with CA 15-3 is improved by combination with M3/M21.

Antigens, Tumor-Associated, Carbohydrate↗