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Biomedical subjects

F Fallenstein

Publications and source records attributed to F Fallenstein.

27 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[Transcutaneous bilirubin determination in the newborn infant. Recommendations of the Swiss Neonatology Group].

The clinical usefulness of transcutaneous bilirubinometry with the Minolta-Air Shield bilirubinometer was evaluated at four obstetrical neonatology units (Basle, Berne, Lucerne and Zurich). Transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB), expressed as bilirubin index, was compared with simultaneous serum bilirubin estimations in healthy Caucasians babies born at term with a birth weight of more than 2500 g. TcB measured over the forehead: 926 determinations in 629 newborns. TcB measured over the sternum: 404 estimations in 260 newborns. TcB estimations over the sternum produced a closer correlation (r = 0.93) with serum bilirubin than estimations over the forehead (r = 0.81). Mean serum bilirubin value as well as the corresponding 5th and 95th percentiles were calculated for each TcB index. From the data obtained the following practical conclusions can be drawn: TcB estimations are reliable for giving the indication to perform serum bilirubin determinations. In patients with risk factors for kernikterus serum bilirubin should be determined at a TcB index of greater than or equal to 18, in babies without risk factors at a TcB index of greater than or equal to 21.

Bilirubin↗

Four-channel tocography in uneventful pregnancies: a prospective study in primigravidas and multigravidas.

OBJECTIVE: The simultaneous recording of external uterine pressure in four locations on the abdominal wall with four-channel-tocography provides new ways to describe the dynamics of uterine activity. METHODS: Fifty-eight healthy primigravidas and 25 healthy multigravidas were studied prospectively with four-channel tocography during the course of pregnancy. Starting at 21 weeks' gestation, the following five intervals were defined: 21-24, 25-28, 29-32, 33-36 and more than 37 completed weeks. Eligibility criteria included informed consent, no history of malformations of the uterus, and no previous preterm deliveries. Patients were excluded for the following reasons: medication for preterm labor, cerclage, placenta previa, delivery before 37 weeks' gestation, less than three measurements completed, and patient's withdrawal of consent. RESULTS: The median contraction frequency per hour was six for primigravidas and five for multigravidas, without significant correlation with gestational age. At all time periods studied, the median rate of global contractions developing simultaneously in at least three uterine segments was less than 15%; however, it was significantly higher in primigravidas than in multigravidas (14% versus 4%, P <.001). Both groups had more activity in the right upper quadrant of the uterus shortly before delivery. CONCLUSION: Four-channel tocography provided insight into uterine activity patterns and might enable obstetricians to select clinically relevant contractions for further treatment.

Adolescent↗

[Significance of the site of uterine contraction for labor progress and duration of pregnancy].

A four-channel topographic technique was developed in order to improve information about spatial uterine motility. 54 women were monitored during delivery. Four pressure transducers were attached in a square around the umbilicus. Most frequently the origin of labour could be determined in the upper right segment of the uterus. The rate of operative deliveries was decreased in case of predominant upper right origin of labour. The majority of contractions with clear propagation patterns originated at the upper right site, continued to the left and then to the lower right part of the uterus. The highest relative intensity was also measured at the upper right site. Predominant upper right origin of labour may be important for undisturbed delivery. The probability of a preterm delivery is increased in case of an upper right origin of labour.

Adult↗

[Fetal movements in 4-channel tocography].

INTRODUCTION: The four-channel-tocography was developed to register the spatial and temporal pattern of uterine contractions and to evaluate their clinical relevance. In this study it should be assessed whether the four-channel-tocography can also register fetal movements. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 38 women with a gestational age between 28 and 43 weeks and singleton pregnancy. Four pressure transducers were attached in a square around the umbilicus. Parallel to the continuous registration of four-channel-tocography fetal movements were observed by conventional ultrasound. RESULTS: In a total of 23 hours and 11 minutes 403 fetal movements were registered by ultrasound and 405 by four-channel-tocography. 17% of the ultrasonically observed fetal movements were documented by the four-channel-tocography and 70% of the tocographically registered movements could be verified by ultrasound. CONCLUSION: Fetal movements can be registered by four-channel-tocography with good sensitivity and reliability. Essential for its clinical use is an automatic analysis, which is being developed.

Female↗