Biomedical subjects

G Creatsas

Publications and source records attributed to G Creatsas.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2003

Tension-free vaginal tape in the management of recurrent stress incontinence.

METHODS: Thirty-three patients with failed previous incontinence surgery had a Tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) inserted. Preoperative evaluation included uroflow, filing and voiding cystometry, urethral profilometry and a Q-tip test. Factors assessed postoperatively included cure, improvement or failure rates at 20.5 months follow-up, complications, and preoperative and postoperative values of a Q-tip test. RESULTS: The overall success rate was 70% at a mean of 20.5 months follow up (range 12-29 months). In patients with sufficient preoperative mobility of urethra the success rate was 90%, while in patients with a fixed urethra preoperatively the success rate was 33%.

Female↗

PubMed2003

Serum lipids and apolipoproteins in Greek postmenopausal women: association with estrogen, estrogen-progestin, tibolone and raloxifene therapy.

The aim of this study was to assess lipid and apolipoprotein levels in postmenopausal women taking various regimens of replacement therapy or no therapy. Seven hundred forty-eight postmenopausal women followed in the Menopause Clinic of the 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Athens, Aretaieion Hospital, were studied in a cross-sectional design. Women were either non-users of replacement therapy (no. = 511) or users of one of the following regimens: conjugated equine estrogen 0.625 mg (CEE, no. = 34), CEE 0.625 mg plus medroxyprogesterone acetate 5 mg (CEE/MPA, no. = 60), 17beta-estradiol 2 mg plus norethisterone acetate 1 mg (E2/NETA, no. = 44), tibolone 2.5 mg (no. = 84), raloxifene HCI 60 mg (no. = 51). Total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) levels were assessed. Women were grouped according to replacement regimen and mean levels of lipid and apolipoproteins were compared between groups. Women in the raloxifene group were older and longer menopaused. After adjustment for age and duration of menopause, TG levels were significantly lower in the tibolone and E2/NETA groups (75 and 89.9 mg/dl, respectively) compared to non-users. TC was lower in all therapy groups, but the difference acquired significance only in the E2/NETA (207.8 mg/dl), compared to non-users (231.5 mg/dl). LDL-C levels were significantly lower in the CEE (133.8 mg/dl), CEE/MPA (130.4 mg/dl) and raloxifene group (129.9 mg/dl) compared to non-users (151.9 mg/dl). There was no difference in HDL-C levels between users and non-users (58.9 mg/dl) except for the tibolone group where HDL-C was significantly lower (48.6 mg/dl). ApoA1 levels were significantly higher in the CEE/MPA group (194.4 mg/dl) and significantly lower in the tibolone group (141.6 mg/dl) compared to non-users (170.4 mg/dl). No difference was detected between groups concerning ApoB levels. In conclusion, tibolone therapy is associated with lower TG levels as well as lower HDL and ApoA1 levels. ERT, continuous combined estrogen-progestin therapy (HRT) and raloxifene are associated with lower LDL-C levels. Among continuous combined HRT users, CEE/MPA is associated with higher ApoA1 levels, while E2/NETA with lower TG levels. Large prospective randomized studies are required to validate these results.

Apolipoproteins↗

PubMed2003

Evaluation of non-reassuring fetal heart rate patterns with fetal pulse oximetry combined with vibratory acoustic stimulation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the value of fetal pulse oximetry and vibratory acoustic stimulation in the presence of non-reassuring fetal heart rate patterns during labor. DESIGN: Prospective study in women monitored by cardiotocography and fetal pulse oximetry during labor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During a period of 18 months, 907 consecutive parturients in labor were monitored by cardiotocography. Out of these women, 63 were selected on the basis of a non-reassuring fetal heart rate tracing during the first stage of labor. In these cases, fetal pulse oximetry was applied. Vibratory acoustic stimulation was applied in fetuses without spontaneous reactivity in order to evaluate the fetal status. RESULTS: Our cases were classified into three groups, according to the lower fetal oxygen saturation levels, from the time of oximetry application until delivery. Group A consisted of 29 cases where fetal oxygen saturation levels were > or = 41%, group B (20 cases) with fetal oxygen saturation of 31-40% and group C (14 cases) with levels of < 30%. Spontaneous reactivity was observed in 15 fetuses of group A and seven of group B, while no case of reactivity was noted in group C. Vibratory acoustic-induced reactivity was associated with low fetal oxygen saturation levels. The mean umbilical artery pH levels were 7.29 +/- 0.051 in group A, 7.21 +/- 0.057 in group B and 7.04 +/- 0.05 in group C. CONCLUSION: Fetal pulse oximetry should be indicated not only in fetuses without any reactivity but also in those with induced reactivity, after the application of vibratory acoustic stimulation.

Acoustic Stimulation↗

PubMed2003

Spinal and epidural versus general anesthesia for elective cesarean section at term: effect on the acid-base status of the mother and newborn.

OBJECTIVE: To compare general, epidural and combined spinal-epidural anesthesia with respect to short-term outcome of newborns delivered by elective Cesarean section of healthy parturients with normal pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 238 eight pregnant women admitted to our institution between January 1998 and July 2002, for whom elective Cesarean section was planned after 38 weeks' gestation, were grouped according to the kind of anesthesia used for the procedure. Maternal characteristics, birth weight, Apgar scores, and maternal and umbilical artery (UA) acid-base parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: Maternal pH was significantly lower and pCO2: and pO2 were significantly higher in the general anesthetic group, compared to the other two groups (7.38 +/- 0.03 vs. 7.43 +/- 0.02 and 7.43 +/- 0.05, respectively; 35.03 +/- 3.88 mmHg vs. 29.25 +/- 5.05 mmHg and 29.64 +/- 4.16 mmHg, respectively; and 224.56 +/- 86.77 mmHg vs. 151.28 +/- 38 mmHg and 157.36 +/- 53.51 mmHg, respectively, p < 0.05). The pH of the UA was higher in the general anesthetic group, compared to the spinal-epidural group (7.29 +/- 0.02 vs. 7.26 +/- 0.06, p < 0.05). The pO2 as well as O2 saturation of the UA were higher when general anesthetic was administered, compared to the two regional modalities (15.60 +/- 5.48 mmHg vs. 9.29 +/- 4.41 mmHg and 9.20 +/- 4.06 mmHg, respectively; and 17.37 +/- 9.79% vs. 7.87 +/- 4.98% and 6.90 +/- 5.22%, respectively, p < 0.05). UA O2 saturation fell to zero in some cases in the combined spinal-epidural group, without an evident effect on fetal well-being. No fetal acidemia was noted in any group. Neonatal outcomes were similar in the three groups studied. CONCLUSIONS: Type of anesthesia does not influence short-term outcomes in infants born via elective Cesarean section, although differences in acid-base status of both the mother and especially the newborn recommend careful use of spinal anesthesia.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗

PubMed2002

Transvaginal sonographic monitoring of the uterine effects of raloxifene and a continuous combined replacement therapy in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of 17beta-estradiol+norethisterone acetate and raloxifene on the endometrium and uterine volume in postmenopausal women. METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to 17beta-estradiol 2 mg+norethisterone acetate 1mg (E2+NETA) daily (n=90) or raloxifene HCl 60 mg (Evista) daily (n=43). Transvaginal sonography was done at baseline and at 6, 12 and 18 months, and at 6 and 12 months in-patients treated with E2+NETA and EVISTA respectively. Patients were asked to record bleeding-spotting episodes. Whenever required patients were referred for hysteroscopy+/-biopsy of the endometrium. RESULTS: Patients under E2+NETA had a higher bleeding-spotting incidence (48.6%) compared with EVISTA (7.7%). Endometrial thickness increased significantly under E2+NETA as compared with baseline; however, at end point thickness reverted to baseline values. Evista had a non-stimulatory effect on the endometrium. Changes in uterine volume were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Both treatment regimens provided comparable uterine safety. However, raloxifene exhibited a more favorable safety profile on the uterus as expressed in the bleeding-spotting incidence and the effect on endometrial thickness and uterine volume. Transvaginal sonography appears to be a dependable method for monitoring the effect of treatment on the uterus.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed2002

Heterotopic pregnancy at 16 weeks of gestation after in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.

We present an heterotopic pregnancy at 16 weeks of gestation following IVF/ET treatment with the ectopic pregnancy located in the left fallopian tube. Intra-abdominal bleeding secondary to an heterotopic pregnancy, causing acute abdominal pain and hemorrhagic shock, should be included in the differential diagnosis even in the second trimester of pregnancy, especially in patients, achieving conception with the use of assisted reproduction techniques.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Burch colposuspension and tension-free vaginal tape in the management of stress urinary incontinence in women.

OBJECTIVE: Objective of the study was to compare the efficacy and the complications of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) and Burch colposuspension in the treatment of female genuine stress incontinence (GSI). METHODS: In this controlled, prospective, randomized study, participated 35 patients who underwent Burch colposuspension and 36 patients that underwent TVT procedure. Patients with prolapse more than first degree, previous surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and detrusor instability were excluded from the study. RESULTS: The operative time for TVT was significantly shorter compared to BC. The severity and duration of postoperative pain for TVT was significantly less compared to BC. The necessary time for return to normal activity was 10 days for TVT and 21 days for BC. The cure rate after 24 months of follow-up was as follows: TVT: 84% and BC: 86%, while the improvement was 7% for TVT and 6% for BC. CONCLUSIONS: TVT and Burch colposuspension are equally effective in the management of female GSI at two years follow-up. TVT procedure requires much less operative time, has much shorter hospitalization time, with significantly less postoperative pain and faster return to normal daily activities than Burch colposuspension.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Fetoplacental leptin levels and their relation to birth weight and insulin in gestational diabetic pregnant women.

To investigate the fetoplacental leptin circulation in gestational diabetes, we compared cord leptin and insulin levels in 17 healthy pregnant women and 17 women with gestational-onset diabetes. Leptin levels in the umbilical arteries (mean+/-SD 1.80+/-0.76 ng/ml) were significantly (P<0.006) lower than those in umbilical veins (2.67+/-0.98 ng/ml) in normal pregnancies. Similarly, leptin levels in umbilical veins (mean+/-4.59+/-1.60 ng/ml) were significantly (P<0.001) higher than those in umbilical arteries (mean+/-SD 2.08+/-0.90 ng/ml) in gestational diabetes. However, leptin levels in umbilical veins were significantly higher (P<0.002) in gestational diabetes than those in controls. Additionally, in women with diabetes but not in controls, the birth weight and the cord leptin concentrations were positively related to cord insulin levels. We conclude that there is a hyperleptinaemia in the fetoplacental circulation in pregnant women with carbohydrate intolerance and in these cases insulin and leptin may have antagonist roles regarding fetal development.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Maternal homocysteine levels and plasma lipids in gestational diabetes: is there any relationship?

The aim of the study was to investigate the possible relationship between maternal homocysteine levels and plasma lipid parameters and whether gestational diabetes can alter the serum maternal concentration of this substance. The study included 36 primigravidas divided into two groups: group A consisted of 21 healthy pregnant women with a mean gestational age of 38.2 weeks, and group B consisted of 15 diabetic women with a mean gestational age of 38.4 weeks. No difference in maternal homocysteine levels was noted between the two groups (6.006 +/- 1.64 vs. 7.004 +/- 1.36 micromol/L). Serum cholesterol levels and serum triglyceride levels in normal pregnant women were not statistically significantly different compared to those seen in diabetic pregnant women. Similarly, no difference was found between the two groups regarding LDL levels and atheromatic index. In women with diabetes there was a weak positive relation between plasma concentrations of homocysteine and LDL levels as well as atheromatic index, but this relation was not statisticially significant. We conclude that serum homocysteine levels are not elevated in women with gestational-onset diabetes. There was also no relation between serum concentrations of homocysteine and lipid parameters in this complication of pregnancy.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Effects of estrogen-progestin and raloxifene therapy on nitric oxide, prostacyclin and endothelin-1 synthesis.

This randomized double-blind study was conducted to investigate the effects of 17 beta-estradiol plus norethisterone acetate, and raloxifene, on nitric oxide (NO), prostacyclin (PGI2) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) serum levels in postmenopausal women. Treatment was initiated after a 28-50 day placebo period. Fourteen women were treated daily with 17 beta-estradiol 2 mg plus norethisterone acetate 1 mg (E2 + NETA), and 14 with raloxifene HCl 60 mg for a period of 6 months. Serum NO, PGI2 and ET-1 levels were estimated at baseline, after placebo, and at months 3 and 6. E2 + NETA decreased NO levels significantly, while raloxifene did not cause any appreciable change. Both regimens decreased PGI2 levels and ET-1 levels significantly. Finally, E2 + NETA and raloxifene increased the NO/ET-1 ratio by 61.4% and 81.1%, respectively. In conclusion, both regimens may exert a cardio-protective effect by decreasing ET-1 levels and increasing the NO/ET-1 ratio. In contrast, both regimens had a negative influence on PGI2 levels.

Cardiovascular Diseases↗

PubMed2002

Abnormal fetal heart rate patterns during the active phase of labor: the value of fetal oxygen saturation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the predictive value of intrapartum fetal oxygen saturation (SO2) for prediction of an umbilical artery pH less than 7.15 at birth in labors complicated by abnormal fetal heart rate traces. STUDY DESIGN: Eighty-five primigravidas in spontaneous labor complicated by abnormal fetal heart rate traces underwent fetal SO2 monitoring using the fetal pulse oximetry technique. Cases with an SO2 of < 30% were delivered by Cesarean section. Umbilical artery pH was measured at birth in all women. RESULTS: With the value set of 30% as the cut-off point of fetal oxygen saturation, the positive predictive value for umbilical artery pH of < 7.15 was 61.5% and the negative predictive value was 95.8%, with a sensitivity of 72% and a specificity of 93%. CONCLUSIONS: Fetal pulse oximetry is a promising technique for assessment of fetal well-being during labor and may decrease the number of unnecessary Cesarean sections.

Female↗

PubMed2002

Q-tip test and tension-free vaginal tape in the management of female patients with genuine stress incontinence.

INTRODUCTION: To compare the Q-tip test before and after performance of the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure in women with genuine stress incontinence, and to determine the value of the Q-tip test in order to predict the outcome of TVT. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with a diagnosis of stress incontinence but without previous anti-incontinence surgery (group I) and 10 patients with stress incontinence and a history of previous anti-incontinence surgery (group II) participated in the study. None of these patients had an anterior vaginal wall prolapse of greater than stage I according to the International Continence Society Classification and, therefore, the TVT procedure was the only operation performed on these patients. Urethral mobility using the Q-tip test was assessed by the same examiner at the initial physical examination and at the 6-month follow-up examination. Cure was defined as no leakage of urine postoperatively either subjectively or objectively, while failure was defined the objective loss of urine during the stress test. RESULTS: The mean preoperative and postoperative Q-tip measurement in patients without previous operation (group I) was 43.5 +/- 5.84 and 33.38 +/- 4.77 degrees, respectively (mean difference 10.12 degrees), while the cure rate was 87.1%. The mean preoperative and postoperative Q-tip measurement in patients with previous operation (group II) was 17.5 +/- 4.44, and 11.1 +/- 6.88 degrees, respectively (mean difference 6.4 degrees), while the cure rate was 40%. CONCLUSIONS: Adequate mobility of the proximal urethra is associated with a high success rate of the TVT procedure.

Female↗

PubMed2002

[von Recklinghausen's disease and pregnancy].

Neurofibrosis or the Von Recklinghausen disease constitutes a genetically transmitted disease that appears in many parts of the body as well as many symptoms. It is inherited from the autosomatic dominant type (gene NFI on chromosome 17) and is characterized by brownish blemishes of the skin (cafe au lait), multiple neurofibromas (small dermal or subcutaneous lumps), symptoms of the peripheral and central nervous systems as well as disorders of the eyes, skeletal system, gastric system and vascular system (aneurysms of the aorta, carotid and renal arteries). We describe the case study of a 25 year old female, second pregnancy with known history of the above mentioned disease. She delivered on the 39th week of pregnancy (male neonate weighing 3000 gr.), with no problems. On the 22nd week of her pregnancy she presented with a large distension of the anterior surface of the neck in the area of the thyroid that gradually increased in size. Differential Diagnosis includes nodular goiter and neurofibroma. One month postpartum the morphoma was surgically. Neurofibrosis during pregnancy can cause many complications such as IUGR, hypertensive disease, spontaneous abortions, oligohydraminios and neurofibroma development. This case study is being discussed in international bibliography.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

[Adamantiades-Behcet's syndrome and pregnancy: a case report].

Is introducing a case study on a 20 year old female first time pregnant who presents with rare case of Adamantiadis-Bechet syndrome. These symptoms first appeared at the age of 9. The patient refers that from this age she has suffered from recurrent relapses of ulcerations of the mouth and genital organs, vescicular exanthema of the upper and lower extremities and severe headaches that would not subside with analgetic therapy. The patient upon the first trimester presented with a relapse of the disease and significant improvement during the remainder of the pregnancy. She delivered on the 39th week of her pregnancy a neonate male, alive and weighing 3640 gr. The Apgar--score 9 and 10 the 1st and 5th minute. Mother and neonate were discharged from the clinic on the 3rd postpartum day in good health. This case is also being discussed in international bibliography. Adamantiadis-Behcet syndrome constitutes systemic angiitis of unknown etiology that is characterized mainly by recurrent ulcers of the mouth and genital organs, serum negative arthritis, central nervous system disorders as well as ulcerations of the epidermis, nodular erythema, thrombophlebitis and vision disorders. It usually affects people in early adulthood, more often those in their 30s. Geographically it is seen more often in Japan, Korea, Turkey, Israel and other Mediterranean countries. Familial prevalence is also common.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Safety and tolerability of the new contraceptive sponge Protectaid.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to assess the efficacy, safety and acceptability of two different-dose regimens of the Protectaid contraceptive sponge. METHODS: The toxic effects of two forms of the new vaginal contraceptive sponge, Protectaid, in the cervical and vaginal tissues were studied. Both types were impregnated with F-5 gel containing different doses of nonoxynol-9 (NX9; 0.5% and 0.125%). The sponge was used by 35 women aged 20-35 years (mean 28.7 years) randomly allocated into two groups (Group A: 0.5% NX9, n = 20; Group B: 0.125% NX9, n = 15). RESULTS: During a 12-month period both regimens demonstrated a 91.4% overall contraceptive efficacy. Colposcopic examinations showed no significant cervical or vaginal lesions in either group, except for two cases at the 2-week and 3-month examinations in Group A women. In the former, inflammatory changes of little clinical significance were seen and the colposcopic appearance of the vagina was non-specific. In this case, the focal lesions were accompanied by dilated capillaries (hyperemia). In the second case, degenerative inflammatory changes, with the inflammatory foci varying in shape and distribution, were observed. Cervical cultures taken 6 months after the start of treatment showed the presence of Mycoplasma hominis and Candida albicans in one and two cases, respectively, in Group A. In Group B, cervical cultures taken at 3 months showed Gardnerella vaginalis and beta-hemolytic streptococci group B in one and two cases, respectively. CONCLUSION: The potent spermicidal and protective properties of this new contraceptive sponge may be of benefit to the sexually active female. Since the sponge was very well accepted by both the study participants and their sexual partners, it can be considered as a valuable barrier method.

Administration, Intravaginal↗

PubMed2002

Adolescent pregnancy and its consequences.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to evaluate the incidence, complications and follow-up of adolescent pregnancies. METHODS: The medical records of two university departments of obstetrics and gynecology, were evaluated for the period 1985-1998. RESULTS: From a total of 71,680 births, 5,398 (7.53%) occurred in adolescent mothers, aged 14-19 years old. Among the teenage pregnancies, 34% resulted in birth, 57% in abortions and 9% in miscarriage. The mean gestational age at delivery was 38 weeks and 3 days and the mean birth weight was 2,880 g. The mode of delivery was normal in 84% of cases, while 9.6% were delivered by Cesarean section and 6.4% by forceps delivery (mainly vacuum extraction). Seventy-eight per cent of cases were primagravidas. Toxemia and anemia were seen in 1.2% and 0.23% of the cases, respectively. Premature separation of the placenta and placenta previa were seen in 1.08% and 1.29% of cases, respectively. Ectopic pregnancies were not seen. CONCLUSION: Although the teenage birth rate has decreased from 9.0% in 1985 to 5.6% in 1998, adolescent pregnancy still remains a medical and social problem. Most cases are unwanted pregnancies. The cases that have decided to proceed with the pregnancy have presented an insignificant number ofeomplications as assessed by adequate medical follow-up. It appears that formal sex education programs may increase knowledge about reproductive health and improve the use of methods to protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

Abortion, Habitual↗

PubMed2001

Which contraceptive methods are recommended for young women with type 1 diabetes mellitus? A survey among gynaecologists in Greece.

BACKGROUND: Type 1 diabetes mellitus is common in Europeans. Optimal glucometabolic control at conception and during early pregnancy is necessary to reduce the risk of early miscarriage and congenital malformations. Safe and effective contraceptive methods are essential for these women in order to have a "planned pregnancy" under optimal conditions. AIM: To find out which recommendations Greek gynaecologists give to young patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus with respect to contraception. To regard the experience of Greek gynaecologists in counselling with women. To compare the Greek gynaecologists with German gynaecologists in a previously published similar survey. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A structured questionnaire containing questions about attitude, health care and contraception in young women with type 1 diabetes was given to 400 Greek gynaecologists working in Athens. RESULTS: Only 70 (17.5%) of the Greek gynaecologists returned the questionnaire. Condoms were the preferred recommendation as contraceptive method for young women with diabetes mellitus type 1 in 64%. About 57% of the gynaecologists recommended this type of contraception as first line contraceptives for young women with diabetes type 1 who smoke. The two most important criteria for selection of a contraceptive method for Greek gynaecologists were the safety and the diabetes specific problems. The Greek gynaecologists had only limited experience in regard to counselling and treating young and adolescent women with type 1 diabetes. CONCLUSION: There was no consensus with respect to contraception among Greek gynaecologists. This is similar to our previous findings in a survey involving German gynaecologists. Practical experience in counselling and treating adolescent and young women with type 1 diabetes was limited among the gynaecologists who participated in this study. Working out proper recommendations for contraception crucial for optimal medical care for type 1 diabetic women in Europe.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Long term effects of Tibolone on postmenopausal women with uterine myomas.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the long term effects of Tibolone (Livial) on uterine myomas volume as well as on uterine arteries pulsatility index (PI) in postmenopausal women. METHODS: This study included 66 naturally menopausal women. Twenty of them (group A) had no uterine myomas; 23 of them (group B) had a single, asymptomatic, intramural or subserous myoma of a maximum diameter less or equal than 2 cm; 23 of them (group C) had a single, asymptomatic, intramural or subserous myoma of a maximum diameter between 2 and 5 cm. The volume of the myomas as well as the pulsatility index of the uterine arteries was assessed by transvaginal ultrasonography every 6 months after administration of Tibolone (2.5 mg daily). RESULTS: No statistically significant difference on myomas volume was found after a 3-year period of Tibolone administration. The uterine artery basal PI was significantly higher in group A compared to that of groups B and C. After 6 months of Tibolone administration the PI in group A was significantly lower compared to the basal one whereas in groups B and C was significantly higher compared to the basal value. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that treating postmenopausal woman with Tibolone on a long-term basis: (a) does not increase the volume of uterine myomas and (b) has an early effect on uterine haemodynamics (decrease of PI in women without myomas and increase of PI in women with myomas).

Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal↗