Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

J C Colau

Publications and source records attributed to J C Colau.

63 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

[Risk of neonatal Streptococcus B infection].

23 cases of contamination with streptococcus group B have been seen after premature rupture of the membranes. Mothers and fetuses have been affected. The systematic study of swabs or liquor or cervical discharge carried out on the mother since the time her membranes had ruptured show that in 74 per cent of cases studied contamination existed within the first 24 hours. Giving antibiotics to the mother before delivery gave very variable results. These multiple tests, before and around the time of birth, made it possible to detect the children at risk of infection and to start antibiotic therapy with a narrow spectrum antibiotic of the type Penicillin G. The clinical progress of these children, which is usually favourable, gives no reason for postponing prophylactic cover antibiotic treatment when the membranes have ruptured prematurely.

Agglutination Tests↗

[Spontaneous bacteriological course of prolonged rupture of the fetal membranes (author's transl)].

Bacteriologic study of amniotic fluid was undertaken in 300 cases of prolonged rupture of the membranes to evaluate the risk of infection without systematic administration of prophylactic antibiotics to the mother. The rate of amniotic contamination was 8.3 per cent within the first 12 hours following rupture of the membranes, it increased with time to reach 52 per cent, after 48 hours. In 90 per cent of the cases, contamination was caused by streptococci and anaerobes, Streptococcus B alone being responsible for 50% of the contaminations. Antibiotics administered to the mother were effective, but they needed a 6 hour-minimum delay to sterilize a contaminated amniotic fluid. Although the overall percentage of contamination was 23 per cent, infection occurred in only 4 per cent of the infants. The outcome was satisfactory in every case. Those results do not seem to discredit the suppression of prophylactic cover antibiotic therapy following the premature rupture of the membranes.

Amniotic Fluid↗

[Disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis. Apropos of a case].

The authors report a case of disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis (DPL) occurring in a post-menopausal woman not using hormone replacement therapy. Her past history included a subtotal hysterectomy, with preservation of the adnexae, for metromenorrhagia due to a leiomyomatous uterus. This case confirms data in the literature concerning presentation, symptomatology, macroscopic appearance and histology. No electron microscopy study was undertaken, nor were hormonal receptors evaluated. The originality of this case lies in the onset of DPL in a post-menopausal (with laboratory confirmation) woman with very slow progression over several decades confirming the hormone-dependent nature and the good prognosis of this rare condition.

Age Factors↗

[Causes, diagnosis and treatment of uterine perforations by intrauterine devices].

Perforations of the uterus by intra-uterine devices (I.U.D.) are still at present serious complications. Their incidence is very varied and diverse because they are often asymptomatic. Pregnancy of a frequent circumstance under which they are discovered, as well as the more general way, which is the disappearance of the strings, which should always give rise to the suspicion that perforation has happened. There are two types to be distinguished from one another: Immediate perforation due to a faulty technique in insertion, secondary perforation due to gradual wearing down of the uterine wall. The factors predisposing to the occurrence of these accidents are numerous but notable among them are the date in the cycle when the insertion was done and above all the time in relationship to the last pregnancy, parity, the position of the uterus and the experience of the operator. Diagnosis of perforation is not always easy and may require not only radiological investigation without preliminary preparation but also hysterography, ultrasound examination and hysteroscopy. Withdrawal of a device that has perforated the uterus is advisable even if its migration has not given rise to any clinical symptoms. The technique for removing it varies often from case to cause between laparoscopy, laparotomy and culdotomy. Prevention of perforations should not only take into account the contra-indications to insertion but also knowledge of favourable factors, of a rigorous technique for insertion as well as clinical supervision in order to screen for secondary perforations.

Endoscopy↗

[Menopausal risk factors (author's transl)].

Menopausal disorders coincide with the onset of luteal insufficiency and the resulting relative hyperestrogenism. At this stage the risks to be assessed are mainly related to a worsening of the menstrual syndrome (heaviness of the legs, abdominal distention, water retention, mastodynia, depressive syndrome), cycle changes, or various genital types of hemorrhage requiring investigation for detection of a possible fibroma, hyperplasia, endometriosis, or genital cancer. Once the menopause is settled a reduction in estrogen levels comes with reactive increases in FSM and LM levels, and the principal risk is the development of a cancer. The role of endogenous (obesity, diabetes, Stein-Leventhal, adenomatous hyperplasia) or exogenous (prolonged estrogen therapy alone) estrogens has to be evaluated in endometrial cancer. Cancer of the vulva also appears to be more frequent in menopausal women (natural or artificial), as well as cervical cancer and cancer of the breast. There is an apparent increase in cardiovascular risks in untreated menopausal women, but this is still discussed, as to the benefits of estrogen therapy.

Adult↗

[Drug treatment of threatened premature labor].

The problem of the treatment of premature labor has not yet been resolved. The positive effect of using sympathomimetics is not as significant as was initially thought and they are not free of side-effects. A review of the literature forms the basis of a comparison of sympathomimetics with nifedipine and indomethacin. The latter sometimes offer a better alternative but must be used with care. The potential benefits of oxytocin antagonists are still being evaluated.

Female↗

[Treatment of urinary incontinence by vaginal approach].

The vaginal route is routinely used for surgical cure of exersion-induced urinary incontinence. This technique has the advantage of being rapid and easily performed during a short hospital stay. Long-term results however, have been debated. Certain factors have been identified in the literature which would affect long-term failure. These factors indicate that the "ideal" vaginal route should be based on the Burch operation starting at the upper portion and working downwardly. Finally, sphincter failure or detrusor instability must be eliminated before an operation for exertion-induced incontinence can be indicated since such a combination would modify the procedure.

Female↗