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Biomedical subjects

J C Monnier

Publications and source records attributed to J C Monnier.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[Myasthenia and pregnancy. Two case reports].

OBJECTIVE: Assess obstetrical care in rare cases of pregnant women with myasthenia. METHOD: Two personal cases led to a brief recall of the disease process and the literature and an assessment of proposed optimal care. RESULTS: Both pregnancies were carried to term without aggravation of the myasthenia. According to the data in the literature, pregnancy has a variable effect on myasthenia (1/3 stability, 1/3 improvement, 1/3 aggravation). The risk of decompensation during expulsion is great and the patient's efforts should be limited, although cesarian section is not required (excepting classical surgical indications). Peridural anaesthesia is not required (excepting classical surgical indications). Peridural anaesthesia is recommended because it reduces patient fatigue and facilitates instrumental extraction. Nursing is authorized except in case of severe episodes with a major rise in antibody levels. Pre-eclampsia was reported in only 5 cases: both maternal and fetal risk is high in such cases requiring intensive care. Fetal risks include rare neuro-muscular disease in which prognosis is poor and in 15 to 20% of the cases, neonatal myasthenia. CONCLUSION: Myasthenia is an autoimmune disease rarely occurring in young women of childbearing age. Care for pregnant women with myasthenia requires close collaboration between the different specialists.

Adult↗

[Intestinal obstruction and pregnancy].

Occlusion, a rare condition during pregnancy, occurred at 38 weeks gestation in a 26-year-old patient due to volvulous of the sigmoid on a dolichomegacolon. The diagnosis was made on the basis of the clinical manifestations and coloscopy evidence. Prognosis depends more on severity to the occlusion than on its association with pregnancy.

Adult↗

[Willebrand's disease and pregnancy. Fifteen cases].

Willebrand's disease, the most frequent inborn coagulopathy, is defined as a deficiency in Willebrand's factor required for normal hemostasis as a mediator in platelet adhesion to the subendothelium and which also contributes to plasma coagulation pathway (by preserving the coagulating activity of factor VIII). Classically, Willebrand's disease improves somewhat during pregnancy. We followed 15 pregnancies in 12 patients with Willebrand's disease in an attempt to determine the best management strategy to reduce the risk of bleeding during delivery. This risk can be assessed on the basis of prior history of bleeding and the laboratory tests and reduced by administration of concentrated Willebrand's factor at 8 months gestation. In patients with type I disease, desmopressin is proposed as curative treatment during the post partum period. Antenatal diagnosis is possible in the most severe forms. Programmed delivery is recommended. Spinal analgesia is contraindicated.

Decision Trees↗

[Appendicitis and pregnancy. Seven case reports].

OBJECTIVES: Determiner optimal diagnosis and therapeutic management of pregnant women with suspected appendicitis. METHOD: Among over 9,000 patients who delivered in our obstetrics ward over a 4-year period, 7 (1/1, 285) underwent appendectomy during their pregnancy. Based on these observations and a review of the literature, an attempt was made to determine the best diagnostic approach in this rare situation. RESULTS: The frequency observed here was in agreement with data reported in the literature (1/1,000 to 1/2,000). Premature delivery occurred eight days after appendectomy at 29 months gestation in one woman. There was no complication in the 6 other pregnancies. Positive diagnosis, difficult during pregnancy, was based on clinical, biological and echographic findings. Laparoscopy improved not only diagnosis but also treatment and prognosis before 20 weeks gestation. CONCLUSION: Clinical presentation of appendicitis is modified during pregnancy rendering diagnosis difficult. The gravity of the appendicitis as well early diagnosis and management influence the maternal and fetal prognosis more than its association with pregnancy.

Adult↗

[In utero fetal death in multiple pregnancies during the second and third trimesters. A series of 21 cases].

OBJECTIVE: Recall the maternal and fetal risks in multiple pregnancies with in utero death during the second and third trimester. METHODS: From january 1, 1984 through December 31, 1994 21 cases of in utero death occurred among 405 multiple pregnancies followed in our unit. The frequency and circumstances of maternal and fetal complications were established according to type of placenta implantation, etiology, term at death of the twin and delay from death to delivery. RESULTS: The rate of in utero death was 5.2%. Various etiologies were observed, but the main cause was intra-uterine growth retardation. Maternal complications were marked by moderate asymptomatic disorders in hemostasis which resolved rapidly. Fetal complications included premature delivery (20/25 infants) and multicystic encephalopathy in one surviving twin. In monochorial pregnancies there is either tromboplastin release or hypotension-hypoxia phenomena which lead to neurological lesions. CONCLUSION: Fetal prognosis depends essentially on the type of placenta implantation. The most severe fetal complications are caused by neurological damage occurring in monochorial pregnancies. Screening for this anomaly is difficult, limiting the antenatal evaluation to the prognosis of the surviving twin. In bichorial pregnancies, and even more so in monochorial pregnancies. It is important to prevent premature delivery and maintain regular obstetrical care. The ultrasound-Doppler examination is the key to follow-up in pregnancy.

Adult↗

[Internal version and breech extraction of the second twin. A series of 35 cases].

OBJECTIVES: Identify indications and assess results of internal version followed by breech extraction. Evaluate fetal and maternal prognosis. METHODS: A retrospective study of 35 cases of ionternal versions followed by primary breech extraction of the second twin performed between 1 January 1986 and 31 December 1994, were analysed and compared with data in the literature. RESULTS: There were 2 failures requiring cesarean extraction of the second twin. There were no maternal complications other than minor bleeding at deliver in 3 who did not require transfusion. Obstetrical trauma was observed in 3 cases with no sequelae. Five infants were referred to the prematurity unit and 9 to the infant intensive care unit due to consequences of prematurity. In six cases nitroglycerin used as a uterine relaxing agent was associated with spinal analgesia thus avoiding general anesthesia. CONCLUSION: Internal version is the only alternative (together with external version) to cesarean, allowing rapid delivery of the second twin in breech position. Maternal prognosis is excellent and fetal prognosis is good if contraindications are avoided.

Breech Presentation↗

[Uterine leiomyosarcomas: a surprising pathology. Review of the literature. Six case reports].

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the clinical features and laboratory tests which define a population with a high risk of leiomyosarcoma. METHOD: A retrospective analysis of 660 hysterectomies performed between 1989 and 1994 was conducted. There were 414 cases of leiomyoma and 6 leiomyosarcomas (1.4%). RESULTS: The indication for hysterectomy was complication of fibromyomatous uterus in all cases. Diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma was never suspected before surgery and the pathology examination. Complimentary radiotherapy was given in 2 patients among the 6 with leiomyosarcoma. Mean survival was 35 months. There were no cases of recurrence or metastasis. None of the laboratory tests performed provided clues to diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Physicians should be aware of possible misdiagnosis of a leiomyosarcoma when proposing medical treatment of uterine fibroma.

Adult↗

[Infarction and pregnancy. Review of the literature. A case report].

UNLABELLED: BUT: Assess risk factors and pathogenesis of myocardial infarction in young women and evaluate cardiologic and obstetrical management of myocardial infarction during pregnancy as well as assess the prognosis of pregnancy in patients with a prior myocardial infarction. METHODS: Fra a personal observation of pregnancy after myocardial infarction, we reviewed the literature on two distinct themes: myocardial infarction during pregnancy and pregnancy after myocardial infarction. RESULTS: Pregnancy was deliberately authorized in a 21-year-old who had myocardial infarction 3 years earlier. The pregnancy was uneventful and cesarean section with epirual analgesia at 37 weeks gestation delivered a healthy 2,350 g boy. Unfortunately the patient died at her home 18 month later. Acardiac cause was retained although death due to ventricular rhythm disorder or recurrent myocardial infarction could not be confirmed due to lack of an autopsy. The prognosis of pregnancies after myocardial infarction would not appear to be catastrophic although this case raises some doubts as to whether pregnancy should be authorized in these patients. The major difference in mortality according to whether the infarction occurs before or during pregnancy would suggest that risk might be reduced by a haling period after the infarction. CONCLUSION: It appears that pregnancy in women with a prior myocardial infarction would be possible if sufficient precautions are taken. All situations increasing cardiac work should be avoided. Stress and pain must be avoided during delivery and the post-partum period. Intensive cardiological and obstetrical supervision supervision are required for correct management of the pregnancy.

Adult↗

[Cord prolapse. Review of the literature. A series of 50 cases].

OBJECTIVES: Identify the role of cord prolapse in modern obstetrics by estimating the frequency of this obstetrical accident, its conditions, prognosis and treatment and by analyzing factors favoring development of cord prolapse. METHOD: From a retrospective study of 50 observations of cord prolapse occurring in the department of obstetrics from January 1985 to June 1994. Results were compared with those reported in the literature. RESULTS: The frequency of cord prolapse was 0.21% over the 10-year period. Cesarean section was required in 72% of the cases, and obstetrical manoeuvers were used in some of the vaginal deliveries (28%). Neonatal mortality was 20/1000. Predisposing factors were breech presentation, prematurity, twin pregnancy and multiparity. CONCLUSION: Despite much progress in obstetrics, the frequency of cord prolapse has not changed over time. The consequences are not as lethal as in the past, because of progress in diagnosis and neonatal resuscitation. Fetal prognosis remains however severe.

Adult↗

Pre-eclampsia: physiology and immunological aspects.

Pre-eclampsia is a frequent, unpredictable syndrome which is dangerous for both mother and foetus. The concept of placental ischemia has gained wide acceptance among the numerous theories put forward to explain the illness. The setting up of preeclampsia seems to be scheduled in two steps: (1) an absolute or relative placental ischemia due to vascular diseases or hypertrophic placenta, or most often secondary to implantation defect, particularly anomaly with the invasive trophoblast; (2) a diffuse endothelial disease. The connection between these two steps is incompletely disclosed. The authors demonstrate that the maternal immune system which is strongly stressed during all the stages of normal gestation is implicated in pre-eclampsia. Its role is probably not univocal. Foeto-trophoblastic antigens could be poorly recognised. This defect of recognition could lead to the abnormalities of trophoblastic invasion observed in pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia does not seem to be accompanied by an immunological rejection of the foetus. Some genetically predisposed patients do not have a sufficiently competent immune system to neutralise one or more of the toxic products released by the ischemic placenta. Certain types of pre-eclampsia could be auto-immune, with the auto-antibodies directed against certain types of phospholipids or trophoblastic constituents. A disequilibrium between oxidation and anti-oxidation mechanisms involving neutrophils could lead to aggression of the endothelium which is observed in pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia could represent a form of immuno-dystrophy, with the excessive production of adverse cytokines locally, directed against the trophoblast. Without directly implicating the immune system as the trigger of pre-eclampsia, it seems that its role is unclear. In some cases it develops protective mechanisms which, when overwhelmed or inadequate, allows pre-eclampsia to occur. In other cases it can form part of the cascade of aggressions leading to the abnormalities encountered. The integration of these abnormalities in the pathophysiological models, could help improve the classification of pre-eclampsia. This attempt will lead to a more adapted preventive and therapeutic management of pre-eclampsia.

Autoimmune Diseases↗

Immunological aspects of ovarian function: role of the cytokines.

Interaction between the immune system and reproduction is multiple. Either directly or indirectly through their products, immune cells are associated with the regulation of every level of the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis. Immune cells are present in the ovaries and their numbers increase during the cycle. During the follicular development cytokines assist granulosa cell growth while inhibiting their differentiation. During the LH peak, an influx of immune cells occurs and several cytokines are released. The rupture of the follicle is considered as an inflammatory reaction. IL-1, TNF-alpha are the main cytokines involved in this process. During the luteal phase, the installation of the corpus luteum needs the setting up of neovascularization. Cytokines are probable candidates for this function, but they also promote cellular differentiation resulting in steroid synthesis. In the absence of pregnancy T lymphocytes and eosinophils are involved in corpus luteum regression. Their products are directly cytotoxic for the luteal cells. They attract macrophages which are locally activated to phagocytose the damaged luteal cells. They can induce apoptosis of endothelial and luteal cells through gene expression. Cytokines are members of a larger regulatory network residing in the ovary and involving hormones and growth factors. The various stages of ovarian cycle will be shown from an immunological point of view. Understanding the role of the cytokines should enable us to go beyond a purely descriptive stage, and allow us to envisage new ovulation induction therapy and treatment in certain cases of premature menopause.

Animals↗

[Obstetrical prognosis of the post-cesarean uterus. 641 cases].

OBJECTIVES: A retrospective study of decisions made in a gynaecology department between January 1990 and December 1993 were analyzed in order to assess management of the post-cesarean uterus. METHOD: Among 9092 women who delivered in the department during the study period, there were 641 patients with a post-cesarean uterus, due to a single prior cesarean section in 451. Results were analyzed and compared with those reported in the literature. RESULTS: Among the 451 patients with a single scar, 184 (41%) delivered by elective cesarean section and in 267 (59%) a decision was made during labour. In this group of 267 patients with a single cicatrix who underwent a labour tests, 227 (85%) had a vaginal delivery compared with 40 (15%) in which the decision for cesarean section was made during labour. CONCLUSION: The results observed were comparable with those found in the literature. Management of pregnancy with post-cesarean uterus is now quite similar to that of a normal uterus. Epidural anaesthesia and ocytotin therapy as well as epidural labour triggering have had an important effect.

Extraction, Obstetrical↗

[Are there still indications for cerclage in 1995?].

AIM: In order to assess their undertook a retrospective study in their department over a 4 year period: from January 1991 to December 1994. METHOD: the study concerned 129 patients who were treated by cerclage. This procedure was performed prophylactically in the great majority of them (97), while it was carried out as an emergency in 32 (25%). RESULTS: the authors drew a distinction between two groups (prophylactic and emergency suture) when analyzing the various results: complications due to suture, mean age of pregnancy at delivery, threatened premature labor, mean length of prolongation obtained. These personal data formed the basis of a review of the literature, in order to specify the indications for suture adopted by various authors at the present time. CONCLUSION: the authors found themselves to be in agreement with data from the literature, considering a history of at least two obstetric accidents (late abortions) and/or the existence of a severe uterine malformation to be the principal indication for prophylactic suture. "Emergency" suture should be performed whenever there is a serious threat of early premature labor in the presence of cervical changes such that suture offers the only chance of prolonging the pregnancy.

Emergencies↗

[Intrauterine growth retardation associated with a mosaic trisomy 20 limited to the placenta. A case report].

When an amniocentesis was performed to determine fetal age, the karyotype was found to be a trisomy-20 mosaic, which could not be confirmed at birth on peripheral blood but which was confirmed at the cytogenetic examination of the placenta. Fetal growth impairment occurred. Mosaic trisomy in the placenta alone is known to affect fetal development. Normally, lethal, mosaic trisomy found during antenatal diagnosis in a viable fetus with no detectable malformation suggests an extra-embryo anomaly. The risk of spontaneous abortion and fetal growth retardation is however increased making strict echographic surveillance essential in these pregnancies.

Adult↗

Pregnancy after myocardial infarction.

UNLABELLED: The occurrence of pregnancy in a patient after myocardial infarction remains a dilemma for both the cardiologist and the obstetrician. The majority of obstetricians and cardiologists are very reticent about pregnancy in a woman suffering from coronary disease. AIMS: The aims of this study are to evaluate the risks, the prognosis of pregnancy for women who had suffered from myocardial infarction and to propose guidelines for pre-pregnancy counselling and medical supervision of the pregnancy and delivery. METHODS: A review of literature has revealed 30 cases, 14 of which are sufficiently documented. Only one of these patients requested pre-pregnancy counselling. We add to this experience the case of a patient who, having had an infarction, was authorized to begin pregnancy. RESULTS: Most of the pregnancies in these patients evolve satisfactorily if the more frequent cardiovascular complications are diagnosed and treated rapidly. During the pregnancy, rest is the rule and any situation which risks to increase the myocardial work-load should be avoided. Normal vaginal delivery with epidural anesthesia is the preferred method. CONCLUSION: The maternal and fetal prognosis is good on condition of performing a pre-pregnancy examination and of setting up a multi-discipline surveillance of the pregnancy. The review of the literature does not confirm the surrounding pessimism concerning the patients becoming pregnant after myocardial infarction.

Adult↗