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Biomedical subjects

J Deprest

Publications and source records attributed to J Deprest.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Lung development following diaphragmatic hernia in the fetal rabbit.

Diaphragmatic hernia was created in 39 rabbit fetuses on day 23 of gestation. Fifteen fetuses underwent a sham thoracotomy (SHAM). Thirty-nine non-operated littermates served as internal controls (CTR). Fetuses were harvested by Caesarean section on days 25, 27, 29 and 30 of gestation. Pulmonary response was evaluated by lung to body weight ratio (LBWR), morphometry, and density of type II pneumocytes. No difference was found between CTR and SHAM fetuses at term. CDH fetuses had smaller lungs (LBWR 0.014 +/- 0.004 versus 0.030 +/- 0.04 in CTR, P < 0.0001), a less complex acinus [mean terminal bronchial density (MTBD) 1.786 +/- 0.408 versus 0.917 +/- 0. 188, P < 0.0001], thicker alveolar septa [mean wall transection length (LMW) 0.0221 +/- 0.008 versus 0.0142 +/- 0.002, P = 0.0003], and a lower type II cell count (144.5 +/- 19.33 versus 216.2 +/- 27.85 per high power field, P < 0.0001). The differences in MTBD and LMW were significant from gestational day 25 onwards, and the differences in type II cell count from day 27 onwards. Surgical diaphragmatic hernia in rabbit fetuses in the late pseudoglandular phase reproduces many features of the pulmonary hypoplasia associated with human congenital diaphragmatic hernia, including the delayed maturation. The effects are present within 2 days following experimental diaphragmatic hernia and progress over time.

Animals↗

Bipolar coagulation with small diameter forceps in animal models for in-utero cord obliteration.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy and safety of bipolar coagulation using endoscopic forceps of diameters of 2.7 mm and less in animal models mimicking in-utero conditions. Forceps of 2.2, 2.3, 2.5 and 2.7 mm were tested in rabbits (n = 36). Vessel pairs were dissected and coagulated in a fluid environment under endoscopic vision at 15 and 25 W. The main outcome measure was the perforation rate. In fetal lambs (n = 25), umbilical cords were coagulated under sono-endoscopic control with power settings from 10 to 35 W. Main outcome measures were the duration of coagulation, perforation rate, change in the temperature of the amniotic fluid and efficacy of vessel occlusion rate. At 20-25 W, all cords were coagulated successfully without any perforation using 2.3, 2.5 or 2.7 mm forceps. Coagulation with the 2. 2 mm forceps was associated with a high perforation rate, although the design rather than the diameter of the forceps may have influenced this outcome. Bipolar coagulation with forceps between 2. 3 and 2.7 mm and appropriate power settings achieves efficacious and safe coagulation in animal models for umbilical cord occlusion.

Animals↗

Psychological impact of endometrial monitoring in tamoxifen-treated postmenopausal breast cancer patients.

In view of the higher incidence of endometrial pathology in tamoxifen-treated breast cancer patients, it has been recommended that endometrial surveillance be performed on these women by means of transvaginal sonography. Our study investigated how breast cancer patients experience the endometrial surveillance and which personality factors influence this experience. We also studied compliance with the recommended examination. Fifty-three consecutive asymptomatic postmenopausal breast cancer patients who had taken tamoxifen for at least 6 months were included. Our results show that 23% of the women felt very anxious just before the examination. One woman in five evaluated the procedure as annoying, unpleasant, invasive and awkward, but only 3% found it really unacceptable. Difficulties in coping with mastectomy as well as anxiety negatively affected the experience of the examination. One in six women were doubtful about their ability to comply with such an examination in the future. Women who have difficulties in coming to terms with the mastectomy, anxious women, and women with a low tolerance towards common medical procedures are at especial risk of becoming dropouts. Suggestions are made for developing strategies that might improve these women's compliance.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Pelvic floor descent in females: comparative study of colpocystodefecography and dynamic fast MR imaging.

The purpose of this study was to compare fast dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with colpocystodefecography (CCD) in the evaluation of pelvic floor descent in women. Thirty-five women with clinical evidence of pelvic floor descent were studied. A fast single-shot MR sequence was performed in the supine position during pelvic floor relaxation and during maximal pelvic strain. On the same day, a dynamic CCD was performed with the patient seated on a stool-chair. The degree of descent of the bladder, vagina, and anorectal junction was evaluated as the vertical distance between the pubococcygeal line and the bladder base, the vaginal vault, and the anorectal junction, respectively. A bulge of more than 3 cm measured as the distance between the extended line of the anterior border of the anal canal and the tip of the rectocele was interpreted as a rectocele. MRI was compared with CCD during maximal pelvic strain (CCD 1) and during voiding and defecation (CCD II). CCD was considered as the gold standard. Compared with clinical examination, CCD I showed a larger number of involved compartments, except for the middle compartment. CCD II was superior to clinical examination in all cases. In comparison with CCD I and especially CCD II, MRI had a lower sensitivity, especially for the anterior and middle compartment. Even four enteroceles seen on CCD II were not detected by MRI. When CCD I and CCD II were compared, a cystocele, a vaginal vault prolapse, an enterocele, and a rectocele were more readily seen on CCD II than with CCD I. When compared with CCD, supine dynamic MRI is unreliable, especially in the anterior and middle compartment. Even in the detection of enteroceles CCD was superior to MRI. In general, the best results with MRI can be expected for evaluation of the rectum.

Adult↗

Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome: a case report. Antepartum prediction of underlying placental vascular pattern in monochorionic twin pregnancies may be possible.

A case of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome is described. Comparing data of serial antepartum ultrasonography with a haemodynamic model suggests the possibility of predicting the underlying placental vascular anatomy. It is suggested that serial ultrasonography, including full biometry, pulsatility indices of the umbilical arteries, foetal echocardiography, assessment of amniotic fluid indices and foetal bladder filling could serve as ultrasound parameters for pattern recognition of the underlying placental vascular anomaly. Biometry should be plotted serially in a difference/average plot. Future application of such intensive ultrasound monitoring in monochorionic twins, as soon as monochorionicity is established, may distinguish those monochorionic twins who may benefit from treatment from those whom it would be better only to observe.

Adult↗

Genomic changes in endometrial polyps associated with tamoxifen show no evidence for its action as an external carcinogen.

Eighty-eight endometrial specimens from 36 postmenopausal breast cancer patients treated with tamoxifen were investigated cytogenetically and molecularly using fluorescence in situ hybridization with appropriate probes for the HMGIC and HMGIY genes. Twenty control specimens, 10 endometrial polyps, and 10 endometrial biopsy specimens were investigated in the same way. Of the 88 specimens, 44 were from endometrial polyps; 3 were from endocervical polyps; 7 were from cystic endometrium; 30 were from normal or atrophic endometrium, normal endocervix, or myometrium; and 4 were from endometrial carcinomas. Chromosome investigation of the endometrial polyps showed the nature of the chromosome changes in tamoxifen-induced polyps to be the same as that in the controls and in sporadic endometrial polyps described in the literature. HMGIC and HMGIY gene rearrangements in both groups were identical as shown by fluorescence in situ hybridization, which also allowed for the detection of seven hidden paracentric inversions involving 12q15, one of which occurred in a cystic endometrium. The carcinomas did not exhibit any of these changes. Because abnormal expression of HMGIC or HMGIY as a consequence of structural chromosome changes in 12q15 or 6p21, respectively, is invariably associated with benign neoplasia, tamoxifen-associated endometrial polyps are unlikely to undergo further malignant transformation, and a mode of action of tamoxifen as an external carcinogen is unlikely.

Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal↗

Omitting the first oral contraceptive pills of the cycle does not automatically lead to ovulation.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to test the hypothesis that omitting the first three pills of the contraceptive cycle leads to ovulation. STUDY DESIGN: Ninety-nine women, randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments of combined oral contraceptives, completed the study. Treatments contained ethinyl estradiol and either monophasic gestodene, triphasic gestodene, or monophasic desogestrel. Pituitary-ovarian activity was monitored by ultrasonography of the ovaries and assay of serum concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone over 1 normal cycle (study period 1) and 1 cycle after an extended pill-free interval of 10 days (study period 2). RESULTS: None of the women experienced normal ovulation as evaluated by ultrasonography and serum progesterone concentrations. However, follicle-stimulating hormone reached a maximal serum concentration in most women during the first 7 pill-free days, indicating complete pituitary recovery, and increases in serum estradiol concentrations were seen in each woman although with marked interindividual variation. During study period 2 we found follicles of >18 mm in 24%, 24%, and 40% of the monophasic gestodene, triphasic gestodene, and monophasic desogestrel groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Follicular growth up to preovulatory size is common in women missing the first one to three pills of their contraceptive cycle. Although this creates the prerequisite for ovulation, normal ovulation did not occur when pill omissions were limited to only 3 days.

Adolescent↗

A randomized trial on the use of ultrasonography or office hysteroscopy for endometrial assessment in postmenopausal patients with breast cancer who were treated with tamoxifen.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to compare the screening effectiveness and acceptability of transvaginal ultrasonography (with sonohysterography if endometrial thickness was >4 mm) with office hysteroscopy. STUDY DESIGN: This randomized crossover study comprised 53 consecutive asymptomatic (without vaginal bleeding) postmenopausal patients with breast cancer who had taken tamoxifen (20 or 40 mg/day) for at least 6 months. RESULTS: Two patients had endometrial cancer (1 primary, 1 breast secondary), both detected only by transvaginal ultrasonography. Twenty-six patients had at least 1 polyp (total 47, all benign). The women who had polyps were not significantly different in their age, body mass, months of tamoxifen intake, or the cumulative dose. The sensitivity and specificity of transvaginal ultrasonography were 85% and 100%, respectively. The corresponding values for office hysteroscopy were 77% and 92%. It was significant that more patients preferred transvaginal ultrasonography to hysteroscopy (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Transvaginal ultrasonography (plus sonohysterography) may be more effective and acceptable than office hysteroscopy for detecting endometrial abnormalities in women taking tamoxifen.

Aged↗

Clinical significance of cytogenetic abnormalities in uterine myomas.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical characteristics of uterine myomas with cytogenetic rearrangements. DESIGN: Comparative study of myomas with normal and abnormal karyotype. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: Premenopausal, GnRH-agonist (GnRH-a) treated and menopausal patients. INTERVENTIONS: Myomectomy or hysterectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Karyotype analysis and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: Clonal abnormalities occurred in 29% of uterine myomas but were not related to the age of the patient or, in untreated menopausal patients, to the size of the myoma. In GnRH-a treated and menopausal women, 48% of the myomas larger than 4 cm were associated with clonal abnormalities. Submucous myomas had significantly fewer clonal abnormalities (12%) than subserosal (29%) or intramural myomas (35%). CONCLUSIONS: The data support the hypothesis that cytogenetic rearrangements in uterine myomas are associated with loss of steroid hormones dependency and alter the growth potential of the tumor.

Adult↗

Reconstruction of the ovary containing large endometriomas by an extraovarian endosurgical technique.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and evaluate the surgical treatment of large ovarian endometriomas by an extraovarian endosurgical technique. DESIGN: Prospective case series study. SETTING: University center and tertiary referral center for endoscopic surgery. PATIENTS: Patients with large ovarian endometriomas. INTERVENTION: A two-step endosurgical procedure: the first step is a combined diagnostic and operative procedure confirming the diagnosis and preparing the involution of the pseudocyst and the second step includes adhesiolysis and superficial coagulation of the inverted cortex. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Operative findings and recurrence of endometriomas in the operated ovaries. RESULTS: Sixteen patients presenting with 20 large typical ovarian endometriomas were operated using the two-step endosurgical technique. Both steps were performed on 18 endometriomas. One patient with bilateral endometriomas refused the second endoscopic procedure. The long-term follow-up showed no recurrence in the 18 ovaries that were treated by the two-step endoscopic technique. CONCLUSIONS: The two-step extraovarian endosurgical technique can be applied in large typical endometriomas to reconstruct the ovary without excision and is followed by a low recurrence rate.

Adult↗

[Balloon dissection of the cavum retzii--an innovative preparatory technique for endoscopic, extraperitoneal Burch colposuspension-plasty].

Colposuspension is known as "Gold Standard" in incontinence surgery; however, a variety of different techniques exist for performing this measure. Minimal invasive surgery offers new treatment possibilities. Besides the intraperitoneal approach, there is also an extraperitoneal technique for the Burch procedure. We describe an innovative technique, namely, balloon dissection, which is well known in endoscopic hernioplasty for an atraumatic approach to the cavum retzii. This technique that was used in six patients with urinary stress incontinence has the following advantages: minimal blood loss, better visualisation of the operative field, and a shortened hospital stay and recovery period than with abdominal colposuspension.

Catheterization↗

Analysis of the karyotype and desoxyribonucleic acid content of uterine myomas in premenopausal, menopausal, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist-treated females.

OBJECTIVE: To correlate the cytogenetics and the DNA content in uterine myomas. DESIGN: Prospective study in treated and untreated females. SETTING: Tertiary University Center. PATIENTS: Premenopausal, menopausal, and GnRH-agonist (GnRH-a)-treated patients. INTERVENTION: Myomectomy or hysterectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Karyotype analysis and the DNA content measured by microfluorescence technique and expressed in fluorescence units. RESULTS: The mean DNA content in cells from karyotypically normal and karyotypically abnormal myomas, respectively, was 37.4 +/- 6.9 and 30.4 +/- 1.8 fluorescence units in premenopausal females, 30.3 +/- 5.3 and 28.7 +/- 0.9 fluorescence units in menopausal females, and 31.6 +/- 2.7 and 32.9 +/- 5.8 fluorescence units in GnRH-a-treated females. CONCLUSIONS: Forty percent of the myomas evaluated demonstrated an abnormal karyotype and had a significantly lower DNA content than the chromosomally normal myomas. After GnRH-agonist treatment, the DNA content was decreased in the euploid myoma group only.

Biopsy↗

Four cytogenetic subgroups can be identified in endometrial polyps.

We have cytogenetically investigated a total of 33 simple benign endometrial polyps, 7 of which have been reported previously. Clonal chromosome rearrangements are found in 19 of 33 lesions (57%). Three major cytogenetically abnormal subgroups can be distinguished: (a) those with rearrangements in the 6p21-p22 region; (b) those with rearrangements of the 12q13-15 region; (c) those with rearrangements of the 7q22 region. A normal karyotype is found in a fourth subgroup. Recombinations of the 6p21-22 region with 2q35 and 10q22, as well as rearrangements of 7q22, have not been described before. It can be concluded that endometrial polyps, like several other types of benign mesenchymal tumors, present several cytogenetically different subgroups despite a seemingly identical clinical and morphological appearance. It is mandatory, therefore, to look for a common denominator of these tumors at the molecular level.

Chromosome Aberrations↗

A new cytogenetic subgroup in uterine leiomyoma is characterized by a deletion of the long arm of chromosome 3.

Our cytogenetic findings in 175 uterine leiomyomas revealed 52 tumors with clonal chromosome abnormalities, eight of which did not belong to any well-delineated cytogenetic abnormal subgroup. However, an interstitial deletion of the long arm of chromosome 3 was found, as the sole chromosome abnormality, in three cases. We believe that this involvement of 3q is significant enough to consider it as a new cytogenetic subgroup of uterine leiomyoma.

Adult↗

Carbon dioxide laser for laparoscopic enterocele repair.

The use of the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser for laparoscopic enterocele repair was evaluated in four women with an enterocele as the only pathology. Three women had a large enterocele after earlier hysterectomy, and one young woman had a congenital enterocele. The technique consists of vaporizing the peritoneum of the enterocele; however, it is important first to delineate carefully the lesion's circumference because of the strong retraction during vaporization. Subsequently, a posterior culdotomy is performed taking care to restore the horizontal position of the upper vaginal axis by shortening the uterosacral ligaments, which are sutured together on the midline and the posterior vaginal wall. The (CO2) laser has the advantage that the superficial vaporization it produces is rapid (<5 min), safe, and completely bloodless. The shrinking during vaporization facilitates subsequent repair. Postoperative morbidity and recovery were uneventful for all patients. The (CO2) laser seems to have some advantages over sharp endoscopic resection of enteroceles. The relative simplicity of technique and the low postoperative morbidity suggest that endoscopy could become routine in pelvic floor surgery, improving diagnosis and complementing vaginal surgery while avoiding laparotomy.

Adult↗

The endoscopic localization of endometrial implants in the ovarian chocolate cyst.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of the endometrial cyst and to locate the implants for selective biopsy. DESIGN: Prospective study. SUBJECTS: Fifty-one women with one or two ovarian chocolate cysts of 3 cm or more were investigated. INTERVENTIONS: Laparoscopy and random biopsy versus a new technique of ovarioscopy and selective biopsy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Visual characteristics and histopathology of endometrial cysts. RESULTS: The clinical suspicion of an endometrioma was confirmed in a series of 59 hemorrhagic cysts by histopathology in 89% and 42%, respectively, of typical and atypical cases and in 27% of recurrent chocolate cysts in the presence of postoperative adhesions. The atraumatic technique of ovarioscopy allowed description of the typical characteristics of the inner wall of the endometrioma and location of the active implants for biopsy. Endometrial tissue was obtained by small ovarioscopy-guided biopsies in 82% of the cases versus 42% in large random biopsies. Red lesions were highly significant for a mucosa-type implant and were predominantly located at the site of invagination stigma and adhesions with the pelvic wall. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopy of ovarian chocolate cysts allows observation of typical features of the wall that differentiates it from other benign cysts of the ovary. Microbiopsies obtained under endo-ovarian endoscopy provided significantly more active, endometrial tissue than random biopsies. The data confirm that in most cases the endometrioma is formed by invagination of the cortex and that active implants are located at the site of invagination. Ovarioscopy is therefore proposed as a useful tool to differentiate in doubtful cases between a hemorrhagic functional and an endometriotic cyst and to select the sites for biopsies.

Adult↗