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Biomedical subjects

J M Thorp

Publications and source records attributed to J M Thorp.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Nifedipine enhances the cardiac toxicity of magnesium sulfate in the isolated perfused Sprague-Dawley rat heart.

Magnesium sulfate is commonly used in tocolytic regimens and as prophylaxis against seizures. Nifedipine may be used simultaneously in either situation. With the isolated perfused rat heart model (Sprague-Dawley rats), we investigated the effects of these agents on cardiac function. Whereas each agent alone depressed cardiac performance, the two drugs together had maximal depressive effects on the heart.

Animals↗

Antepartum and intrapartum events in women exposed in utero to diethylstilbestrol.

Using a retrospective cohort design, we analyzed the effects of intrauterine diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure on various antepartum and intrapartum events. Gravidas exposed to DES had a higher likelihood of being delivered abdominally, undergoing manual removal of the placenta, and hemorrhaging in the postpartum period. The increased risk for these events remained after controlling for age, race, and parity. We also constructed labor curves in DES-exposed women by plotting cervical dilation against time. The curves were similar for nulliparous DES-exposed women and nulliparous controls, but DES-exposed parous women experienced prolonged labors. These findings suggest that, in addition to the well-known adverse effects of intrauterine DES exposure, the interaction between the uterus and placenta is altered in some DES-exposed patients.

Adult↗

Ovarian suspension in massive ovarian edema.

Massive ovarian edema is an uncommon condition found in young women that is speculated to occur as a result of incomplete ovarian torsion. We present the second patient to our knowledge to undergo ovarian suspension as a treatment for this condition. This approach succeeded after ovarian wedge resection had failed. Our patient remained symptom-free at 1 year of follow-up. Ovarian suspension should be considered when this pathologic entity is diagnosed.

Adult↗

Human immunoglobulin therapy for preeclampsia associated with lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibody.

A patient with lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibody developed preeclampsia at 24 weeks' gestation. Therapy with human immunoglobulin (Ig) resulted in stabilization of preeclampsia and suppression of the lupus anticoagulant. Anticardiolipin antibody titers were partially suppressed. Preeclampsia worsened at 32 weeks' gestation, and a healthy infant was delivered. For patients with preeclampsia secondary to lupus anticoagulant before the fetus is viable, human Ig is a potential therapeutic option.

Adult↗

von Willebrand factor multimeric levels and patterns in patients with severe preeclampsia.

The clinical manifestations of severe preeclampsia and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura are similar. Patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura have been demonstrated to have larger than usual von Willebrand factor multimers. Serial serum samples were taken from patients with severe preeclampsia, all with platelet counts less than 50,000. Von Willebrand factor multimeric patterns were normal in all the patients except one, who later proved to have chronic relapsing thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. All patients had elevated levels of von Willebrand factor. Although the clinical presentations of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and severe preeclampsia with thrombocytopenia have many similarities, the underlying pathophysiology of each disorder appears to be different.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

Episiotomy: can its routine use be defended?

Episiotomy is routinely used before delivery in the United States. The rationale for routine episiotomy is based on two foundation arguments: that episiotomy reduces perineal trauma and that it prevents subsequent pelvic relaxation. A careful review finds little evidence to support these arguments. Episiotomy may predispose the gravid woman to third- and fourth-degree lacerations. Efforts should be directed to determine whether episiotomy is beneficial.

Episiotomy↗

Fetal death from chlamydial infection across intact amniotic membranes.

We report a case of a fetal death at 34 weeks' gestation with intact membranes. An autopsy confirmed intrauterine pneumonia as a result of Chlamydia trachomatis. Staining of the lung tissue with a direct fluorescein-conjugated Chlamydia-specific monoclonal antibody assay revealed a pattern typical of a Chlamydia trachomatis infection. This case supports the thesis that Chlamydia crosses fetal membranes and produces disease.

Adolescent↗

Hypersensitivity to magnesium sulfate.

Two patients who were labor and delivery nurses were treated with intravenous magnesium sulfate because of preterm labor. Both patients had a rapid and sudden onset of an urticarial eruption. The eruption cleared when magnesium sulfate was discontinued. The reactions did not affect the mothers or fetuses, but other therapies to stop labor were necessary.

Adult↗

Benefits and potential harm of lowering high blood pressure.

To investigate whether the lower the blood pressure (BP) the better the prognosis for the patient with moderate-to-severe hypertension, an assessment was made of 902 patients who received the beta 1-selective beta-blocker atenolol (median dose 100 mg a day), either alone or with other antihypertensive agents, for up to 10 years (mean 6.1). 91 died, 40 from myocardial infarction, 21 from stroke, and 30 from other causes. Initial BP was a poor predictor of mortality from myocardial infarction, whereas treated systolic blood pressure (SBP) was a strong predictor. There was a J-shaped relation, confined to those with evidence of ischaemic heart disease, between frequency of death from myocardial infarction and treated DBP (phase V); the frequency was lowest at treated DBP of 85-90 mm Hg and rose with treated DBP on either side of this range.

Adolescent↗