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Biomedical subjects

L Cardozo

Publications and source records attributed to L Cardozo.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

The effect of vaginal delivery on the urethral sphincter.

To investigate the aetiological role of vaginal delivery in genuine stress incontinence we compared two groups of women who underwent full urodynamic assessment in our department. The women in the first group had competent urethral sphincter mechanisms and those in the second group had genuine stress incontinence. There were no differences between the two groups in respect of parity, number of vaginal deliveries or birthweight of the heaviest baby. The group with competent urethral sphincter mechanisms did show some evidence to implicate an increased number of vaginal deliveries in poor function of the distal part of the urethral sphincter mechanism.

Birth Weight

Correlation of urethral physiology and skin collagen in postmenopausal women.

Connective tissue collagen is thought to contribute to the generation of urethral pressure. It has been previously shown that skin collagen and urethral pressure are oestrogen dependent. This study demonstrates a correlation between urethral pressure measurements and skin collagen content. It is suggested that the beneficial effect of oestrogens on urethral function may be mediated by collagen.

Collagen

Prolonged pregnancy: the management debate.

A prospective trial was conducted to compare the effects of conservative management of prolonged pregnancy (conservative group) with routine induction of labour at 42 weeks' gestation (active group) in otherwise uncomplicated pregnancies. Of the 402 pregnancies studied, 207 (51%) were allocated to conservative management and 195 (49%) were allocated to have labour induced. The groups were well matched for age, parity, and smoking habits. One hundred and sixty six (80%) of the patients in the conservative group went into spontaneous labour. Of the remainder, two underwent elective caesarean section, 19 had labour induced because of clinical concern, and the remaining 20 had labour induced at the patient's own request. One hundred and twenty five (64%) of the patients in the planned active group underwent induction of labour. Of the remaining 70, 49 went into spontaneous labour and 21 (11%) asked that they should not have labour induced. Comparison of the two groups showed no difference in the length of the first stage of labour but a trend towards an increased need for intervention for fetal distress (p less than 0.06) in the active group. There were no differences in the length of the second stage, the need for intervention, or the mode of delivery. In terms of Apgar scores the neonatal outcome was not significantly different between the two groups, but a greater proportion of the babies (15% v 8%) in the active group required intubation. Umbilical cord venous pH estimated in the last 183 consecutive deliveries in the study showed a significantly lower mean value in the active group (p less than 0.05). There was no difference in birth weight between the two groups. Two deaths occurred in the study. There was a stillbirth in the conservative group at 292 days after massive abruption, and one neonatal death in the active group owing to multiple congenital abnormalities. The outcome for mother and baby in patients from both groups who went into spontaneous labour was generally good. The outcome for patients for whom conservative management was planned but induction became necessary was no different from that of patients who underwent planned induction at term. Thus from our results we can find no evidence to support the view that women with normal prolonged pregnancy should undergo routine induction of labour at 42 weeks' gestation.

Apgar Score

Legionella feeleii-associated pneumonia in humans.

Legionella feeleii has been implicated by serologic studies as the causative agent in an outbreak of Pontiac fever and has been recovered from an institutional water source. Pneumonia caused by this agent has not been described previously. The authors have isolated L. feeleii from two immunosuppressed patients with community-acquired pneumonia and from an institutional water source. One patient survived after treatment with erythromycin. The other patient was leukopenic and died of pneumonia. Isolates exhibited typical cultural and biochemical features of L. feeleii and reacted with L. feeleii serogroup 1 antiserum. L. feeleii serogroup 1 is now known to cause not only Pontiac fever but also pneumonia in humans.

Cross Infection

Sacral anterior root stimulators for bladder control in paraplegia: the first 50 cases.

The first 50 patients who have received sacral anterior root stimulator implants are presented, with follow-up of from 1 to 9 years. Forty-nine are alive and 43 are regularly using their implants for micturition. Of the 49 living, 39 are "very pleased, without significant reservations", six are pleased on balance but have reservations, and four are dissatisfied. Residual urine volumes are substantially reduced in all patients who are using their implants. Ten of the 12 female patients and the majority of male patients have become continent. The voiding pressure in implant-driven micturition can be regulated by adjusting the stimulus parameters, and is always kept below 90 cm H2O. Of seven patients with ureteric reflux before operation, four have ceased to reflux and the other three are unchanged. Changes in the radiographic appearances of the bladder have been favourable or zero, but there have been two cases of deterioration in the upper urinary tracts. Significant harmful effects have been CSF leaks, urinary infections following post-operative urodynamic study, and accidental damage to roots. Anterior roots nearly always recover from accidental damage, and posterior roots do not.

Adult

The postmenopausal bladder.

Following the last menstrual period, a woman's "genital organs are sealed with the signet of sterility" (De L'Isère, 1850) and the ensuing hypo-oestrogenism, a consequence of ovarian failure, results in major metabolic disturbances. These include osteoporosis, thin skin, and an increased propensity for myocardial ischaemia. In association with these changes, lower urinary tract dysfunction occurs, also related to lower levels of circulating oestrogen.

Aged

The effects of subcutaneous hormone implants during climacteric.

Climacteric symptoms in 120 women were treated with a total of 469 hormone implants (oestradiol 50 mg and testosterone 100 mg) over a period of four years. All patients with a uterus were given an oral progestogen to prevent endometrial hyperplasia. There was a marked response to treatment, hot flushes being improved in all patients, depression in 99% and loss of libido in 92%. Patient acceptability of this type of treatment was good and there were few side effects or complications. After therapy, the serum oestradiol exceeded the serum oestrone but remained within normal limits. When climacteric symptoms returned and re-implantation occurred the serum levels of oestrone, oestradiol, luteinising hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone were within the normal range for the reproductive age. This indicates that the return of symptoms is due to a change in the hormone levels rather than absolute hypo- oestrogenism .

Adult

Urodynamic observations on patients with sacral anterior root stimulators.

The urodynamic changes produced by sacral anterior root stimulators have been assessed in 13 patients with spinal injuries. Before surgery all of the eleven men and two women had poor or absent bladder control with large residual volumes. Videocysto-urethrography with pressure and flow studies was performed pre-operatively and repeated once post-operatively, at intervals of 6 months to 5 years. In all cases the residual volume was reduced to less than 50 ml and the functional bladder capacity increased to within the normal range. All the patients were able to void voluntarily by activating their implants in bursts. This produced an interrupted stream at normal voiding pressures and acceptable flow rates. There was definite improvement in vesico-ureteric reflux and decrease in bladder trabeculation following implantation of the stimulator. Use of the stimulator has enabled nine of the patients to be continent at night. Eight of them are also dry during the day.

Adult

Clinical and urodynamic effects of anterior colporrhaphy and vaginal hysterectomy for prolapse with and without incontinence.

The clinical and urodynamic effects of anterior colporrhaphy and vaginal hysterectomy were studied in 73 patients, of whom 29 had incontinence due to urethral sphincter incompetence. Pre-and post-operative urodynamic assessment was made and follow-up continued for 2 years. Symptoms of urge incontinence, stress incontinence and prolapse were significantly reduced following surgery. Urodynamic data showed no significant change. The incidence of detrusor instability and voiding difficulties was not increased.

Female

Clinical and urodynamic features of failed incontinence surgery in the female.

Sixty women with urinary incontinence were treated by the Burch colposuspension operation and bladder neck plication. The pre- and postoperative clinical and urodynamic features of the 15 patients with recurrent incontinence were compared and contrasted with 45 women who were cured. Factors which were associated with failed surgery included increaseing age, previous continence surgery, the presence of detrusor instability, and a postoperative rise of intrinsic bladder pressure either on filling of standing up.

Adult

Biofeedback in the treatment of detrusor instability.

Detrusor instability has remained resistant to conventional forms of treatment. An attempt to use biofeedback methods in its management is described. Six female patients with symptoms of frequency, urgency and urge incontinence due to detrusor instability were conditioned to auditory and visual stimuli for 6 to 8 1 h sessions. They were assessed clinically and urodynamically. The results are presented as well as detailed case studies of 3 patients. Subjectively, 3 were cured, 2 improved and 1 remained the same; objectively, 3 were cured, 1 improved and 2 remained the same. No significant side effects were encountered.

Acoustic Stimulation