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Biomedical subjects

M Mazor

Publications and source records attributed to M Mazor.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Vasoconstrictive activity of meconium stained amniotic fluid in the human placental vasculature.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to study was to determine the effect of meconium stained amniotic fluid on the vasculature of isolated perfused human placental cotyledon. STUDY DESIGN: Isolated placental cotyledons were dually perfused. Fetal perfusion pressure was used as an index of vascular resistance. Meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) was collected from patients after artificial rupture of membranes in term gestation. A dilution of meconium (1:2; 1:4; 1:8; 1:16) was performed. Optical density (OD) of MSAF varied between 0 and 35.0 units/g as determined by spectrophotometry. Bolus injections of 1.0 ml of MSAF at different concentrations were injected into the fetal circulation. Heated and dialyzed MSAF after adequate dilution and evaluation of optical density were injected into fetal circulation in separate experiments. RESULTS: Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired t-test were used for statistical analysis. Bolus injections of MSAF into the fetal circulation resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in perfusion pressure. MSAF with the highest OD resulted in a greater change in perfusion pressure as compared to more dilute MSAF (P=0.0001). After high OD amniotic fluid injections the provoked contractions lasted longer compared to dilute MSAF (P=0.006). MSAF after dialyzation did not exhibit any vasoconstrictive effect. CONCLUSION: Meconium is a vasoconstrictive agent in the fetal-placental vasculature and has a concentration dependent effect.

Amniotic Fluid↗
PubMed1999

Expression of IL-12, IL-10, PGE2, sIL-2R and sIL-6R in seminal plasma of fertile and infertile men.

The involvement of cytokines and other immunoregulatory factors in male infertility is still unclear. In the present study we compared the levels of IL-12, IL-10, PGE2, sIL-2R and sIL-6R in the seminal plasma (SP) of fertile and infertile men. Four groups were included: fertile donors (FERT), infertile men with azoospermia (AZOO), and infertile men with either oligoterato-asthenoazoospermia (OTA), or OTA with genital infection (OTA-INF). Cytokines and cytokine-soluble receptors in semen were evaluated by specific ELISA commercial kits. The levels of IL-12, sIL-2R and sIL-6R were similar in SP of fertile and infertile men. The mean levels of IL-10 in the SP of FERT, OTA and AZOO were 5.6 +/- 0.9, 4 +/- 2.8 and 8 +/- 3.5 pg ml-1, respectively, and did not differ significantly. The mean level of IL-10 in SP from OTA-INF (0.9 +/- 0.5 pg ml-1) was significantly lower than that for FERT (5.6 +/- 1.9 pg ml-1; P = 0.02) and AZOO (8.2 +/- 3.4 pg ml-1; P = 0.05), but not significantly different from that for OTA (3.7 +/- 2.1 pg ml-1). The mean SP level of PGE2 was significantly lower in SP of OTA-INF than FERT (7.67 +/- 2.26 and 19.67 +/- 3.69 micrograms ml-1, respectively; P < 0.02). In conclusion, the seminal plasma from fertile and infertile men contained similar levels of IL-12, sIL-2R and sIL-6R. However, the levels of IL-10 were significantly lower in SP from OTA-INF compared to FERT and AZOO. Our results indicate that specific cytokines and their soluble receptors are involved in the male reproductive system.

Dinoprostone↗
PubMed1999

The role of prostanoids in the development of diabetic embryopathy.

In infants of diabetic mothers, congenital anomalies occur about two-three times as often as in normal population. Many etiologic factors have been proposed regarding the mechanism of diabetes related birth defects. The metabolic alterations associated with hyperglycemia include myo-inositol and arachidonic acid deficiency, and as a result disturbed metabolism of prostaglandins. Recent studies provide evidence that a deficiency in prostaglandins adversely affects membranogenesis and membrane function. These changes in membrane function permit the influx of high levels of glucose into the cells, inducing the generation of free oxygen radicals that cause morphologic damage of the embryo, involving aberrant mitochondrial function and enhanced peroxidation of embryonic lipids. The functional deficiency of prostaglandins at a critical time of fetal development can cause embryonic malformations. This paper reviews the role of prostanoids in the development of diabetic embryopathy.

Congenital Abnormalities↗
PubMed1999

Increased rate of small-for-gestational-age neonates in pre-eclamptic women with preterm deliveries.

We sought to determine whether hypertensive pregnancies can be considered a distinct subgroup of premature births. All women in our centre who had had singleton preterm spontaneous deliveries over an 8-year period were divided into hypertensive and normotensive groups and compared for maternal characteristics and neonatal outcome. Of the 4175 eligible women, 9.8% (n = 410) had pre-eclampsia. These patients had higher rates of small-for-gestational-age neonates (19%, 78/410), abruptio placenta (7.8%, 32/410) and caesarean section rate (52.7%, 216/410) than the normotensive women (4.3%, 158/3765; 4.6%, 172/3765; and 19.6%, 739/3765, P < 0.001, respectively. The rate of preterm premature rupture of membranes was significantly lower in the hypertensive than in the normotensive group (5.9% vs. 17%, respectively; P < 0.001). We concluded that hypertensive women who deliver prematurely belong to a subgroup with particular characteristics. The increased rate of small-for-gestational-age neonates in pre-eclamptic women suggests that reduced uteroplacental perfusion may cause fetal growth impairment before the onset of the hypertensive disorder.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1999

A model of efficient and continuous quality improvement in a clinical setting.

OBJECTIVE: To establish a system of Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) which does not require substantial resources in a clinical setting. SETTING: A busy department of obstetrics and gynaecology. METHODS: The system is based on seven elements: (i) comprehensive accumulation of data; (ii) involvement of all faculty members and the majority of residents; (iii) continuous monitoring of processes within the organization; (iv) application of clinical indicators; (v) file review system; (vi) task force approach for evaluation of processes within the organization; and (vii) intervention measures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Quality of contents of files and documentation, satisfaction of customers (patients, family members), trends of clinical indicators, effect of task force work, incidence of complaints. RESULTS: Inadequate documentation was noted in 14.6% before, and 4% 1 year after the initiation of the CQI program. Task force work in a variety of projects led to a substantial improvement in measured outcome. The absolute and relative numbers of complaints against the department decreased from 44 in 1993, to 27 in 1994, 20 in 1995 and 16 in 1996. In terms of the percentage of complaints directed against the hospital these figures represent 12.4, 9.6, 6.9 and 5.4% for 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996 respectively. CONCLUSION: Our proposed CQI system has proved to be highly efficient and requires only minimal additional resources.

Data Collection↗
PubMed1999

Characteristics of parturients who choose to deliver without analgesia.

The purpose of the study was to characterize parturients who prefer to deliver without the use of analgesia. The study population consisted of 446 consecutive low risk laboring women in early active stage of labor. Data were collected prospectively by an obstetrician, using a structured questionnaire. The degree of pain was assessed by using a visual analog scale (VAS). An obstetrician and a midwife together estimated the degree of pain as was exhibited by the parturients, using the same scale. Univariate analysis found women who undertake labor without analgesia to be significantly older, with higher birth order, of Bedouin ethnicity and to be of lower educational level than those taking analgesics during labor. Women who refused analgesia had experienced and apparently expressed lower degrees of pain (mean VAS score = 7.4 and 6.7, respectively) than those who consented to analgesia (mean VAS score = 8.6 and 8.0, respectively; p < 0.001). A multiple logistic regression model found only the severity of pain (odds ratio (OR) = 0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.51-0.88; p = 0.004), as well as high maternal age (OR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.16-2.04; p = 0.038) to be independent factors affecting the decision not to accept analgesia during labor. In conclusion, parturients refusing analgesia were older and had experienced less pain during labor than women using analgesia.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Elevated concentrations of interleukin-6 in intra-amniotic infection with Ureaplasma urealyticum in asymptomatic women during genetic amniocentesis.

BACKGROUND: Intra-amniotic infection is an important cause of preterm delivery and interleukin-6 (IL-6) determination was recently applied for identification of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity. Our aim was to determine the levels of IL-6 in culture-positive amniotic fluids at genetic amniocentesis and to evaluate their significance in relation to pregnancy outcome. METHODS: Seven culture-positive and 23 culture-negative amniotic fluids, obtained at 17-19 weeks of gestation, were analyzed for IL-6 levels by an immunoassay (ELISA). Pregnancy outcomes of all 30 women were obtained from the medical charts. RESULTS: The mean level of IL-6 in the culture-negative amniotic fluids was 78+/-206 pg/ml. Among the seven culture-positive, high levels of IL-6 were found only in three amniotic fluids that were culture-positive for Ureaplasma urealyticum (1834, 1342 and 2832 pg/ml). Low levels of IL-6, ranging from zero to 60 pg/ml, were found in four AFs that were culture-positive for Staphylococcus epidermidis (n=3) and Bacillus Gram-positive (n= 1). Adverse pregnancy outcome occurred in the three women who had intra-amniotic infection with U. urealyticum accompanied by high levels of IL-6 (two fetal loss and one preterm delivery at 28 weeks of gestation). The four women with culture-positive but IL-6 negative amniotic fluids, had normal pregnancy outcome and term delivery. Two of the 23 women with culture-negative had preterm delivery, one with high (1000 pg/ml) and one with low (80 pg/ml) levels of IL-6. CONCLUSION: High levels of IL-6 are suggestive of a genuine intra-amniotic infection with urea-plasmas resulting in adverse pregnancy outcome, while culture-positive amniotic fluids with normal IL-6 levels, may suggest a state of contamination.

Amniocentesis↗
PubMed1998

A review of the role of trials of the use of antibiotics in women with preterm labor and intact membranes.

This updated review addresses the administration of antibiotics in women presenting with preterm labor and intact membranes as well as with bacterial vaginosis. 11 randomized controlled trials dealing with this question have been published since 1986. The results are disappointing. The probable reasons are the small number of patients in the different studies and universal use of antibiotics without performing amniocentesis to isolate the organisms involved.

Chorioamnionitis↗
PubMed1998

A review of randomized clinical trials of antibiotic therapy in preterm premature rupture of the membranes.

Rupture of membranes before 37 completed weeks of gestation, and before the onset of contractions occurs among 2-3% of pregnancies, and in about 30%-40% of women who deliver preterm. It is known as preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and is associated with maternal and neonatal morbidity. It has been postulated that antibiotic therapy may significantly decrease the complications associated with infection. The aim of the present review is to summarize the available data about the value of antibiotic therapy in PPROM.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1998

The relationship between hormones and human parturition.

The objective of the present review was to give an overview of some hormonal fluctuations observed in the setting of human term and preterm parturition. Prolactin, cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, and some of their precursors such as dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) were reviewed. Statistically significant differences were found when comparing cortisol, 17 beta-estradiol, and DHEA-S concentrations at term parturition between women in labor and those not in labor. In preterm labor, higher concentrations of cortisol, 17 beta-estradiol, and DHEA-S were found at labor than in women who after successful treatment delivered at term. No significant changes were seen in prolactin concentrations between women in labor and those not in labor, but they were higher in patients with preterm labor when compared to term labor. Progesterone concentrations showed no difference in preterm labor and term labor. However, maternal progesterone/17 beta-estradiol ratios were significantly lower in women delivered prematurely than in those delivered at term. The changes in hormonal ratios may play a more important role than changes in their absolute concentrations. Based on these observations, it seems that preterm and term parturition are two different endocrinological processes.

Estrogens↗
PubMed1998

Primary hepatoid carcinoma of ovary in pregnancy.

We report a rare case of a 35-year-old woman with primary hepatoid carcinoma of the ovary during pregnancy associated with abnormal levels of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein. This tumor should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pregnant women with very high levels of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein whenever other maternal or fetal sources are excluded.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

An increase in fetal plasma cortisol but not dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate is followed by the onset of preterm labor in patients with preterm premature rupture of the membranes.

OBJECTIVE: The role of steroid hormones in the control of human parturition has been a subject of debate. Activation of the fetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis leading to an increase in plasma cortisol is followed by the onset of parturition in sheep. In contrast, androgens, specifically, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, have been implicated in the control of parturition in nonhuman primates. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between human fetal plasma cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and the onset of preterm labor in patients with preterm premature rupture of the membranes. STUDY DESIGN: Fetal blood sampling was performed in 51 patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes who were not in labor on admission. Amniotic fluid was cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and mycoplasmas. Corticosteroids had not been administered before fetal blood sampling. Cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate were measured with sensitive and specific immunoassays. Analysis was conducted with nonparametric statistics and survival analysis. RESULTS: (1) Patients who went into spontaneous labor and delivered within 7 days of cordocentesis had a significantly higher median level of fetal plasma cortisol but not of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate than those delivered after 7 days (for fetal plasma cortisol: median 8.35 [4.7 to 12.4] micrograms/dL vs median 4.75 [3.0 to 10.4] micrograms/dL, P <.0001; for fetal plasma dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate: median 154.4 [8.6 to 333.8] micrograms/dL vs median 194.6 [96.7 to 402.5] micrograms/dL, P =.09). (2) The cordocentesis-to-delivery interval was significantly shorter in patients with a fetal plasma cortisol value of >/=7 micrograms/dL (derived by receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis) than in those with fetal cortisol <7 micrograms/dL (median 49 [4 to 1849] hours vs median 325 [11 to 2590] hours, P <.001). (3) Fetal plasma cortisol, but not maternal cortisol, was an independent predictor of the duration of pregnancy after we adjusted for gestational age and the results of amniotic fluid culture (hazards ratio 2.9, P <.05). (4) There was a significant correlation between fetal plasma cortisol and fetal plasma interleukin-6 (r = 0.3, P <.05). (5) A strong relationship was found between the fetal plasma cortisol/dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate ratio and the interval to delivery (P <.005). CONCLUSION: An elevation in fetal plasma cortisol but not dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate was followed by the onset of spontaneous preterm labor in patients with preterm premature rupture of the membranes.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

A fetal systemic inflammatory response is followed by the spontaneous onset of preterm parturition.

OBJECTIVE: There is no evidence for the participation of the human fetus in the mechanisms responsible for the onset of preterm labor. We propose that preterm labor in the setting of infection results from the actions of proinflammatory cytokines secreted as part of the fetal and/or maternal host response to microbial invasion. The objective of this study was to determine whether a systemic fetal inflammatory response, defined as an elevation of fetal plasma interleukin-6 concentrations, has a temporal relationship with the commencement of labor. STUDY DESIGN: After informed consent was obtained, amniocentesis and cordocentesis were performed in 41 patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes who were not in labor on admission. Amniotic fluid was cultured for both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, as well as for mycoplasmas. Fetal plasma interleukin-6 was assayed by a sensitive and specific immunoassay. Statistical analyses included contingency tables and survival analysis with time-dependent Cox regression hazard modeling. RESULTS: Microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity was present in 58.5% (24/41) of patients. Fetuses with fetal plasma interleukin-6 concentrations > 11 pg/mL had a higher rate of spontaneous preterm delivery within 48 and 72 hours of the procedure than those with fetal plasma interleukin-6 levels < or = 11 pg/mL (88% vs 29% and 88% vs 35%, respectively; P < .05 for all comparisons). Moreover, patients with initiation of labor and delivery within 48 hours of the procedure had a higher proportion of fetuses with plasma interleukin-6 values > 11 pg/mL than patients delivered > 48 hours (58% [7/12] vs 8% [1/13], respectively; P < .05). Survival analysis indicated that fetuses with elevated fetal plasma interleukin-6 levels had a shorter cordocentesis-to-delivery interval than those without elevated fetal plasma interleukin-6 concentrations (median 0.8 days [range 0.1 to 5] vs median 6 days [range 0.2 to 33.6], respectively; P < .05). Time-dependent Cox regression hazard modeling indicated that fetal plasma interleukin-6 level was the only covariate significantly associated with the duration of pregnancy after we adjusted for gestational age, amniotic fluid interleukin-6 level, and the microbiologic state of the amniotic cavity (P < .01). CONCLUSION: A systemic fetal proinflammatory cytokine response is followed by the onset of spontaneous preterm parturition in patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes.

Acute-Phase Reaction↗
PubMed1998

The fetal inflammatory response syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and clinical significance of a systemic inflammatory response as defined by an elevated plasma interleukin-6 concentration in fetuses with preterm labor or preterm premature rupture of membranes. STUDY DESIGN: Amniocenteses and cordocenteses were performed in 157 patients with preterm labor and preterm premature rupture of membranes. Written informed consent and multi-institutional review board approvals were obtained. Amniotic fluid was cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, as well as mycoplasmas. Amniotic fluid and fetal plasma interleukin-6 concentrations were measured with a sensitive and specific immunoassay. Statistical analyses included contingency tables, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, and multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: One hundred five patients with preterm labor and 52 patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes were included in this study. The overall prevalence of severe neonatal morbidity (defined as the presence of respiratory distress syndrome, suspected or proved neonatal sepsis, pneumonia, bronchopulmonary dysplasia. intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, or necrotizing enterocolitis) among survivors was 34.8% (54/155). Neonates in whom severe neonatal morbidity developed had higher concentrations of fetal plasma interleukin-6 than fetuses without development of severe neonatal morbidity (median 14.0 pg/mL, range 0.5 to 900 vs median 5.2 pg/mL, range 0.3 to 900, respectively; P < .005). Multivariate analysis was performed to explore the relationship between the presence of a systemic fetal inflammatory response and subsequent neonatal outcome. To preserve a meaningful temporal relationship between the results of fetal plasma interleukin-6 concentrations and the occurrence of severe neonatal morbidity, the analysis was restricted to 73 fetuses delivered within 7 days of cordocentesis who survived. The prevalence of severe neonatal morbidity in this subset of patients was 53.4% (39/73). A fetal plasma interleukin-6 cutoff value of 11 pg/mL was used to define the presence of a systemic inflammatory response. The prevalence of a fetal plasma interleukin-6 level > 11 pg/mL was 49.3% (36/73). Fetuses with fetal plasma interleukin-6 concentrations > 11 pg/mL had a higher rate of severe neonatal morbidity than did those with fetal plasma interleukin-6 levels < or = 11 pg/mL (77.8% [28/36] vs 29.7% [11/37], respectively; P < .001). Stepwise logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the fetal plasma interleukin-6 concentration was an independent predictor of the occurrence of severe neonatal morbidity (odds ratio 4.3, 95% confidence interval 1 to 18.5) when adjusted for gestational age at delivery, the cause of preterm delivery (preterm labor or preterm premature rupture of membranes), clinical chorioamnionitis, the cordocentesis-to-delivery interval, amniotic fluid culture, and amniotic fluid interleukin-6 results. CONCLUSION: A systemic fetal inflammatory response, as determined by an elevated fetal plasma interleukin-6 value, is an independent risk factor for the occurrence of severe neonatal morbidity.

Acute-Phase Reaction↗