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Biomedical subjects

N Mamelle

Publications and source records attributed to N Mamelle.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Development and use of a self-administered questionnaire for assessment of psychologic attitudes toward pregnancy and their relation to a subsequent premature birth.

This paper describes both the development of and results of the use of a self-administered questionnaire designed specifically to investigate the relation between the psychologic attitudes of pregnant women toward pregnancy and an eventual subsequent premature birth. The questionnaire (entitled Pregnancy Psychologic Attitudes Test--in relation to Premature Birth [PPAT(p)]) was derived from the synthesis of interviews with women who had given birth prematurely, comprised 40 questions grouped in six dimensions, and was used in a prospective survey. All women who had an antenatal visit in their fifth to sixth month of pregnancy in one of four maternity hospitals in Lyon, France, between October 1983 and March 1985 were asked to complete this questionnaire. A quantitative PPAT(p) score (ranging from 0 to 6) was constructed in a working sample (n = 643), and its relation with a subsequent premature birth was analyzed in a study sample (n = 1,500). Application of the logistic regression model showed, after controlling for personal and medical factors, that this relation was statistically significant. The risk of premature birth increased from 1 to 1.5 when the PPAT(p) score increased one point (p less than 0.001). This study contributes to a better understanding of psychologic factors that may affect pregnant women and be associated with premature birth. This new component must be considered in the development of policies for preventing premature birth.

Adult↗

Pregnant women at work: rest periods to prevent preterm birth?

The aim of this study is to identify social preventive measures in an attempt to prevent pre-term birth in pregnant women who work under strenuous conditions. A study carried out in 50 factories allowed us to gather data on 1168 pregnancies that occurred during 1 year and to study the modifications in working conditions now granted to pregnant women in many firms in France. We observed a significant relationship between 'episodes of sick leave' prescribed especially for fatigue (without any pathological reason) and a lower preterm birth rate. The potential benefit of rest-periods, granted to pregnant women working in strenuous conditions, is discussed.

Absenteeism↗

An epidemiological study of infantile autism in a French department (Rhône): a research note.

In a French Department (Rhône), the prevalence of infantile autism was found to be 10.8 per 10,000 in the 5-9 age group, using broad operational criteria. The prevalence decreases to 5.1 per 10,000 when another set of criteria, similar to DSM-III, is used. The boy/girl sex ratios for these two sets of criteria were 2.1:1 and 2.3:1 respectively. The use of DSM-III turned out to be problematic for taking into account a broad spectrum of early psychotic disorders, autistic-like, yet more polymorphous. A subdivision concerning the existence of associated major neurological anomalies has appeared promising but requires finer validation.

Autistic Disorder↗

[Risk factors for condylomata. A case control study].

The present study involves 214 patients whose cervical smear showed signs of human papilloma virus infection (HPV), matched with 1042 controls. We demonstrate increasing odds ratio with the total number of sexual partners since first sexual intercourse (p less than 0.0001). Moreover the cases have more often changed partners in the year preceding the diagnosis (odds ratio 2.6 p less than 0.0001). Their male partners more often have occupations that expose them to "extra-conjugal adventures" (p = 0.0005). Using a logistic regression analysis we demonstrate the independence of the masculine and feminine risk factors. After adjustment for age, reason for consulting and marital status the following factors are related to HPV infection: new partner, total number of sexual partners since first sexual intercourse and partner's occupation.

Adult↗

Risk-benefit ratio of sodium fluoride treatment in primary vertebral osteoporosis.

The risk-benefit ratio of combined fluoride-calcium therapy in primary vertebral osteoporosis was examined prospectively in patients with at least one vertebral fracture. 257 patients were randomised to receive sodium fluoride 25 mg twice daily plus elemental calcium 1 g daily and a vitamin D2 supplement, and 209 received one of the alternative therapies usually prescribed in France. After a follow-up of 24 months the fluoride-calcium group showed a significantly lower rate of new vertebral fractures, the main adverse effect of the regimen being a higher incidence of osteoarticular pains in the ankle and foot; the risk of non-vertebral fractures was not increased, and digestive disorders arose with equal frequency in the two groups. Sodium fluoride 50 mg daily seems to represent a reasonable compromise in terms of anti-fracture effectiveness and side-effects.

Administration, Oral↗

[Video display terminals and pregnancy. Evaluation of risks by consensus. Report of an INSERM working group].

INSERM established a working group to evaluate the effects of VDT work on pregnancy outcome. The group examined all available scientific papers concerning radiation emitted by VDTs, animal experimentation, and epidemiological studies. An estimation of risk was made for each outcome (congenital malformations, spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, premature birth, and low birthweight) according to a decisional algorithm, a method that gives preponderance to epidemiological arguments. On this basis, the group was able to show that the use of VDTs poses no increased risk of congenital anomalies, stillbirth, or premature birth. Consensus evaluation of divergent epidemiological results concluded that VDT work is not a risk factor significantly affecting spontaneous abortions. The risk of low birthweight could not be validly assessed.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗

[Detection of flat condylomata of the cervix uteri in the Department of Rhône].

In France's Rhône Department, the prevalence of cervical condylomas detected through cervical smears was measured in a systematic study. The rate determined was 1.67% of the women examined. This rate declines slightly with age among women up to 50 years of age, and declines more among those over 50. The study shows a higher frequency of cases in spring (May and June) and in autumn (September and October). We found important geographical variations, with overall higher rates in urban zones. However, there were certain notable exceptions (high rates in some rural areas and low rates in some urban zones). This survey will be followed up to examine the variation of this rate in time. The study has formed the basis of new hypotheses which must be verified by subsequent surveys.

Adolescent↗

[Behavior of men and women with respect to procreation].

A specific survey was carried out on a sample of men and women of childbearing age to study their attitudes towards parenthood and to analyse psycho-social aspects which may have an effect thereon. The analysis took into account; the children number, woman's age, socio-economic status and occupational activity. Whatever the factor studied, it was constantly observed that the demand for an additional child (in particular the third child) was expressed more often by men than by women.

Adult↗

[Risk factors of prematurity related life style. Apropos of INSERM surveys in the Rhone-Alpes area].

Based on INSERM epidemiological surveys, the authors study the risk of prematurity related to the maternal way of life. The prematurity rate is higher in women younger than 20 years, in women of foreign overseas origin, in unmarried women living in couple or alone, and in women of low socio-economic classes. Work during pregnancy is not in itself a risk factor as women at home present a higher prematurity rate than women at work. However, the strenuous working conditions, which concern about 20% of pregnant women at work, lead to a higher prematurity rate. Other factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, travelling and housework are studied. The role of psychological modifications linked to pregnancy is discussed, particularly in women who do not present any medical factor. From these data, suggestions are made in order to improve prematurity prevention.

Female↗

[Growth from birth to 2 years of North African infants born in France].

North African people living in France have low socio-economic standing and high birth rates. Growth in weight and height of 359 North African infants born in France was followed during their first 2 years of life. Comparisons were made with standard growth curves for French infants and with the growth of 143 French infants living in similar conditions. Growth in height was similar in each group but at 6 to 9 months of age North African girls were heavier (p less than 0.05). In order to standardize the data for each infant, cubic polynomial interpolation method was used.

Africa, Northern↗

[Variations in birth weight as a function of various fetal and maternal characteristics. The application to the diagnosis of hypotrophy].

The known variations in weight for gestational age as well as compounding maternal and/or fetal factors, puts into question the usual definition of small for gestational age (SGA) which is based on gestational age alone. On the basis of more than 20,000 births studied in 4 maternity hospitals from 3 separate regions in France, the authors propose a new definition for growth retardation in full-term babies, taking into account 4 factors: gestational age, sex, birth rank, height and usual weight of mothers. This definition allows constitutionally SGA newborns to be considered normal, while some babies previously classified as normal would now lead one to suspect intra-uterine growth retardation (IUGR). This approach tries to take constitutional and environmental risk factors into account in fetal growth hopefully allowing for help better detection of IUGR.

Adult↗

[Which measures are to be taken in the prevention of prematurity in working women?].

The aim of this study was to determine the best preventive measures for employed pregnant women. Assuming that certain working conditions constitute a risk factor for preterm birth, should we give time off to women whose jobs are strenuous, reduce their weekly hours of work, or lengthen their antenatal maternity leave in an attempt to reduce risk of preterm birth? To answer this question, a survey carried out in 50 factories showed that a reduction of weekly working hours (routinely granted in many factories at present) appears helpful in reducing the preterm birth rate : this is also true for sick leaves granted for fatigue without pathological reason : on the other hand, the lengthening of antenatal maternity leave for fatigue, without medical reason, seems without effect. In the absence of experimental evaluation of preventive measures proposed at the end of this study, we provide a model for evaluating, theoretically, the relationship efficiency/cost/acceptability of such measures. Consequently, instead of lengthening antenatal maternity leave, we suggest prescribing 1 rest week (as sick leave) per month, beginning with the 4th month of pregnancy, for women working in strenuous conditions.

Absenteeism↗

[Repeated spontaneous abortion].

This review of the causes of recurrent spontaneous abortion is combined with a statistical evaluation of the frequency of abortion and of the probability of abortion according to the way in which previous pregnancies have ended.

Abortion, Habitual↗

Prevention of recurrent febrile convulsions--a randomized therapeutic assay: sodium valproate, phenobarbital and placebo.

The purpose of this study was to compare three different modes of treatment in the prevention of relapses of febrile convulsions (Phenobarbital = PH, Sodium Valproate = SV, Placebo = PO) in a randomized therapeutic trial. The patients included in the study had shown their first generalized convulsive seizure during a bout of fever (greater than or equal to 38.5 degrees C) and were aged between 6 months and 4 years. They were subsequently followed up as outpatients, and Phenobarbital and sodium valproate levels were measured regularly to ascertain compliance with the treatment and to adjust the dosage accordingly. The patients' families were questioned with respect to the occurrence of feverish bouts and convulsive seizures during the interval between visits, as well as possible adverse reactions. An EEG was carried out yearly. Results were as follows: - 69 patients - 35 boys and 34 girls - with an average age of 24 months were divided into 3 groups according to treatment: 21 cases on PH, 22 cases on SV, and 26 cases on PO. - they were followed up for an average duration of 21 months. - the average number of feverish bouts per child and per year was evaluated at 2.5, no statistically significant difference being noticeable between the various modes of prophylaxis. - 15 relapses of febrile seizures were noted in 14 children, over an average duration of 23 months; on average, relapses occurred after 9 months; among the 14 children who had relapsed, one had been treated with SV, 4 with PH and 9 with PO, leading to estimated relapse rates of 4%, 19%, and 35% respectively. There is a statistically significant difference in the relapse rates between the treated groups (SV and PH) and the Placebo group, and a particularly significant difference between Sodium Valproate and Placebo.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Child, Preschool↗