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Biomedical subjects

P E Patton

Publications and source records attributed to P E Patton.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Transvaginal ultrasonographic findings in surgically verified ectopic pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to evaluate transvaginal ultrasonographic findings in ectopic pregnancies for positive ultrasonographic sign(s). STUDY DESIGN: Eighty-nine patients admitted with an ectopic pregnancy from September 1987 through September 1989 were retrospectively reviewed. Sixty-nine had undergone transvaginal ultrasonography within 10 days before surgery. The ultrasonographic examinations were reviewed by four radiologists. RESULTS: Ultrasonography revealed adnexal masses in 54 patients (78%). Thirty-six masses had an appearance consistent with an adnexal ring. Twenty-four adnexal rings demonstrated a thin sonolucent area surrounding the ring, a "halo sign" (67%). A control group of 116 intrauterine pregnancies were evaluated by ultrasonography. Forty-one women had adnexal cysts. Twenty-seven of these had an adnexal ring; only two of these had halos. CONCLUSION: The halo sign is presumptive evidence of a living ectopic pregnancy and, when identified, may allow earlier diagnosis and intervention.

Adnexa Uteri↗

Difficult embryo transfer managed with a coaxial catheter system.

Our objective was the design of a catheter system that could be used in cases of a failed trial transfer. The system uses semirigid and soft-tipped materials that should allow atraumatic and reliable endometrial placement of embryos in difficult cases.

Catheterization↗

A review of cytological specimens from horses with and without clinical signs of respiratory disease.

Thirty-six transtracheal washing (TTW) and 12 bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens collected in clinical practice from horses with and without respiratory disease were reviewed. Cytological features were considered in accordance with the presenting complaint, clinical signs, clinical diagnoses, microbiological, radiographic and/or endoscopic findings, therapy, and response to therapy. The trichrome-stained TTW and BAL specimens were useful in interpreting the results of concurrent microbiological cultures, and determining whether a condition was present based on occurrence of typical cytological features of patterns (e.g. probable allergy, chronic obstruction, uncomplicated exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage), determining pathological/anatomical diagnoses (e.g. bronchitis, bronchiolitis and/or alveolitis; presence of metaplasia or dysplasia) and possible aetiologies (e.g. allergy, bacterial infection). Review of these cases confirmed the practicality of using cytological specimens to evaluate the equine respiratory tract; there were few unsatisfactory specimens and no reported complications. The importance of cytological evaluation of the equine respiratory system was emphasised by the identification of 13 cases in which clinical signs were not apparent at physical examination. Sequential collections of cytological specimens from foals, young horses before and during early training, and mature horses in training may provide more information about the response of the equine lung to stresses associated with training and/or common environmental exposures.

Animals↗

Cortical granule complements in human oocytes undergoing partial zona dissection.

This study was performed to evaluate the effects of mechanical stimulation and sucrose treatment on the oocyte activation process. Fresh and aged human oocytes were exposed to sucrose and zonae were dissected with microneedles before fixation and quantitative analysis of cortical granules by transmission electron microscopy. Examination of the mean number of cortical granules/analyzed segment revealed no significant differences between control oocytes or oocytes treated with sucrose or sucrose treatment followed by zona dissection. A significant decline in the number of cortical granules/segment was observed for oocytes undergoing prolonged culture after dissection (P less than 0.05). Thus, zona dissection and sucrose exposure of freshly aspirated mature human oocytes do not result in classical oocyte activation.

Cells, Cultured↗

Influence of corpus luteum age on the steroidogenic response to exogenous human chorionic gonadotropin in normal cycling women.

OBJECTIVE: The null hypothesis of this study is that the patterns of steroid secretion exhibited by the human corpus luteum in response to exogenous human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation are independent of corpus luteum age at the time of treatment. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-five normally cycling women in whom the midcycle urinary luteinizing hormone surge (luteal day 0) was identified and from whom blood samples were obtained daily from cycle day 11 until menses were prospectively randomized to receive no treatment (group I, n = 5) or exogenous human chorionic gonadotropin 5000 IU administered intramuscularly on luteal day 0 (group II, n = 5), +4 (group III, n = 5), +8 (group IV, n = 5), or +12 (group V, n = 5). Serum concentrations of estrone, estradiol, progesterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and androstenedione were measured by specific radioimmunoassays in all subjects; serum human chorionic gonadotropin concentrations were determined by immunoradiometric assay in treated subjects. RESULTS: Serum human chorionic gonadotropin levels (mean +/- SEM) were virtually identical among treatment groups (p greater than 0.05). Luteal phase duration (mean +/- SEM) was prolonged (p less than 0.05) only in group V (18.4 +/- 0.5 days) compared with untreated subjects (group I 13.8 +/- 0.7 days). In all groups estrone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone concentrations closely paralleled those of estradiol and progesterone, respectively. Steroid data and progesterone/estradiol ratios (mean +/- SEM) in groups I and II were indistinguishable and were combined (control, n = 10). Group III subjects exhibited patterns of steroid secretion similar to groups I and II, although progesterone was moderately increased after human chorionic gonadotropin treatment. In groups IV and V, progesterone increased (p less than 0.05) 1 day after human chorionic gonadotropin and remained elevated for 5 to 6 days; a 4-day rise (p less than 0.05) in estradiol began 3 days after treatment, and androstenedione rose modestly in parallel. Progesterone/estradiol ratios in groups III through V increased (p less than 0.05) approximately twofold after human chorionic gonadotropin treatment and remained elevated for 4 to 5 days. CONCLUSION: The human corpus luteum exhibits distinct age-dependent patterns of steroid secretion in response to exogenous human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation, an observation that may have clinical implications regarding the empirical use of exogenous human chorionic gonadotropin in support of luteal function.

Adult↗

Intrauterine insemination outperforms intracervical insemination in a randomized, controlled study with frozen, donor semen.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of intrauterine insemination (IUI) in a donor insemination program. DESIGN: Prospective randomized clinical trial. SETTING: Donor insemination program. PATIENTS, PARTICIPANTS: Women undergoing insemination were randomly assigned to receive either IUI or intracervical insemination for a maximum of six cycles. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Cycle fecundity rates between the two routes were compared. RESULTS: The monthly fecundity rate for intracervical insemination was 5.1% compared with 23% by IUI. By life table analysis, pregnancy rates for IUI were significantly higher than intracervical insemination (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Intrauterine insemination with quarantined donor sperm is superior to intracervical insemination.

Cervix Uteri↗

Ovarian response in superovulated cycles after suppression with oral contraceptive steroids.

The endocrine response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation was reviewed in 94 women undergoing in vitro fertilization during 114 cycles. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the effect of short-term oral contraceptive suppression on the recovery of pituitary gonadotropin function and subsequent controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. Seventy-three cycles (64%) were adequate for oocyte retrieval. In 41 cycles (36%) hyperstimulation was discontinued. The serum 17 beta-estradiol value in women with a poor response was 57 +/- 50 pg/ml on day 8 compared with 376 +/- 334 pg/ml in the women who completed in vitro fertilization (p less than 0.05). The majority of women (84.2%) had a prompt response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation after short-term oral contraceptive suppression. Most discontinuations were due to dominant follicle selection or luteinizing hormone surge and not to oversuppression by short-term oral contraceptives. Clinical pregnancies occurred in 15 women (20.5% of harvests).

Chorionic Gonadotropin↗

Successful hysteroscopic cannulation and tubal transfer of cryopreserved embryos.

Clinical trials comparing nonsurgical transfer techniques with laparoscopic directed methods are needed to determine the most successful and cost-effective approach for gamete and ET. We report the successful nonsurgical transfer of frozen-thawed embryos into the fallopian tube after our initial attempt resulting in an ongoing IUP. The process is relatively simple, safe, and avoids the risks of general anesthesia. Unlike US-guided tubal cannulation, this technique offers direct, clear visualization of the tubal ostium, assuring the desired catheter placement. As well, hysteroscopic guidance allows an accurate estimate of the depth of catheter insertion within the fallopian tube, which may be a critical factor in successful tubal deposition of gametes or embryos. Whether prolonged carbon dioxide exposure of the tubal microenvironment and/or direct endometrial trauma limits the efficacy of this technique remains to be determined. Finally, outpatient hysteroscopic directed tubal cannulation holds promise as a methodological technique that ultimately assists in the examination of the best site for embryo deposition (tubal versus uterine) and/or method of delivery (nonsurgical versus surgical).

Adult↗

Current understanding of the corpus luteum in women and nonhuman primates.

Despite the important advances detailed in this review, our understanding of the factors and mechanisms controlling the function of the corpus luteum in the menstrual cycle is rudimentary. Luteolysis remains a mystery. As the activities and interactions between different cell types in the corpus luteum are defined and the role(s) of endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine factors are elucidated, however, we should begin to understand the "self-destruct" process at the end of the cycle. As cellular and molecular approaches combine with physiologic techniques, new information will be available to address the clinical issues of luteal dysfunction which perplex us all.

Animals↗

US-guided fallopian tube catheterization.

Ultrasound-guided fallopian tube catheterization was performed in seven women a total of 14 times. The women had normal-appearing fallopian tubes at hysterosalpingography and received sperm via the catheter as a way to overcome their inability to conceive. Techniques similar to those used for fluoroscopically guided fallopian tube catheterization were used. Forty-three percent of fallopian tubes were successfully catheterized.

Catheterization↗

The use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist to regulate oocyte retrieval time.

We investigated the use of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) to assist in the synchronous entry of a fixed number of subjects into in vitro fertilization (IVF) and gamete intrafallopian tube transfer cycle. Using a protocol in which a GnRH-a was given in the follicular or luteal phase, the clinical pregnancy rate per procedure was 27%. We conclude that the use of a GnRH-a for synchronous cycles in IVF-embryo transfer is efficacious and results in acceptable pregnancy rates.

Embryo Transfer↗

A comparative evaluation of intracervical and intrauterine routes in donor therapeutic insemination.

The relative efficiency of intrauterine insemination with washed spermatozoa versus intracervical deposition of semen was examined in donor insemination for therapeutic reasons. Fecundability in a group of 26 women who desired insemination as a treatment for azoospermia or severe astheno-oligozoospermia in their partner was comparable, despite the 10-fold higher numbers employed using the intracervical route.

Cervix Uteri↗

The effect of intraluteal infusion of deglycosylated human chorionic gonadotropin on the corpus luteum in rhesus monkeys.

Removal of the carbohydrates from hCG results in an antagonist (degly-hCG) that competitively inhibits hCG/LH-stimulated adenylate cyclase in macaque luteal tissue in vitro, but its effect in vivo is controversial. To examine the effect of degly-hCG on the lifespan and steroidogenic activity of the primate corpus luteum, the antagonist was administered to female rhesus monkeys (n = 7) beginning at the midluteal phase of the menstrual cycle. In a control cycle the saline vehicle was infused via an osmotic minipump directly into the corpus luteum. In a subsequent cycle, one of three dose rates of degly-hCG (0.001, 0.009, and 0.09 nmol/h) was infused into the corpus luteum. Pump implantation and infusion began 5-9 days after the midcycle LH surge and continued for 7 days. Peripheral venous blood was collected daily from day 8 of the cycle until menses, and serum progesterone levels were determined by RIA. Progesterone levels and patterns were similar in animals that received either the saline vehicle or degly-hCG, and the length of the luteal phase in monkeys receiving any dose of degly-hCG (16.4 +/- 0.5 days) was not different from that in animals receiving a control infusion (16.1 +/- 0.9 days). In a corollary study, an intraluteal infusion of degly-hCG (0.009 nmol/h) in the midluteal phase did not prevent stimulation of progesterone levels after im injection of hCG (15 IU/day for 5 days). We conclude that whereas degly-hCG is a useful tool to examine gonadotropin action in vitro, it is not a potent gonadotropin antagonist in vivo.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

Serial beta-hCG measurements in the early detection of ectopic pregnancy.

We investigated the sensitivity and specificity of serial serum hCG assays to diagnose early ectopic pregnancy in 50 asymptomatic women at risk. The initial two hCG values obtained at 2-5-day intervals were used to calculate doubling time and percentage increase. Twenty-five women had a viable intrauterine pregnancy, 14 an ectopic gestation, ten a spontaneous abortion, and one a molar pregnancy. A normal percentage increase and/or doubling time was observed in 64% of women who eventually proved to have an ectopic pregnancy. Ultimately, 85% of our patients demonstrated abnormal values when subsequent hCG pairs were analyzed. The sensitivity of these tests to diagnose asymptomatic ectopic pregnancy was 36%, with a specificity of 63-71%. We conclude that a normal rise in hCG production does not reliably differentiate an ectopic from an intrauterine pregnancy in the asymptomatic patient.

Chorionic Gonadotropin↗

Metabolic changes during medical treatment of endometriosis: nafarelin acetate versus danazol.

In this double-blind study of changes in plasma lipid and lipoprotein concentrations during 6-month medical treatment of endometriosis, 53 patients were randomly assigned to one of four treatment schedules: danazol, 800 mg/day (n = 10); danazol, 600 mg/day (n = 8); intranasal nafarelin acetate, 800 micrograms/day (n = 10); or intranasal nafarelin acetate, 400 micrograms/day (n = 25). Plasma levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol fractions were obtained before, during, and 1 month after treatment. High-density lipoprotein2 and high-density lipoprotein3 cholesterol concentrations were measured in selected patients. Body weight was also followed. The drugs were equally effective in achieving symptomatic relief and laparoscopically demonstrated resolution of endometriosis but differed significantly in their effects on lipid concentrations. Nafarelin acetate had no adverse effects on serum lipoprotein concentrations, whereas danazol significantly decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p less than 0.01), as well as the high-density lipoprotein2 subfraction (p less than 0.05), and increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p less than 0.01). Danazol significantly increased body weight (p less than 0.01), whereas nafarelin did not.

Administration, Intranasal↗