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Biomedical subjects

R Derom

Publications and source records attributed to R Derom.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Increased monozygotic twinning rate after ovulation induction.

Multiple births after artificial induction of ovulation (AIO) are usually considered to be due to fertilisation of multiple ova. In the East Flanders Prospective Twin Study between 1978 and 1985 the frequency of zygotic splitting after AIO (1.2%) was significantly higher than the expected frequency (0.45%) among spontaneous twins and triplets. Moreover, after AIO the frequency of zygotic division was significantly higher in triplets than in twins. AIO seems to be the first identified biological mechanism influencing the monozygotic twinning rate.

Female↗

A randomized study of two cups for vacuum extraction.

O'Neil designed a set of suction cups which, because of more efficient lateral pull and greater maneuverability, were claimed to be more efficient and perinatally safer than the Malmström model. These claims were checked by comparing the two instruments in a randomized controlled trial comprising 410 attempted elective extractions. The two instrument groups were comparable at entry and the operators had a similar degree of experience, the sole inter-group difference being the 0.5 cm larger diameter of the O'Neil cups. No significant differences were found between the two types of instrument as to failure rate, incidence of correct cup positioning, and capacity of eliciting internal rotation nor was there a significant divergence in neonatal safety. In a few cases the perineum was lacerated by the traction cord affixed to the O'Neil instrument. The results of this study indicate that the relative advantages and disadvantages of the two cup models are unremarkable.

Extraction, Obstetrical↗

Quality assurance of obstetrical care in Belgium.

OBJECTIVE: To assist Obstetric Departments in observing their own performance and comparing it with other departments. METHODS: Voluntary questionnaire concerning performance filled in at the time of delivery. Data processed by the Ministry of Health and Universities. Coordination by the College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. RESULTS: Thirty seven per cent of the Flemish obstetrical departments were participating at the end of the first year. The profiles show wide variations in intervention rates.

Belgium↗

Zygosity determination in newborn twins using DNA variants.

A prerequisite for the optimal use of the twin method in human genetics is an accurate determination of the zygosity at birth. This diagnosis is sometimes hampered by the lack of available specific markers. We report here the use of DNA variants (restriction fragment length polymorphisms) as genetic markers for zygosity determination. We have analysed the placental DNA of 22 twin pairs with known zygosity on Southern blots by hybridisation with polymorphic human DNA probes. We looked at six different polymorphic sites using four restriction enzymes and six DNA probes. Among 10 dizygotic (DZ) pairs, only one was not demonstrably different and seven had at least two discordances. Within each of the 12 monozygotic (MZ) pairs there was complete concordance. Thus, nine of 10 dizygotic and 12 of 12 monozygotic twins were assigned their correct zygosity solely by comparison of six DNA variants. The use of these highly polymorphic DNA probes may have practical importance for antenatal diagnosis and paternity testing.

DNA Restriction Enzymes↗

Endocervical prostaglandin E2 gel for preinduction cervical softening.

A single, endocervical application of a new commercial preparation of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) gel, 0.5 mg of PGE2 in 2.5 ml (3 g), was evaluated for preinduction cervical softening. Safety and efficacy were assessed in a comparison with a 2.0 mg PGE2 vaginal tablet and placebo in normal nulliparous women at term, with low Bishop scores. Treatment was administered in randomized, double blind fashion. Overall success, defined as a progression in Bishop score of at least 3 points within 12 hours, was achieved in 22/40 (55%) of the gel group, 15/41 (37%) in the tablet treated women, and 8/40 (20%) in those receiving placebo. Of interest was the observation that of women with very unfavorable induction features (Bishop score 0-2), the cervical gel treatment resulted in a 6/8 (75%) success rate compared with 2/13 (15%) success for the vaginal tablet and 0/17 (0%) for placebo. In as much as a very low incidence of side effects accompanied this treatment scheme, expanded multi-center testing is recommended.

Adult↗

Screening for multiple pregnancy. Determination of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), alpha-fetoprotein (alpha-FP) and human placental lactogen (hPL) in blood during the second trimester of pregnancy.

The value of single determinations of serum hCG, hPL, and alpha FP for the detection of multiple pregnancy was investigated in a consecutive series of 992 women between the 14th and 24th week of pregnancy. With the 90th percentile as referent value, all twin pregnancies (n = 10) were detected by the combined results of the three determinations. Considered separately, hPL proved to be the most useful indicator of multiple gestation; the sensitivity of hPL alone was 70% and the predictive value of hPL concentrations above the 90th percentile was 8.1.

Chorionic Gonadotropin↗

Cranial ultrasound after forceful midpelvis vacuum extraction at term.

The heads of 28 non-hypoxic, full-term infants of normal gravidas delivered by forceful vacuum extraction were examined with ultrasound during the early neonatal period. All echographic findings were normal and all neonates had an uneventful evolution during the first week of life. Addendum: Since this article was completed, a massive intracranial haemorrhage occurred in a non-hypoxic full-term newborn after elective midpelvic vacuum extraction. The intervention was performed by a resident who, despite the guidelines did not call the senior obstetrician after three unsuccessful attempts to extract the fetus. The head was stationed, 2 cm above the level of the ischial spines, not completely flexed with the occiput in the right-anterior position. The newborn died at the age of 3 hours. Autopsy showed a tear of the tentorium cerebelli and the vena cerebri magna.

Brain Injuries↗

Immediate postplacental IUD insertion: a randomized trial of sutured (Lippes Loop and TCu22OC) and non-sutured (TCu22OC) models.

A randomized clinical trial concerning immediate post-placental insertion (IPPI) of the Delta Lippes Loop, Delta TCu22OC, and TCu22OC was undertaken to assess the effect of the addition of catgut strands on IUD performance. A total of 906 devices were inserted and the subjects followed for 20 months, at which time 14,136 woman-months experience had been accumulated. The Delta Loop constantly had inadmissibly high expulsion and pregnancy rates. The two T-IUD models had significantly lower rates of expulsion and pregnancy, and these rates were similar for the sutured and the non-sutured TCu22OC. Immediate postplacental insertion of the three IUD models was totally safe in terms of infection and perforation. Due to the difficulty of insertion and high expellability, the Delta Loop is considered unfit for IPPI. Performance of the TCu22OC was good but the results did not indicate that "suturing" improved the retainability of this IUD model significantly.

Adult↗

The value of twin surveys in the study of malformations.

Congenital malformations have been investigated in a consecutive series of 445 monozygotic twin pairs coming from two twin surveys numbering 1,424 pairs. Concordant malformations were found in 6 pairs, discordant in 20 pairs. The significance of these findings is briefly discussed. The methodology of the prospective twin studies is described. The diagnosis of zygosity is based on sex, structure of placental membranes, blood groups and enzyme systems of the blood and placenta.

Blood Group Antigens↗

Extra-amniotic prostaglandin E2 gel vs. amniotomy for elective induction of labour.

A randomized study was performed to compare three methods of labour induction in 143 clinically normal women (43 nulliparas) at term: amniotomy with or without intravenous oxytocin, extra-amniotic prostaglandin (PG) E2 gel, and extra-amniotic PGE2 gel plus an indwelling catheter. The three methods appeared to be comparable in effect and all of them were perinatally safe. Thus, if preference is given to keeping the ovular sac intact during the early phase of induced labour, extra-amniotic PGE2 in viscous gel, either with or without an indwelling catheter,. can replace the classical induction technique.

Amnion↗

Perinatal hazards of chronic antenatal tocolysis with indomethacin.

Indomethacin was administered from the 20th to the 34th week of gestation to 51 women (59 fetuses) in whom bed rest and a beta-mimetic compound (ritodrine) had failed to stop preterm labor. No serious maternal side effects were observed. Of the 8 perinatal deaths, 5 were not and 3 were possibly related to the prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor. The sole case of serious neonatal morbidity is not considered to have had a causal relationship with the indomethacin treatment.

Adult↗