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Biomedical subjects

S L Duncan

Publications and source records attributed to S L Duncan.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1982

Long-term effects of cyproterone acetate on the pituitary adrenal axis in adult women.

Function of the pituitary-adrenal axis was assessed in 16 adult female patients who had been taking cyproterone acetate for greater than 1 year. Some evidence of reduced basal cortisol output was seen in 25% of the patients, but plasma cortisol levels could be stimulated both by hypoglycaemia and by direct corticotrophin (ACTH) stimulation. The latter effect was confirmed by analysis of steroid excretion in urine although basal excreation rates indicated extensive adrenal suppression. These results suggest that cyproterone acetate does have some glucocorticoid activity which is able partially to suppress the pituitary--adrenal axis, but leaves it still responsive to stress.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

The value of antenatal cardiotocography in the management of high-risk pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial.

The value of routine regular antenatal cardiotocography (CTG) in the management of high-risk pregnancy was assessed in a prospective randomized controlled study of 353 patients. All patients had a weekly CTG trace during the last 6 weeks of pregnancy and according to the random allocation the tracings were concealed from, or available to, the clinicians. Other methods of assessing fetal welfare were available to both groups. There was no significant difference between the concealed and revealed groups in the timing and mode of delivery, birthweights, Apgar score and neonatal morbidity. No apparent effect from the routine use of antenatal CTG in high-risk pregnancy was shown.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1981

Oxygen consumption of human endometrium during the menstrual cycle measured in vitro using an oxygen electrode.

Oxygen consumption of human endometrial tissue was measured in vitro in air and high oxygen gas phases using an oxygen electrode. The oxygen consumption increased throughout the proliferative phase, peaking around ovulation and then decreasing during the secretory phase. This pattern persisted whether the oxygen consumption was expressed on a dry weight, DNA or protein basis. Storage of the tissue and mincing produced lower values of oxygen consumption.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1979

Factors affecting the success of mid-trimester amniocentesis.

Of 298 women who had mid-trimester amniocentesis carried out in a single hospital unit in a 6-yr period, an increasing proportion were carried out for detection of neural tube defects. A clinical decision could be made following the first amniocentesis in 77% of cases. There were 16% where liquor was not obtained at the first attempt, and a further 7% where cell growth or biochemical testing was unsatisfactory. The outcome was influenced by the experience of the operator and timing of procedure. The success of the first procedure was 59% before 16 wk of gestation and 86% between 16 and 20 wk. The incidence of blood-staining of the liquor was higher with an anterior placenta (19%). Despite difficulties, the abortion rate (3.5%) does not appear to be higher than would be expected.

Adult↗
PubMed1979

Use of ultrasound and hormone assays in the diagnosis, management, and outcome of twin pregnancy.

A study of 79 twin pregnancies was conducted between 1973 and 1976 with particular reference to the use of ultrasound and hormone analysis. There were 17 perinatal deaths, a perinatal mortality rate of 107 per 1000 deliveries. The contributing factors were antepartum anoxia (40%), prematurity (30%), congenital abnormalities (18%), and obstetric trauma (12%). During the period of study there was a complete change in the method of confirming twin pregnancies, ie, in 1973, 84% were confirmed by x-ray and in 1976, 86% by ultrasound. About 40% were diagnosed at 28 weeks' gestation or earlier. The ranges (mean +/- 2 SD) for human placental lactogen (hPL) and urinary estrogens have been established for twin pregnancy, and the value of these measurements in the antenatal management of twin gestations is discussed.

Birth Weight↗
PubMed1977

Detection and measurement of fetomaternal haemorrhage: serum alpha-fetoprotein and the Kleihauer technique.

A raised maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein concentration was taken as an indicator of fetomaternal haemorrhage due to amniocentesis and was used to calculate the volume of the fetal bleed. The alpha-fetoprotein concentration seemed to be a more sensitive and reliable indicator than the established Kleihauer technique and may have further applications in antenatal testing.

Amniocentesis↗
PubMed1969

Hypoxaemia and aortic chemoreceptor function in foetal lambs.

1. In foetal lambs the effect of raising and lowering arterial P(O2) (by varying the O(2) content of the maternal inspired gas mixture) was studied in order to determine whether the systemic arterial chemoreceptors regulated the circulation.2. From 0.7 of term relative hypoxaemia (e.g. reducing carotid P(O2) from 40 to 20 mm Hg) caused a rise of arterial pressure and femoral vaso-constriction. These changes were unaffected or even increased by bilateral section of the nerves from the carotid sinus and body. They were abolished by section of the vagi or aortic nerves.3. It is concluded that in foetal lambs during the last third of gestation the circulation is under reflex control by the aortic chemoreceptors.

Animals↗
PubMed1969

Cyanide stimulation of the systemic arterial chemoreceptors in foetal lambs.

1. In foetal lambs, delivered by Caesarean section under light chloralose anaesthesia, injection of sodium cyanide into the left atrium or ascending aorta caused a rise of arterial pressure and femoral vasoconstriction. The response to 0.77 mg/kg was barely present at 0.6 of term; by 0.8 of term there was a large response to one third of this dose.2. The cardiovascular response to cyanide injection into the left atrium or ascending aorta was diminished either by section of the vagi or by carotid denervation, and was abolished by cutting both sets of nerves.3. Injection of sodium cyanide into both common carotids simultaneously caused a substantial cardiovascular response and often a respiratory effort, abolished by carotid denervation, whereas injection into a single carotid rarely caused an effect.4. It is concluded that the carotid chemoreceptors in mature foetal lambs can be excited by a stimulus of sufficient intensity, even though they do not respond to moderate hypoxaemia.

Animals↗