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Biomedical subjects

S Mashiach

Publications and source records attributed to S Mashiach.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Prelabour rupture of membranes at term: early induction of labour versus expectant management.

OBJECTIVES: To compare expectant management with early induction of labour in pregnant patients with prelabour rupture of membranes at term and unfavourable cervix. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, randomised study of 154 women with prelabour rupture of membranes at term of whom 80 had been managed expectantly, and 74 had undergone oxytocin induction at a rate of 2.5 mU/min. Digital examination was not performed before oxytocin infusion, and the first was delayed until 4 h (nulliparae), or 2 h (multiparae) of regular uterine contractions. RESULTS: The mean period from rupture of membranes to delivery was significantly shorter in the induction group. The mean duration of labour was significantly shorter in the expectant group. Operative vaginal deliveries were more common in the induction group, and fetal distress was the most common cause of operative vaginal deliveries. The caesarean rates were low and similar in both groups. Maternal and neonatal infectious morbidity was similar and no difference was found in the length of hospitalisation. CONCLUSIONS: Expectant management in patients with ruptured membranes at term is safe and reduces the frequency of operative vaginal deliveries.

Adult↗

Intravenous immunoglobulin treatment in the prevention of childbirth-associated acute exacerbations in multiple sclerosis: a pilot study.

Acute exacerbations frequently occur after childbirth in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). The present pilot study was initiated in an attempt to reduce the number of childbirth-associated acute exacerbations in the postpartum period. We treated nine MS patients with a history of 12 childbirth-associated acute exacerbations that had occurred 2-9 weeks after previous deliveries. The patients were administered intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) at a dose of 0.4 g/kg per day for 5 consecutive days during the 1st week after childbirth and at 6 and 12 weeks thereafter. None of the treated patients relapsed during the 6-month period after delivery. However, three patients had a remote relapse, two at 8 months and one at 10 months after childbirth, but these probably represented the natural course of disease and were not associated with childbirth. We conclude that IVIg treatment may prevent acute childbirth-associated exacerbations in relapsing-remitting MS patients.

Adult↗

Early oral feeding after cesarean delivery.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the gastrointestinal function and patient acceptability of early initiation of oral feeding after cesarean delivery. METHODS: Two hundred twenty-one healthy women delivered by cesarean were assigned in an alternating manner to receive either a high-protein, low-residue pudding initiated within 6 hours of delivery and given every 6 hours thereafter (n = 108), or a standard postoperative diet, consisting of sips of water 12 hours after surgery and a liquid diet permitted only after bowel sounds returned and flatus passed (n = 113). RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the early-feeding group had a shorter mean (+/- standard deviation) duration of intravenous fluid administration, 18.6 +/- 6.3 versus 30.5 +/- 8.1 hours (P < .001); more rapid return to regular oral diet, 26.8 +/- 6.3 versus 39.7 +/- 8.8 hours (P < .001); and a shorter time to first bowel movement, 30.0 +/- 10.0 versus 43.3 +/- 11.7 hours (P < .001). There was no significant increase in gastrointestinal morbidity: 17.4 versus 15.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Early feeding after cesarean delivery was well tolerated and was associated with a more rapid return to a normal diet. This approach may facilitate early hospital discharge.

Adult↗

Hyperechogenic fetal bowel and elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein: a poor fetal prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical significance of increased fetal bowel echogenicity in women with elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) during the second trimester. METHODS: The study group comprised six pregnant women with elevated second-trimester MSAFP (greater than 2.5 multiples of the median), whose ultrasonographic evaluations indicated hyperechogenic fetal bowel. They were compared with six pregnant women whose fetuses, during routine second-trimester ultrasonographic screening for fetal anomalies, were found to have a hyperechogenic bowel without elevated MSAFP, according to natural history, pregnancy outcome, and associated features. RESULTS: All six fetuses with the combination of elevated MSAFP and echogenic bowel were growth-restricted; four died in utero and one of the two live-born infants died during the neonatal period. The single survivor in this group was born prematurely; necrotizing enterocolitis was diagnosed at 30 days of life and surgery was performed. None of the cases had associated congenital anomalies. Only one of the six controls had associated anomalies (trisomy 21), and this pregnancy was terminated. The pregnancy course of the remaining five fetuses was normal; all were appropriate for gestational age and were delivered at term. No perinatal mortality occurred in this group; however, in one infant, cerebral palsy was diagnosed at 10 months of age. CONCLUSION: Fetal bowel hyperechogenicity found in women with elevated second-trimester MSAFP levels is associated with poor fetal outcome, particularly fetal growth restriction with fetal and neonatal death, and should be considered an ominous prenatal finding.

Adult↗

Intraumbilical vein injection of prostaglandin F2 alpha in retained placenta.

A randomized protocol was used to study the effect of intraumbilical prostaglandin F2 alpha (Hembate, Upjohn) and oxytocin injection in women with retained placenta. Prostaglandin F2 alpha, 20 mg, diluted to 20 ml in normal saline solution (10 women, group 1), 30 IU of oxytocin, diluted to 20 ml in normal saline solution (11 women, group 2), or 20 ml of normal saline solution alone (7 women, group 3), were injected into the umbilical vein 1 h after delivery. Nine women (group 4, controls) underwent manual removal of the retained placenta. In group 1, placental expulsion occurred in all patients and the duration of the placental expulsion after prostaglandin F2 alpha injection was 6.8 +/- 1.36 (mean +/- SE) min: in group 2, six placental expulsions occurred after 13.3 +/- 1.97 min (mean +/- SE); and in group 3, no effect was recorded after intraumbilical saline injection. We suggest that intraumbilical vein injection of prostaglandin F2 alpha might be a beneficial, non-surgical method for treating retained placenta. Oxytocin might reduce the incidence of manual lysis of the placenta and achieve partial success.

Adult↗

Maternal and neonatal outcome of 846 term singleton breech deliveries: seven-year experience at a single center.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to evaluate the maternal and neonatal outcome of 846 consecutive term singleton breech deliveries at a single center. STUDY DESIGN: We reviewed the maternal and neonatal charts of all women who delivered singleton breech fetuses between 1984 and 1990 and divided them into two groups: women who fulfilled the criteria for trial of labor (group 1, n = 613) and those who did not meet these criteria and underwent scheduled cesarean section (group 2, n = 233). RESULTS: In group I, 326 women (53.2%) were delivered vaginally. There were no maternal deaths. Febrile morbidity and length of hospitalization were significantly higher in the women who required cesarean section in labor compared with those delivered vaginally. In the total study population there were no stillbirths and eight neonatal deaths, 6 of which had major malformations incompatible with life. The remaining two deaths occurred in group I (0.33% corrected neonatal mortality in group 1). Newborns in Group 1 exhibited a higher rate of trauma with borderline statistical significance (3.0% vs 0.5%, p = 0.052). No significant differences were found in the rates of low Apgar scores, intubation, and intensive care unit admission. CONCLUSION: Although certain short-term outcome variables may appear less favorable in term singleton breech infants delivered vaginally, large randomized studies of short- and long-term outcome should be undertaken because current data are not sufficiently conclusive to warrant routine cesarean section for term breech presentation.

Adult↗

Pregnancy outcome after early amniotic fluid leakage after transabdominal multifetal reduction.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the importance of amniotic fluid leakage in the early period ( < 14 days) after the fetal reduction procedure. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. SETTING: Pregnant women who underwent fetal reduction to twins in an academic, tertiary perinatal department. PATIENTS: Sixty triplet and 31 quadruplet pregnancies were identified before the ninth postmenstrual week of gestation. All patients underwent transabdominal multifetal pregnancy reduction was performed within 14 days of the procedure. INTERVENTIONS: Transabdominal multifetal pregnancy reduction from triplets and quadruplets to twins. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Amniotic fluid leakage in the early period after fetal reduction. RESULTS: Early PROM occurred in eight (13.3%) patients from the triplets group and in six (19.3%) patients in the quadruplet group. Three of 60 (5.0%) patients from the triplet group and 1 of 31 (3.2%) patients from the quadruplet group miscarried before 24 weeks gestation. However, none of these patients had had PROM during the early period after the procedure. Early PROM did not influence the incidence of premature contractions of delivery and the reduction procedure, and 59% (99/169) of those who completed 24 gestational weeks delivered between 25 and 37 weeks. CONCLUSION: The presence of amniotic fluid leakage in the period close to the multifetal reduction procedure, although alarming, is not ominous for the remaining fetuses. We see no reason for any intervention in these patients.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗

Glucocorticoid administration during transfer of frozen-thawed embryos: a prospective, randomized study.

OBJECTIVE: To establish whether there is any improvement in pregnancy and implantation rates after administration of "low-dose," long-acting glucocorticoids during transfer of cryopreserved-thawed embryos. SETTING: An IVF unit in a university hospital. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized study. Ninety-nine consecutive transfer cycles of frozen-thawed embryos to the uterine cavity of randomly chosen women diagnosed as having tubal factor infertility only. Fifty-two patients underwent transfer of frozen-thawed embryos and received 0.5 mg of dexamethasone; 47 women (control group) did not receive the drug during transfer. PATIENTS: Normal ovulatory patients with tubal factor infertility. INTERVENTIONS: Oral dexamethasone administration before, during and after transfer of thawed embryos. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pregnancy and implantation rates. RESULTS: The pregnancy rate was 13.5% (7/52) in patients treated with the "low-dose" regimen of dexamethasone compared with 12.8% (6/47) in the control group. The implantation rate was similar. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that the use of 0.5 mg dexamethasone for an immuno-suppressive effect, administered for a short period to patients diagnosed as having "pure" tubal factor infertility, did not improve the implantation or pregnancy rates.

Adult↗

Is Operative Laparoscopy Contraindicated in Women with Ectopic Pregnancy and Hypovolemic Shock?

We evaluated the safety of operative laparoscopy for the management of ectopic pregnancy in 119 women with hypovolemic shock. In 19 (16.0%) of these women hypovolemic shock was based on a combination of signs and symptoms including hypotension, tachycardia, anxiety, thirst, tachypnea, and slow capillary refill. The table below presents the results (mean &plusmn; SEM; ap <0.01). One case in each group was converted to laparotomy, and all patients made full recovery. Laparoscopy allows rapid diagnosis and control of the source of bleeding, making it highly suitable for the surgical management of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. The availability of appropriate anesthesia and advanced cardiovascular monitoring, and ability to convert rapidly to a laparotomy if necessary, allow safe performance of operative laparoscopic surgery in women with hypovolemic shock.

Journal Article↗

Prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis of fetal hydrocephalus due to infection with parainfluenza virus type 3.

Parainfluenza virus type 3 is one of the most common causes of respiratory infection in infants. No complications of pregnancy or fetal anomalies have been reported in association with parainfluenza virus infection. A pregnancy was terminated at 22 weeks' gestation due to ultrasonographic diagnosis of hydrocephalus. Pathological examination was consistent with viral encephalitis, ventriculitis and pneumonia. Serological investigation demonstrated a significant rise in maternal antibody titers for parainfluenza virus type 3. Parainfluenza virus type 3 may be associated with severe fetal infection in the first half of pregnancy. Serological studies for this virus should be considered in cases of fetal hydrocephalus.

Abortion, Therapeutic↗

Prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis of fetal hepatic hyperechogenicities: clinical significance and implications for management.

The clinical significance of sonographically detected fetal hepatic hyperechogenicities has not been fully established. The aim of this study was to assess various aspects of fetal hepatic hyperechogenicities detected in utero, including natural history, prenatal investigation and pregnancy outcome. In a retrospective survey of pregnant women presenting to the ultrasonographic unit, five fetuses with a mean gestational age of 20 weeks (range 14-24 weeks) were antenatally diagnosed as having hepatic hyperechogenicities. All cases underwent extensive investigation to establish the etiology and to determine the spectrum of ultrasonographic presentation. In three fetuses, only parenchymal lesions were found, while two had combined lesions: parenchymal and peritoneal. The earliest prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis was made at 14 weeks' gestation in a fetus with combined hyperechogenic lesions, which, at 12 weeks' gestation, demonstrated unexplained fetal ascites. Associated abnormalities were found in only one fetus in which a solitary parenchymal lesion was associated with direct communication of the intrahepatic portion of the umbilical vein with the right atrium, and high output cardiac failure. In this case, termination of pregnancy confirmed ischemic hepatic necrosis. In the other four cases, no direct etiology could be determined, and all four pregnancies continued to term with normal neonatal follow up until 12 months of age. The present data suggest that in cases of fetal hepatic hyperechogenicities, where apparent intrauterine infection or neoplasia can be ruled out, a vascular disruption phenomenon is a putative etiology. If there are no associated morphological abnormalities or abnormal karyotypes, the prognosis may be favorable.

Adult↗

Second-trimester serum fluorescence polarization in patients who subsequently develop pregnancy-induced hypertension.

To determine whether the midtrimester serum lipid profile, as expressed by fluorescence polarization (FP) values, is decreased in patients who subsequently develop pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). Stored serum samples of normotensive patients who had undergone midtrimester biochemical screening for Down's syndrome were used in this case-control study. Forty patients who subsequently developed PIH comprised the study group, and were divided into subgroups with proteinuric PIH (P-PIH, n = 18) and those with nonproteinuric PIH (NP-PIH, n = 22). Sixty randomly selected patients who remained normotensive throughout pregnancy comprised the control. Serum total cholesterol (CL) and triglycerides (TG) were determined using enzymatic colorimetric kits. FP values were determined by optical microviscosimeter. Both study subgroups had significantly lower FP values and higher TG concentrations than the control group. Total CL concentrations were slightly higher in the P-PIH subgroup. There were no differences in mean. Total CL or TG concentrations or mean FP values were found between those patients who developed mild and severe PIH. Using FP value cutoff points of 0.250, 0.245, and 0.240 sensitivity was 95%, 90%, and 78%, respectively, in detecting patients who subsequently developed PIH. Midtrimester serum FP values may have some predictive value for the development of P- and NP-PIH.

Adult↗

Outcome of second-trimester, emergency cervical cerclage in patients with no history of cervical incompetence.

A retrospective, descriptive study was conducted to evaluate the outcome of second-trimester, emergency cervical cerclage in patients with no history of cervical incompetence. Thirty-two women with singleton pregnancies were studied. All had undergone emergency cervical McDonald cerclage at 17 to 25 weeks' gestation because of cervical dilation and effacement. The procedure was carried out after a rest period of 6 or more hours, during which none of the patients demonstrated uterine activity. The mean procedure-to-delivery interval was 6.9 +/- 5.6 (median 5.5, range 0.2 to 18) weeks. Thirteen pregnancies (41%) terminated before 24 weeks. The mean gestational age at delivery was 28.5 +/- 5.8 weeks for the entire group, and 32.3 +/- 4.4 (range 25 to 38) weeks for the 19 who achieved viability. The mean birthweight of the live infants was 1935 +/- 958 g (median 1670, range 905 to 3710 g). Four infants died during the neonatal period. The total survival rate was 47%, and the survival rate corrected for major anomalies was 48.4%. The perinatal mortality rate was significantly higher among patients with membranes protruding through the-cervix on admission, compared to those without (75% vs 17%; p = .003). We concluded that emergency midtrimester cervical cerclage among patients with no prior evidence of cervical incompetence is associated with an approximately 50% survival rate. Membranes protruding through the dilated cervix are a poor prognostic factor for survival in these cases.

Adult↗

Cumulative pregnancy rate following in-vitro fertilization: the significance of age and infertility aetiology.

During the years 1984-1992, 951 couples completed 2252 in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment cycles at the In-Vitro Fertilization Unit of The Chaim Sheba Medical Centre. This study was conducted to evaluate the success of IVF using the cumulative pregnancy rate (CPR), with special emphasis on the optimal number of treatment cycles, the age of the patients and female infertility factors. It was found that the CPR showed a constant rise during the six initial IVF treatments (56% CPR), and plateaued in the subsequent three cycles (63% CPR). Various female infertility factors did not influence this rate. Women > or = 40 years of age have a significantly lower CPR. Thus, it was concluded that the CPR in IVF declined after the sixth initial treatment cycle, and in women > or = 40 years of age. The infertility factor did not significantly influence CPR.

Adult↗

Micromanipulation improves in-vitro fertilization results after epididymal or testicular sperm aspiration in patients with congenital absence of the vas deferens.

In all, 58 couples suffering from infertility because of congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens underwent a total of 67 combined microsurgical epididymal aspiration or testicular sperm extraction (TESE) and in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments. The oocytes recovered were inseminated by either the microdroplet IVF technique (N = 20), subzonal insemination (SUZI; n = 10) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI; n = 37). Of the ICSI cycles, 12 were performed using spermatozoa obtained by TESE. Fertilization rates for epididymal spermatozoa were significantly higher for SUZI (17.9%, 17/95) and ICSI (34.4%), 137/398) than for microdroplet IVF (5.2%, 18/343) cycles. The proportion of cycles in which fertilization was achieved was higher in the SUZI (80%) and ICSI (95%) cycles than in the IVF cycles (45%). Delivery or an ongoing pregnancy was achieved in one (5%) IVF cycle, two (20%) SUZI cycles and seven (18.95) ICSI cycles. SUZI or ICSI using epididymal or testicular spermatozoa significantly improved the oocyte fertility rate. The ICSI procedure was especially advantageous in patients for whom spermatozoa were obtained from a testicular biopsy.

Cytoplasm↗

Spontaneous ovarian hyperstimulation mimicking an ovarian tumour.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in a spontaneous singleton pregnancy is exceedingly rare. We report a case of ovarian hyperstimulation presenting as bilateral ovarian masses in association with spontaneous pregnancy, occurring in a woman with disturbed liver function. A possible mechanism is discussed.

Adult↗

A prospective cohort study of oxytocin plus ergometrine compared with oxytocin alone for prevention of postpartum haemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety and efficacy of intramuscular oxytocin plus ergometrine compared to intravenous oxytocin for prevention of postpartum haemorrhage, and the significance of administration at the end of the second stage of labour compared with that after the third stage. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTING: A university affiliated tertiary medical centre. PARTICIPANTS: Two thousand one hundred and eighty-nine women delivering singletons during 40 consecutive weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postpartum haemorrhage (> 500 ml), prolonged third stage (> 30 min), retained placenta (> 60 min), elevated blood pressure (systolic > 150 mmHg, diastolic > 100 mmHg). RESULTS: The rate of postpartum haemorrhage was not significantly different for oxytocin-ergometrine compared with oxytocin, when administered at the end of the second stage of labour (odds ratio 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.75-1.61) or after the third stage (odds ratio 0.95, 95% CI 0.68-1.34). The patients receiving oxytocics at the end of the second stage of labour had significantly lower rates of postpartum haemorrhage, for both oxytocin-ergometrine (odds ratio 0.69, 95% CI 0.49-0.98) and oxytocin (odds ratio 0.60, 95% CI 0.41-0.87), compared with those treated after the third stage. CONCLUSION: Administration of oxytocin alone is as effective as the use of oxytocin plus ergometrine in the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage, but associated with a significantly lower rate of unpleasant maternal side effects. Oxytocics administered after delivery of the fetal head compared with after the placental expulsion are associated with a significantly lower rate of postpartum haemorrhage.

Adult↗