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Biomedical subjects

S Uzan

Publications and source records attributed to S Uzan.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Correlations between serum assays of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and human placental lactogen (hPL) and pre-eclampsia or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) among nulliparas younger than 38 years.

OBJECTIVE: To study the relation between serum human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) levels measured at 15-18 weeks and gestational disorders, assess their correlation with the artery uteroplacental Doppler (AUD) at 24 weeks among nulliparas, and assess the predictivity of the hCG/hPL (human placental lactogen) ratio for pre-eclampsia. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study of two groups of women younger than 38 years old: one with an elevated serum hCG level (2 MoM (multiples of the median) or more) and a normal fetal karyotype (group A), and the other with a lower hCG level (group B). Within each group, we studied the nulliparas separately (respectively groups AO and BO). We analyzed the double screening, elevated hCG levels with abnormal AUD, for the predicting of hypertensive disorders. RESULTS: Elevated hCG levels were significantly (p<0.05) more prevalent among women who developed gestational diabetes (groups A and AO) and among nulliparas with pregnancy-induced hypertension and pre-eclampsia (AO). Among nulliparas, the combination of the hCG assay and a subsequent Doppler increased the positive predictive value (PPV) of the assay from 19 to 75%, without reducing its negative predictive value (NPV) for gestational vascular disorders. The hCG/hPL ratio did not improve the predictivity of the hCG assay alone for pre-eclampsia. CONCLUSIONS: An hCG level of 2 MoM or more at 15-18 weeks identifies a group of women at risk of gestational vascular disorders; it therefore ought to lead to an AUD at 24 weeks. This double screening should be able to define a population of women at risk of developing a hypertensive disorder, who could thus benefit from a preventive treatment, as aspirin.

Adult↗

[Detection of fetal cells in maternal blood: myth or reality?].

Fetal cells exist in maternal blood and can be utilized for prenatal diagnosis. These cells are present from the sixth week of gestation, with frequency increasing as gestation advances, to many years after the birth. Enrichment of trophoblast cells, erythroblasts and lymphocytes was performed with various density gradient techniques and either magnetic activated or fluorescent activated sorting techniques. The abnormalities were detected by fluorescent in-situ hybridation (FISH) with chromosome-specific DNA probes for the detection of trisomy 21, trisomy 18, Klinefelter syndrome 47 XXY, or by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of fetal sex, certain Mendelian disorders (as beta-globin mutations), HLA polymorphisms and fetal Rhesus D blood type. However others studies were necessary to determine the sensitivity and specificity of this technique as a noninvasive alternative to conventional methods of prenatal cytogenetic diagnosis.

Blood Cells↗

[Septate uterus and reproduction disorders: current results of hysteroscopic septoplasty].

Uterus septus is the most frequent congenital uterine anomalies caused by insufficient resorption of the müllerian ducts. Retrospective statistical analysis shows that the uterine septa have the worst reproductive outcome with a high incidence of early abortions. It is well recognized that it increased the incidence of recurrent (> or = 3) miscarriages (79% among 1,601 pregnancies), reproductive failure and obstetric complications. A septate uterus does not seem to be an infertility factor. On the other hand, the incidence of unexplained infertility was significantly higher (40%) in the patients with secondary infertility; thus, a contribution from the uterine septum in delayed conception of these patients cannot be excluded. Hysteroscopic surgery has replaced conventional abdominal route. Hysteroscopic metroplasty improves obstetrical prognosis in women with septate uterus, and it's advantages are easiness, low morbidity rate, without the hysterotomy's consequences like adnexial adhesions. Metroplasty is indicated in women with a history of miscarriages (2 or more), which decreased to 15%, in patients with an unexplained infertility, and in women in whom assisted reproductive treatment is being contemplated. Combined with laparoscopy, the hysteroscopic metroplasty is the gold standard for assessing uterine septa, especially in these infertile women. Laparoscopy also is required to complete the diagnostic work up of infertility, and provides an opportunity to treat any coexisting pelvic pathology.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗

Assessment of Fallopian tube patency by HyCoSy: comparison of a positive contrast agent with saline solution.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficiency of air-filled albumin microspheres (Infoson) with saline solution in determining Fallopian tube patency during hysterosalpingo contrast sonography (HyCoSy). METHODS: This was a prospective randomized multicenter study with a sequential design. Over a 10-month period, 23 patients (mean age, 33 years) referred for infertility were examined by HyCoSy (saline or Infoson) before conventional hysterosalpingography (Iopamiron 370), performed during the same session. Contrast agents were administered through a 5-F Ackrad balloon catheter inserted transcervically into the uterine cavity. HyCoSy was performed with a 7-MHz transvaginal probe using both B-mode and color Doppler, and tubal patency was demonstrated by the appearance of contrast agent in the peritoneal cavity near the ovaries. Data were registered for each patient during the examination and the results were monitored by sequential analysis. RESULTS: Mean volumes of contrast injections were 35.3 mL of saline, 14.4 mL of Infoson, and 13.8 mL of Iopamiron 370. Infoson-enhanced HyCoSy provided a significantly larger (P = 0.006) number of correct diagnoses (20/22 Fallopian tubes) than did saline HyCoSy (12/24 Fallopian tubes), and the same number as that achieved by hysterosalpingography. CONCLUSION: A positive ultrasound contrast agent appears to be more efficient than saline solution at determining Fallopian tube patency in infertile women by means of HyCoSy, and as efficient as an iodinated contrast agent in the same population explored by HSG. HyCoSy could be used to screen infertile women, thereby avoiding the use of iodinated contrast medium and exposure to ionizing radiation during conventional HSG in patients with patent Fallopian tubes.

Adult↗

Uteroplacental circulation development: Doppler assessment and clinical importance.

In the first weeks of pregnancy, columns of endovascular cytotrophoblastic plugs develop in the lumen of spiral arteries. Morphologic data show that these plugs become loosened as soon as the end of the second month and the intervillous circulation of maternal blood is likely to be established progressively between the 8th and 12th weeks. The disorganization of the musculo-elastic layers of these vessels provokes a dramatic decrease in vascular tone in the uteroplacental circulation. These modifications appear to govern the establishment of a low-pressure blood flow in the placenta, and hence determine the quality of uteroplacental circulation and normal fetal growth. Placental bed biopsies in women with pre-eclampsia and in a proportion of pregnancies with intrauterine growth retardation have shown that these physiologic changes were absent in the myometrial segments of spiral arteries. Recently, colour Doppler was used to assess intervillous and spiral artery flow in early pregnancy, confirming in vivo free intervillous flow at 12 weeks and a progressive significant decrease in spiral artery resistance with advancing gestation during the first trimester. However, certain data at an earlier gestational age are still contradictory. Particularly, the exact nature of the contents of the intervillous space before 8 weeks, and whether or not this fluid can be considered maternal blood, remains controversial.

Arteries↗

The molecular basis of embryo implantation in humans.

The implantation of the human embryo is a double paradox, immunological and biological. The immunological paradox is that it consists of a heterologous graft in which the uterine immune system (via the cytokines) and the embryo's antigenicity (HLAG) collaborate to make possible both implantation and the maintenance of the pregnancy. The biological paradox arises because several different mechanisms must be successively implemented for these two epithelia to fuse and then for one to allow invasion by the other (that is, the for the endometrium to be decidualized by the trophoblast): preparation of the endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle under the influence of estrogens and then progesterone, with the involvement of growth factors (EGF, TGF and IGF), neoangiogenesis (estradiol, FGF and VEGF), recognition by the trophoblastic cells of the various components of the decidua and of the extracellular matrix (integrins and cadherin) and the progressive invasion of the decidua, to the depth of the spiral arteries (by the trophoblastic secretion of metalloproteases). A defective or excessive trophoblastic invasion can result in complications of pregnancy: early spontaneous miscarriage, preeclampsia and growth retardation of vascular origin in the case of defects, placenta accreta or percreta in the case of excess.

Animals↗

Ultrasonography compared with magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis of adenomyosis: correlation with histopathology.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of transabdominal (TAUS) and transvaginal sonography (TVUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the diagnosis of adenomyosis, and to correlate imaging with histological findings. METHODS: In a prospective study, 120 consecutive patients referred for hysterectomy underwent TAUS, TVUS and MRI. Results of these examinations were interpreted blindly to histopathological findings. RESULTS: Histological prevalence of adenomyosis and leiomyomas was 33.0 and 47.5% respectively. Adenomyotic uteri were accompanied by additional pelvic disorders in 82.5% of cases. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of TAUS and TVUS were 32.5 and 65.0%, 95.0 and 97.5%, 76.4 and 92.8%, and 73.8 and 88.8% respectively. Myometrial cyst was the most sensitive and specific TVUS criterion. In MRI, the presence of a high-signal-intensity myometrial spot was as specific but less sensitive than a maximal junctional zone thickness (JZ(max)) >12 mm and a JZ(max) to myometrial thickness ratio >40%. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of MRI were 77.5, 92.5, 83.8 and 89.2% respectively. No difference in accuracy was found between TVUS and MRI, but sensitivity was lower with sonography in women with associated myomas. CONCLUSIONS: TVUS is as efficient as MRI for the diagnosis of adenomyosis in women without myoma, while MRI could be recommended for women with associated leiomyoma.

Adult↗

Results of the tension-free vaginal tape procedure for the treatment of type II stress urinary incontinence at a minimum followup of 1 year.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the safety and efficacy of the tension-free vaginal tape procedure for treating type II stress urinary incontinence in females. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between April 1998 and April 1999, 62 women 28 to 86 years old (mean age 62.8) were treated consecutively for stress urinary incontinence with the tension-free vaginal tape procedure. Preoperative evaluation included history, physical examination and multichannel video urodynamics. All patients had type II stress urinary incontinence, none had preoperative detrusor instability or significant pelvic prolapse and in 16 previous surgery for stress incontinence had failed. RESULTS: All patients were followed at least 12 months after the procedure (median 16.2). A total of 42 and 20 women received spinal and local anesthesia, respectively. We noted 6 bladder perforations, including 5 in patients with a history of surgery for stress urinary incontinence. Blood loss was less than 200 cc in all cases. We observed no prolonged postoperative pain, infection or sling rejection. Post-void residual urine was less than 100 cc the day after surgery in 59 cases. Only 3 patients self-catheterized a maximum of 4 days. At followup 54 women (87.1%) were cured of stress urinary incontinence, 6 were improved (9.6%) and 2 had failure (3. 3%), while 4 (6.4%) had new onset detrusor instability without evidence of bladder outlet obstruction. CONCLUSIONS: The tension-free vaginal tape procedure appears to be a minimally invasive, safe and effective treatment for type II stress urinary incontinence. A history of surgery for stress incontinence seems to be a risk factor for bladder perforation.

Adult↗

Is selective embolization of uterine arteries a safe alternative to hysterectomy in patients with postpartum hemorrhage?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of selective arterial embolization to control severe postpartum hemorrhage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five women with intractable postpartum hemorrhage underwent uterine embolization in our institution during a 6-year period. RESULTS: Angiography revealed arterial extravasation in 13 patients (52%). Sixty-nine arteries were embolized. External bleeding resolved immediately or was markedly decreased in 24 women. In one patient, embolization failed to control the bleeding, and surgical treatment was required. No major complication of embolization therapy was observed. Ten women were followed up for an average of 2 years. Menstruation resumed in all patients, and one woman became pregnant. CONCLUSION: Embolization of acute postpartum hemorrhage is a safe and effective alternative to hysterectomy.

Adult↗

[Endometrial adenocarcinoma treated with combined radiotherapy and surgery: 437 cases].

PURPOSE: To identify prognostic factors and treatment toxicity in a series of operable endometrial adenocarcinomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between November 1971 and October 1992, 437 patients (pts) with endometrial carcinoma, staged according to the 1988 FIGO staging system, underwent total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy without (n = 140) or with (n = 297) pelvic lymph node dissection. The chronology of RT was not randomized and depended on the usual practices of the surgical teams. Group I: 79 pts received preoperative uterovaginal brachytherapy (mean total dose [MD]: 57 Gy). Group II: 358 pts received postoperative RT (196 pts received vaginal brachytherapy alone [MD: 50 Gy], 158 pts had external beam pelvis RT [EPRT] [MD: 46 Gy over 5 weeks] followed by vaginal brachytherapy [MD: 17 Gy], and 4 pts had EPRT alone [MD: 46 Gy over 5 weeks]). The mean follow-up was 128 months. RESULTS: The 10-year disease-free survival rate was 86%. From 57 recurrences, 12 were isolated locoregionally. Multivariate analysis showed that independent factors decreasing the probability of disease-free survival were: histologic type (clear cell carcinoma, p = 0.038), largest histologic tumor diameter > 3 cm (p = 0.015), histologic grade (p = 0.008), myometrial invasion > 1/2 (p = 0.0055), and 1988 FIGO staging system (p = 9.10(-8)). In group II, the addition of EPRT did not seem to improve locoregional control. The postoperative complication rate was 7%. The independent factors increasing the risk of postoperative complications were FIGO stage (p = 0.02) and pelvic lymph node dissection (p = 0.011). The 10-year rate for grade 3 and 4 late radiation complications according to the LENT-SOMA scoring system was 3.1%. EPRT independently increased the 10-year rate for grade 3 and 4 late radiation complications (R.R.: 5.6, p = 0.0096). CONCLUSION: EPRT increases the risk of late radiation complications. After surgical and histopathologic staging with pelvic lymph node dissection, in a subgroup of intermediate risk patients (stage IA grade 3, IB-C and II), postoperative vaginal brachytherapy alone is probably sufficient to obtain a good therapeutic index. Results for patients with stage III tumor are not satisfactory.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Characterization of first trimester human fetal placental vessels using immunocytochemical markers.

Cell differentiation markers on placental villi from the first trimester of human pregnancy have been studied by indirect immunofluorescence. Fluorescence labelling with antibodies against CD34 and CD31 was conspicuous in the vascular cells. The vascular paracellular clefts were labelled by anti-cadherin-5. A few vascular cells exhibited a positive reaction for von Willebrand factor, high-molecular-weight melanoma-associated-antibody and alpha-sm-actin compared to term pregnancy, indicating changes in protein expression during vascular differentiation. The poor anti-collagen IV reaction and the absence of a sm-myosin fluorescent signal observed around the vessels confirned the immaturity of the vessels. In contrast, strong reactions have previously been obtained with the latter antibodies in similar locations using term placental villi. A labelling was observed for antibodies against alpha3 and alpha5 integrins in these immature placental vessels suggesting cell-matrix interactions with specific domains of laminin or fibronectin. The vascular cells were also stained by anti-CD26. Surprisingly, the fetal vascular cells exhibited immunostainings in common with the villous cytotrophoblast (CD26) or the syncytiotrophoblast (cadherin-5) and cell islands cytotrophoblast (CD31, cadherin-5, alpha3 and alpha5 integrin subunits). These observations suggested a two step process for fetal vasculogenesis in the villi: i/ the formation of peripheral vessels induced by growth factors or cytokines derived from the nearby trophoblast, ii/ the development of muscular vessels due to growth factors or cytokines production induced by circulatory changes.

Actins↗

[Role of hysteroscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility].

UTERINE DISORDERS: Because they can prevent implantation, anomalies within the uterine cavity play an important role in fertility. The uterine disorders most often observed during hysteroscopy and implicated in infertility are adhesions, septa, polyps, submucous myomas, adenomyosis, endometritis, anomalies of the cervical canal, and lesions of the uterotubal junction. EXPLORATIONS: Hysterosalpingography can be used to evaluate tubal permeability but provides inadequate information about the uterine cavity (numerous false-positives and false-negatives). Pelvic ultrasound is especially helpful for diagnosing interstitial anomalies in the uterus. HYSTEROSCOPY: Diagnostic hysteroscopy also has a place in infertility investigations, for it allows direct visualization of the uterine cavity, the endometrial mucus (endometritis, adenomyosis), and the cervical canal. The examination is practiced on a out-patient basis, without anesthesia, using appropriate small-caliber instruments and irrigation with physiological saline. Surgical hysteroscopy is used to treat these anomalies. Patients receive general anesthesia. A high-frequency, low-voltage electric current is used, and glycine for irrigation. This procedure allows resection of submucous myomas and polyps and of septa and adhesions. Some groups use laser beams and irrigation by physiological saline for these treatments. Coagulation of a superficial focal spot of adenomyosis is not useful in infertility therapy. RESULTS: As assessed by the percentage of patients with each indication who subsequently became pregnant, the results of surgical hysteroscopy have been satisfactory: 62 per cent (%) of cases after myomectomy, 66% after section of uterine septa, and 61% after treatment of complicated adhesions. A new exploration of the uterine cavity will be necessary sometime after the surgery to verify the absence of any iatrogenic disorders (adhesions, myomatous fragments).

Female↗

[Use of stereotaxic aspiration macrobiopsies in managing breast microcalcifications: first series of 115 prospective cases].

UNLABELLED: The objective of this prospective study of a 115-case series cases was to delineate the specific usefulness of this technique for the diagnosis and management of patients with microcalcifications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with probably benign ACRII and III (n = 87) or suspicious ACRIV (n = 14) and high suspicious lesion ACRV (n = 7) lesions. The microcalcification sites were blopsied with a dedicated table and a vacuum assisted aspiration system (Mammotome). The results were correlated either with the results of any surgery or, for the lesions with benign histology findings, with the results of the six-month follow-up mammography. RESULTS: These results concern a series with a follow-up longer than one year. The patients' mean age was 53 years. The procedure was possible in 108 of 115 cases (feasibility). There were two failures. We studied 87 patients with ACRII or III findings; the mean size of the microcalcification cluster was 8.3 +/- 6 mm. For 67, it was less than or equal to 10 mm. The mean size for the 21 patients initially staged as ACRIV or V was 18 +/- 9 mm, and for 15 of them, it was less than or equal to 10 mm. Microcalcifications were found on the radiographs of 96% of the biopsies specimens. Excision was complete in 59 of 73 cases for the clusters less than or equal to 10 mm and in only 12 of 35 cases for the larger clusters. The correlation between the ACR staging and the histology results was excellent. CONCLUSION: Vacuum-aspirated biopsies are indicated especially among patients with an ACRIII finding and a cluster smaller than 10 mm. Surgery was avoided in more than 60% of these cases. When surgery was performed, it most often resulted in the discovery of malignant lesions. This procedure was also useful for the very small ACRIV clusters, which were totally benign and completely excised. Finally it can be useful for obtaining a preoperative diagnosis in the case of extensive ACRIV or ACRV lesions (strategic biopsies).

Biopsy, Needle↗

[Non-palpable breast lesions: radio-pathologic correlations on open excisional biopsies. Significance of the choice of technique for minimal excisional biopsy].

OBJECTIVE: To decrease the number of open excisional breast biopsies, percutaneous breast biopsies have been developed to perform the histologic diagnosis of non-palpable breast lesions. Some techniques allow a complete removal of small radiologic lesions. To evaluate the accuracy of a pathologic analysis performed only on the radiologic findings, we studied the radiologic and histologic correlation on open excisional biopsy (OEB) specimens. The aim of our study was to determine how many carcinomas were found distant from the radiologic findings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Non-palpable breast lesions have been excised after preoperative localization. The radiologic findings were classified in microcalcifications, masses, architectural distortion and in sonographic masses. The correlation between the radiologic and pathologic findings was studied and all the lesions incidentally discovered on histology with no correlation with the imaging findings or distant from the radiologic findings were described. One hundred and twenty-nine lesions have been evaluated in 99 patients. Radiologic findings included 79 clusters of microcalcifications, 30 masses, six architectural distortions and 14 sonographic lesions. RESULTS: The histopathological results were benign in 41.9%, malignant in 49.6% and atypical hyperplasia lesions were discovered in 8.5%. All benign lesions were correlated to radiologic findings. No malignant lesion was found at a distance. In three cases atypical hyperplasia lesions were coexistent with the radiologic findings correlated with benign lesions and in three cases they were found at a distance. All but two malignant lesions were correlated with radiologic findings. In two cases a microinvasive carcinoma and foci of labular carcinoma in situ were found coexistent with benign lesions. The subgroup of small lesions lesser than 10 mm included 31 benign lesions. A complete removal of these lesions should be obtained with percutaneous biopsies. CONCLUSION: A pathologic analysis targeted on radiologic findings is accurate. Numerous open excisional biopsies performed for benign pathology should be avoided.

Biopsy↗