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Biomedical subjects

W Rath

Publications and source records attributed to W Rath.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

[Prostaglandin-induced labor--is the prostaglandin E2 vaginal gel a "new" alternative?].

In Germany, intracervical application of 0.5 mg PGE2 gel and the 3 mg PGE2 vaginal tablet are registered for induction of labour. Both methods are highly effective; however, the are associated with several problems in practice. Major problems of the intracervical route are the strict application of the gel into the cervical canal, not spreading it to the vaginal and/or extra-amniotic space, the "technical" difficulties of application in cases of an unfavourable cervix in a posterior position and the risk of artificial rupture of the membranes. The problems with the PGE2 vaginal tablet are the incalculable release and absorption, the unpredictable clinical response and the unclear definition of CTG monitoring intervals. The application of the 2 mg PGE2 vaginal gel has proved an efficient and practicable method for induction of labour in both the unfavourable and the favourable cervix. The advantages over the intracervical procedure are in particular the practicability and safety of administration, even in "anatomically" difficult situations (e.g., narrow cervical canal); the advantages over the PGE2 vaginal tablet are greater bioavailability with a quicker release and absorption, the more predictable clinical response and the closer correlation with the subsequent changes in cervical scores. Since well-defined comparative studies are lacking, no definite conclusions can so far be drawn regarding the method of choice for induction of labour. Recently, a prospective, randomised multi-centre study has gone under way to clarify this question.

Administration, Intravaginal↗
PubMed1996

[The role of cytokines in the induction of labor, cervical ripening and rupture of the fetal membranes].

Even today prematurity is the major cause of perinatal mortality. Prematurity has multiple causes. There is a growing body of evidence supporting the association between silent intrauterine infection and preterm birth. Bacterial products may activate macrophages ubiquitous present in the decidua, placenta and fetal membranes. These cells after activation secrete a large variety of mediators including tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) and interleukin (IL)-1. Besides these cytokines IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, epidermal growth factor, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor and transforming growth factor beta have been identified in intrauterine tissues and in the amniotic fluid. The majority of these substances (TNFalpha, IL-1, IL-2, IL-3, IL-6) can stimulate the prostaglandin-biosynthesis by intrauterine tissues (amnion, chorion, decidua), some of them have antiinflammatory effects (IL-10, transforming growth factor alpha). These effects are mediated by receptors on the target cells; specific receptor antagonists (for example for IL-1) were found in high concentrations in amniotic fluid during normal pregnancy. This cytokine network is in a sensitive balance and probably associated with an uncomplicated course of pregnancy. Systemic or localized infections as well as tissue injury initiate the induction of the prostaglandin synthesis cascade thus leading to pregnancy loss via augmented cytokine secretion. Furthermore, cytokines may be involved in the regulation of preterm and term cervical ripening. The changes in mechanical properties of the cervix are associated with a reduction of collagen content and alterations in the glycosaminoglycan pattern within the cervical extracellular matrix. IL-1 can stimulate the synthesis of collagenases, and IL-8 may play an important role in the regulation of the invasion of neutrophilic granulocytes into the cervical stroma with subsequent degranulation and release of proteases. The cytokine-stimulated collagenase production in the fetal membranes is responsible for the reduction of their tensile strength and may be associated with rupture of the membranes. The cytokine network seems to be a sensitive regulation system. Disturbances of its balance by environmental (e.g. infection) or intrauterine influences (e. g. extension by the fetus) may lead to termination of pregnancy.

Amniotic Fluid↗
PubMed1996

[Serum concentrations of the MCA tumor marker during pregnancy].

MCA (Mucin like carcinoma associated antigen) is used as a marker for the follow-up control of breast cancer patients, and high levels of MCA have been observed during the course of pregnancy. The aim of our study was to determine the value of MCA as a tumor marker in the follow-up of young breast cancer patients with subsequent pregnancy. We determined the MCA concentration in the sera of 201 pregnant women in the course of gravidity in order to find the degree and time of increase MCA shows during normal pregnancy. 121 serum samples of healthy, non-pregnant women were analysed for MCA in comparison. Up to the 19th week of gestation, the concentration of MCA did not show any differences in comparison to non-pregnant healthy women (n = 121, median: 7 U/ml: 25% percentile: 7 U/ml: 75% percentile: 10 U/ml (control collective). Median: 6 U/ml: 25% percentile: 5 U/ml: 75% percentile: 10 U/ml (gestational week 5-19)). After the 23rd week of gestation, the MCA concentration was elevated. After the 35th week of gestation, all women had MCA levels which were significantly higher than in healthy, non-pregnant women. Median: 100 U/ml: 25% percentile: 71 U/ml: 75% percentile: 147 U/ml (gestational week 36-42). Therefore the tumor marker MCA can be used in the followup of breast cancer only until the 19th week of gestation. After the 23rd gestational week very high MCA concentrations are observed in some cases and can not be distinguished from MCA augmentation due to advanced breast cancer.

Antigens, Neoplasm↗
PubMed1996

[HELLP syndrome in the 21st week of pregnancy in mosaic trisomy 9].

We report for the first time the case of postabortional HELLP-syndrome in the 21st week of gestation. In this case mosaic trisomy 9 was confirmed by amniocentesis prior to induction. Pertinent history, clinical course and pathoanatomical morphology are described. We emphasize the early onset of the HELLP-syndrome in association with trisomy 9 after abortion. The possibility of interconnections between trisomy 9 and the occurrence of HELLP-syndrome (sparse blood, vessels in the villi, circulatory deficit on the fetal side of the placenta, increased production of e.g. vasopressive substances) is discussed.

Abortion, Eugenic↗
PubMed1995

Magnesium and calcium concentration in the pregnant and non-pregnant myometrium.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of labor on the magnesium and calcium concentrations in the human myometrium and to compare them with the concentrations in the non-pregnant uterus. METHOD: Samples of the isthmic part of the uterus were taken from 42 patients not in labor, 31 patients in regular labor during a cesarean section, and 37 premenopausal patients on whom a hysterectomy was performed. RESULTS: (i) The magnesium concentration dropped significantly during labor; (ii) the calcium concentration in the tissue showed no significant changes during labor; (iii) the magnesium and calcium concentrations were significantly higher during pregnancy; (iv) the distribution of electrolytes in the myometrium differed significantly in the corpus, isthmus and cervix uteri. CONCLUSIONS: The electrolyte concentration in the myometrium depends on the place of removal. A low magnesium concentration in the pregnant human myometrium could be a cause of premature labor.

Calcium↗
PubMed1995

Dysgerminoma of the ovary in a patient with triple-X syndrome.

A 24-year-old patient with dysgerminoma of the right ovary and hypoplastic left ovary was screened for chromosomal aberration. Triple-X syndrome was found in the oral epithelium and lymphocyte culture, while chromosomal in situ hybridization of the tumor itself showed a normal XX karyotype. Although trisomy X and dysgerminoma are coincidental findings in our case report, women with malignant germ cell tumors and abnormal genitalia should be checked for chromosomal aberrations to exclude anomalies carrying a Y chromosome.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Reliability of the detection of fetal fibronectin using monoclonal antibody FDC-6].

Detection of amniotic fluid in the vagina is commonly used to diagnosed rupture of amniotic membranes. In 1991 an immunoassay was introduced which is based on the detection of a fetal fibronectin isoform using the monoclonal antibody FDC-6. Fetal fibronectin is said to be absent from normal adult tissues and plasma, but present in fetal tissues. The low concentration of fetal fibronectin in maternal plasma is said not to interfere with the test results. Theoretically, demonstration of significant amounts of fetal fibronectin in vaginal secretions may be considered an unequivocal sign of leakage of amniotic fluid or, at least, of pre-rupture stretching of the membranes. We evaluated results of the membrane immunoassay and enzyme immunoassay, which are both based on the monoclonal antibody FDC-6. Fetal fibronectin has been determined in a clinically unambiguous context in amniotic fluid as well as in vaginal swabs and blood samples. In amniotic fluid, all membrane immunoassays performed were positive. The concentration of fetal fibronectin during the third trimester of pregnancy was lower than in the second trimester. Only 9/15 cases were positive for fetal fibronectin if vaginal swabs were taken 12 hours after unequivocal rupture of membranes and no amniotic fluid was visible in the vagina. Vaginal swabs of women with regular contractions showing cervical dilation of > 2 cm were positive for fetal fibronectin in all cases (20/20) whereas no fetal fibronectin could be determined in vaginal swabs obtained from clinically inapparent pregnant women. In all blood samples of pregnant women fetal fibronectin was detected and, surprisingly, also in blood samples of non-pregnant women, as well as in vaginal swabs of non-pregnant women with vaginal bleeding. In cases of unequivocal rupture or intactness of membranes, the results of both assays correspond well with the clinical findings. 12 hours after rupture of membranes the test may become negative if no amniotic fluid is visible in the vagina. As all blood samples had been positive for fetal fibronectin we conclude that vaginal bleeding will probably interfere with the test. The most surprising result is the apparent presence of fetal fibronectin in the blood samples of non-pregnant women. This observation can only be explained by a cross-reaction of the FDC-6 antibody with hepatic fibronectin.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Successful therapy of heparin-associated thrombocytopenia with a low sulfated heparinoid].

Heparin-associated thrombocytopenia (HAT) is a relative frequent complication of thromboembolic prophylaxis and therapy. There is good evidence that the more severe HAT Type II is caused by an antibody dependent on polysulfated oligosaccharide epitopes. At present, low molecular weight heparins are used with varying success in patients with HAT that require further anticoagulation, although there are several known cases of cross reactivity between standard and low molecular weight heparins. Using our present case as an example, we show that the In-vitro- diagnostic of cross-reactivity is an indispensable precondition for any sufficient therapy. Additionally, we give support to previous findings that the low-grade sulfated heparinoid Org 10,172 shows no (or less) cross reactivity with standard or low molecular weight heparins. Thus, it might be the most appropriate choice if an anticoagulation is necessary before the results of In-vitro-diagnostics are available.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Displacement margins and edge contour: informative criteria of tumor dignity in ultrasound mammography].

88 patients with ultrasonically detected breast tumours were examined at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Technical University Aachen (RWTH) in the context of a prospective study. Ultrasonic contour characteristics and marginal zone displacement properties were evaluated with regard to their usefulness as criteria for detecting malignancy. using a highresolution hand-held 10 Mhz scanner. With regard to marginal zone displacement as a sign of benignancy, a sensitivity of 67.6% and specificity of 86.3% were found (positive and negative predictive value reaching 89.3% and 86.3%, respectively). A sensitivity of 84.3% and specificity of 86.5% could be demonstrated when an ill-defined, jagged contour was taken as a sign of malignancy. A well-defined, smooth contour resulted in a sensitivity and specificity of 62.2% and 100%, respectively, when used as criterion for benignancy. No clear indication could be found to support the use of an ill-defined but smooth contour as a sign of benignancy. 56.3% showing the aforementioned characteristic were benign, the rest (43.7%) were malignant neoplasias. The evaluation of ultrasonic contour characteristics and marginal zone displacement properties are hence fundamental criteria to augment other characteristic tumour signs in the ultrasonic diagnosis of breast pathology.

Adenocarcinoma, Scirrhous↗
PubMed1995

[Subpartal diagnosis of umbilical cord encirclement using color-coded Doppler ultrasonography and correlation with cardiotocographic changes during labor].

Umbilical cord complications are the most common cause of pathologic fetal heart tones during delivery. The inauguration of colour-coded Doppler ultrasound in obstetrics has made the definite diagnosis of umbilical cord encirclement during delivery possible. The prospective study introduced here examines the question of how exactly an encirclement can be seen by Doppler during delivery, its influence on cardiotocographic results, delivery mode, and fetal outcome. 107 patients in labour with cervical dilatation were examined in a prospective study using colour-coded Doppler ultrasound to determine cases of umbilical cord encirclement. In 50 cases, encirclement could be visualised, 48 of which were confirmed post partum. Encirclement could be ruled out in 57 other cases. A sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 100% resulted. No significant differences could be found with regard to mode of delivery and fetal outcome. However, the umbilical cord in cases of encirclement was significantly longer than when no encirclement occurred. Assessment of fetal heart tones demonstrated a significantly higher rate of variable decelerations in the patient group with umbilical cord encirclement compared to that without. In conclusion, our results show that the early diagnosis of umbilical cord encirclement during delivery allows appropriate assessment of fetal heart tone changes,justifying temporising management under continuous monitoring with possible micro-blood analysis.

Asphyxia Neonatorum↗
PubMed1995

Maternal hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count, and neonatal outcome.

Pregnancies complicated by the syndrome of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count (HELLP) have been associated with both a poor maternal and a poor neonatal outcome in several publications. Because many studies were small and gave only scant information regarding the infants, we analyzed the clinical course of 89 neonates born to mothers with the HELLP syndrome. Ninety-eight percent of the neonates were born by cesarean section. Infants with a maternal HELLP syndrome were often small for gestational age (39%). The incidence of perinatal asphyxia was found to be 5.6%. Additionally, the affected very low birthweight (VLBW) infants had relatively high incidences of leukopenia (21%), neutropenia (33%), and thrombocytopenia (33%). Initially, 54% of the LBW infants were found to have normoblasts and 25% erythrocytosis. The incidence of these changes in blood cell count increased with decreasing birthweight. Nosocomial infections occurred more often in infants with a reduced neutrophil count. The overall mortality rate was 56 per 1000. Comparing the statistics of the VLBW infants with a maternal HELLP syndrome (n = 32) to all infants with a birthweight less than 1500 g (n = 521) during the investigational period, we found a similar mortality rate (9.3% and 8.4%, respectively). The pulmonary morbidity was also similar. The incidence of intracranial hemorrhage in VLBW infants with a maternal HELLP syndrome was lower (12.5% versus 18.2%) and of necrotizing enterocolitis was higher (6.2% versus 1.9%).

Birth Weight↗
PubMed1995

Biochemical events in cervical ripening dilatation during pregnancy and parturition.

In specimens taken from the posterior lip of the cervix uteri we determined the collagenase activity and the glycosaminoglycan concentration. In biopsies obtained from the lower uterine segment during cesarian section we measured cytokines (IL-8, IL-2, TNF alpha) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-8, MMP-9). We found that the release of collagenases is critically involved in the process of cervical dilatation. The glycosaminoglycan concentration increases during pregnancy and shows remarkable changes of the distribution patterns of the different glycosaminoglycans. The parturition is characterized by a dramatic loss of most of the glycosaminoglycans. Furthermore, the IL-8 shows a close correlation to the clinical feature of cervical ripening and is closely associated with the release of MMP-8 and MMP-9. Summarizing the process of cervical maturation and dilatation is a complex enzymatic controlled process with substantial remodelling of the cervical extracellular matrix. The cytokines IL-8 seems to play an essential role in triggering the process of cervical dilatation.

Biopsy↗
PubMed1995

[Reaction of umbilical cord arteries to PGF2 alpha and glycerol trinitrate during the first days post partum].

OBJECTIVE: Are there changes in the reactivity of umbilical cord arteries within the first day after parturition? METHODS: Groups of rings made from umbilical cord arteries were investigated by a force transducer for their reactions to PGF2 alpha and glycerol trinitrate after 1, 6, 12 and 24 hours after parturition. RESULTS: PGF2 alpha induces vasoconstriction, glycerol trinitrate vasodilatation of the umbilical cord arteries. The quantity of these reactions remains the same at each of the investigation times. But the standard deviation decreases 12 and 24 hours after parturition. CONCLUSIONS: There is an increase of the reproducibility of these investigations in the second half of the first day after parturition. The higher standard deviation in the first 6 hours after parturition may be caused by endogenous autacoids.

Autacoids↗
PubMed1995

[Uterine reactions to prostaglandins in induced labor--results of a multicenter study].

During a prospective multicentric study concerning labor induction with prostaglandins 1472 prostaglandin-inductions were documented. With a Bishop Score < 5 a gel containing 0.5 mg of PgE2 was applied intracervically, with a Bishop Score > = 5 a tablet containing 3 mg of PgE2 was applied retrocervically inside vagina. In case of lacking success the application was repeated after 6 to 8 hours and after 24 hours according to the actual Bishop-Score. Coordinated labor after application of PG-gel or PG-tablet was observed in 85.2% (83.3% respectively), polycystolia or tetani in 13.9% of cases (9.1% respectively). Differences were not statistically significant. Uterine reactions started in the mean 5-6 hours after the last PG-application, but intervals showed a significant spreading among single cases. In 16.0% of the patients successfully treated with Pg-gel and in 8.3% of the patients successfully treated with a PG-tablet due to a uterine hyperstimulation a tocolytic treatment became necessary. With a ripe cervical score (Bishop-Score > 7 points) a significant shortening of the induction-interval was observed.

Administration, Intravaginal↗
PubMed1994

[Changes in cervical fibronectin levels during pregnancy, labor and in the postpartum period].

The authors analysed the fibronectin content of the uterine cervix during pregnancy and delivery. The aim of their investigation was furnishing data to the biochemical changes during cervical maturation. The ripening of the uterine cervix during pregnancy is a result of complicated interactions between different macromolecules, where the fibronectin plays a key role. The quantitative determination of the extracellular matrix fibronectin is impossible because its extraction from tissues recently is not solved. Taking this fact in consideration the authors choose a semiquantitative method, being reliable indicator of changes in fibronectin content of uterine cervix. They took small pieces of materials from portio vaginalis uteri of 139 women being in postmenopause and premenopause, in different stages of pregnancy and parturition concerning directly after delivery. The slides were incubated, with rabbit-anti-human fibronectin-FITC. The evaluation of fluorescence happened with an Axiophot (Zeiss) microscope. Authors stated that the fibronectin content in the cervical extracellular matrix and in the cellular membrane of fibroblasts increases during the 1st trimester pregnancy. This increase can be shown in the 3rd trimester as well and it drops significantly during delivery. They could not found any relationship between the leucocyte invasion observed during delivery and the changes of cervical fibronectin content. These observations call our attention to the importance of fibronectin in cervical ripening respectively dilatation and the need of further examinations.

Cervix Uteri↗