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Biomedical subjects

Y Peled

Publications and source records attributed to Y Peled.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Evaluation of low serum vitamin B(12) in the non-anaemic pregnant patient.

Low serum vitamin B(12) concentrations in pregnancy may not indicate true megaloblastic anaemia. In the present study we compared biochemical indices of vitamin B(12) deficiency (serum homocysteine and urine methylmalonic acid) in non-anaemic pregnant women with and without low serum vitamin B(12) concentrations. The groups were matched for age, parity and gestational age. No differences were found, and all values were within normal range. These results suggest that the measurement of low serum B(12) concentrations in pregnant women should be followed by analysis at the biochemical level before vitamin B(12) injections are started.

Adult↗

Pregnancy outcome in women with primary renal disease.

BACKGROUND: The preconception and intraconception parameters that are relevant to outcome in women with underlying renal disease remain controversial. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the types and frequencies of short- and long-term (2 years after delivery) maternal and neonatal complications in 38 patients with primary renal disease (46 pregnancies), most of them with mild renal insufficiency. METHODS: Logistic regression models were formulated to predict successful outcome. RESULTS: Successful pregnancy outcome (live, healthy infant without severe handicap 2 years after delivery) was observed in 98% of the patients with primary renal disease. Factors found to be significantly predictive of successful outcome were absence of pre-existing hypertension, in addition to low preconception serum uric acid level. CONCLUSIONS: Most women with primary renal disease who receive proper prenatal care have a successful pregnancy outcome. Worse pregnancy outcome was observed in women with moderate or severe renal failure. Fitted logistic models may provide useful guidelines for counseling women with preexisting renal disease about their prospects for a successful pregnancy in terms of immediate and long-term maternal and neonatal outcome.

Female↗

Twinning project: Israel and Georgia--the birth of a diabetes-in-pregnancy centre in Georgia.

AIMS: To determine the effectiveness of a joint Israeli-Georgian twinning project aimed at introducing modern methods of perinatal care to Georgian women with pregestational diabetes mellitus. METHODS: A Diabetes-in-Pregnancy Centre was established in Georgia (in the former USSR). Thirty-two women with Type 1 diabetes mellitus participated in the first stage of the study (January 1997-June 1998). All were maintained under strict metabolic surveillance starting at least three months prior to conception and were given organized instruction in methods of self-monitoring of glucose levels, insulin dose adjustment, dietary management and close fetal surveillance throughout pregnancy. A second stage of the project was started in January 1998 and aimed at the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). RESULTS: Of the 32 women, 20 had had a total of 44 prior pregnancies without proper perinatal care (1990-96); only five (11.3%) ended in the birth of a healthy infant. On entry to the study, all 32 patients had unsatisfactory metabolic indices. HbA1c levels decreased significantly from the preconception period (P<0.001) and were maintained at the lower level throughout pregnancy; insulin doses decreased significantly until the third trimester (P<0.01) and then increased (P<0.001). Since January 1997, 21 women have become pregnant. Eighteen have given birth, 12 (67%) by Caesarean section and six (33%) by vaginal delivery. Gestational age at birth was 36-39 weeks, and birth weight ranged from 2300 to 4100 g. The only neonatal complications were mild respiratory distress syndrome and hypoglycaemia. There were no significant maternal complications in the 236 women screened, eight were diagnosed as having GDM and 12 impaired glucose tolerance. They were actively managed to a successful outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The establishment of the Diabetes-in-Pregnancy Centre in the Republic of Georgia has significantly reduced the prior high pre-programme perinatal morbidity and mortality as well as the incidence of maternal complications in pre-GDM as well as in GDM.

Adult↗

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for deep second degree burns: an experimental study in the guinea pig.

Most previous animal studies reporting improved epithelialisation and healing of burn wounds under hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) did not include the conventional treatment with topical antibiotics as part of the protocol, and did not compare the effectiveness of HBO therapy with that of normobaric 100% oxygen (NO). The purpose of our study was to compare the results of combined treatment with HBO + silver sulfadiazine (SS) and those of treatment with NO + SS or SS alone. Deep second degree burns were produced on the depilated backs of 54 guinea pigs using a validated burn protocol. The animals were assigned to three treatment groups: HBO + SS, NO + SS, and SS. Dressings were changed daily. HBO was administered at 2 atmospheres absolute (ATA) for 90 min BID, and NO for 90 min BID. The parameters compared among the groups were laser Doppler flowmetry, and burn wound contracture and re-epithelialisation data derived from computerised planimetry of photographs of the wound. No differences in laser Doppler flowmetry results or the magnitude of contracture were found between the groups. Significantly increased re-epithelialisation was observed under NO + SS starting 10 days after the burn (P = 0.02, ANOVA). This significance stems from the difference between the HBO + SS and NO + SS groups (Tukey test). These data indicate that excessively high levels of tissue PO2 might compromise burn healing, and explain our results. A further study comparing combined treatment using a milder HBO protocol + SS and NO + SS is indicated in the search for the optimal HBO regimen.

Animals↗

Antepartum management protocol. Timing and mode of delivery in gestational diabetes.

We sought to determine whether strict glycemic control during diabetic pregnancy combined with elective early induction of labor reduces the rate of cesarean delivery and fetal birth trauma. We used a population-based longitudinal design covering three periods corresponding to changes in the management protocol for diabetic pregnancy at our center: 1) 1980-1989: no set level of maternal glycemia, elective cesarean section when estimated fetal weight was 4,500 g or more, and no elective early induction; 2) 1990-1992: desired mean maternal glycemia < or = 5.8 mmol/l, elective cesarean section when estimated fetal weight was 4,000 g or more, and elective early induction at 40 weeks for large-for-gestational-age fetuses; 3) 1993-1995: desired mean maternal glycemia < or = 5.3 mmol/l, elective cesarean section when estimated fetal weight was 4,000 g or more, and elective early induction at 38 weeks for large-for-gestational-age fetuses. Outcome of diabetic pregnancies was compared for the three periods, relative to that of the normal population. There was a gradual, constant, and significant decline in the incidence of macrosomia (17.9, 14.9, and 8.8%, respectively; P < 0.05) and large-for-gestational-age fetuses (23.6, 21.0, and 11.7%; P < 0.05) coupled with a gradual, nonsignificant decrease in cesarean deliveries (20.6, 18.4, and 16.2%) and in cases of shoulder dystocia (1.5, 1.2, and 0.6%), to rates close to those of the normal population. Our data show that maintaining strict control of maternal diabetes and adhering to an active management protocol for early elective delivery based on the estimated fetal weight have a significant effect on reducing the rate of macrosomia, thereby affecting the incidence of both traumatic births and cesarean deliveries.

Blood Glucose↗

Isolated persistent fetal bradycardia in complete A-V block: a conservative approach is appropriate. A case report and a review of the literature.

Persistent fetal bradycardia is rarely encountered during pregnancy. When it is associated with a complete atrio-ventricular (A-V) block, it may prove dangerous to the fetus or newborn. The prenatal diagnosis is vital because it necessitates close follow-up during pregnancy to detect fetal compromise and proper preparation for delivery. We describe a woman who was found to be suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus during pregnancy. The fetus was diagnosed as having persistent fetal bradycardia due to complete A-V block at 28 weeks of gestation and was delivered at term with conservative management. The problems entailed in managing pregnancy and delivery of such fetuses are discussed.

Adult↗

Clinical evaluation of a new model of a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation device for the management of primary dysmenorrhea.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has been proven effective in pain relief of primary dysmenorrhea (PD). We evaluated the efficacy of a new TENS device (Freelady, Life Care, Tiberias, Israel), designed to correct disadvantages of older models used in previous studies, in 102 nulliparous women with PD, who were treated with various types of pain relief medications. Marked pain relief was reported by 58 patients (56.9%) and moderate relief by 31 (30.4%). These subjective findings were supported by the fact that the same number of patients (58 and 31) either stopped analgesic use altogether during the trial or reduced the quantity of analgesics, respectively. The device examined proved to be efficient and safe in controlling the pain and disability caused by PD.

Adolescent↗

The effects of dietary phospholipids enriched with phosphatidylethanolamine on bile and red cell membrane lipids in humans.

The role of phospholipids in biliary cholesterol solubilization and crystallization has only recently begun to be appreciated. Phospholipid vesicles are believed to be the metastable carrier from which cholesterol nucleates. Cholesterol crystallization is influenced by the phospholipid species in bile. Feeding rats and hamsters with diets enriched in phospholipids or their precursors, especially ethanolamine, resulted in reduced cholesterol saturation of bile. Although whole phospholipids are normal dietary constituents, the effects and safety of phospholipid components have not been tested in humans. In the present study, we have evaluated the effects of a dietary phospholipid mixture, enriched with phosphatidylethanolamine, on human bile and red blood cell membrane lipid composition. Five ambulatory volunteers having a chronic indwelling T-tube, with an intact enterohepatic circulation, were investigated. Thirty-six grams of phospholipids (54% phosphatidylethanolamine, 54% linoleyl acyl chains) were added to their daily diet for fourteen days. Biliary nucleation time, cholesterol carriers, as well as plasma, red blood cell membrane, and bile lipid compositions, were monitored. Following phospholipid supplementation, the proportion of linoleyl chains (18:2) in biliary phospholipids increased significantly from 31.1 +/- 1.2 to 37.7 +/- 5.3%, while that of oleyl chains (18:1) decreased from 11.4 +/- 1.6 to 9.6 +/- 1.1%. These changes were accompanied by an increase of linoleate and its metabolite, arachidonate, in red cell membranes. Phospholipid feeding did not cause any side effects, and no significant changes in biliary nucleation time, cholesterol, phospholipid, or bile salt concentrations, or in the distribution of cholesterol within micelles or vesicles. We conclude that phospholipid feeding is safe, and can be effective as a vehicle for lecithin fatty acyl chain modulation of bile and lipid membranes. These findings may provide a basis for a controlled modulation of biliary phospholipids to increase cholesterol solubility in bile.

Adult↗

Abdominal pregnancy following in vitro fertilization in a patient with previous bilateral salpingectomy.

BACKGROUND: We present the first case of abdominal pregnancy after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer in a patient without oviducts. CASE: A 38-year-old woman, who previously had had two salpingectomies because of two tubal pregnancies, was admitted to our department with intermittent vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain, 21 days after embryo transfer. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a moderate amount of blood in the peritoneal cavity and a mass consisting of blood clots and tissue fragments attached to the posterior aspect of the right broad ligament. Pathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of abdominal pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Abdominal pregnancy may be the outcome of embryo transfer and should hence be considered a potential complication of the procedure.

Adult↗

One week triple therapy with omeprazole, clarithromycin and tinidazole for Helicobacter pylori: differing efficacy in previously treated and untreated patients.

BACKGROUND: Triple therapy with omeprazole, clarithromycin, and tinidazole (OCT) has been found to be highly effective against Helicobacter pylori infection. However, its efficacy as a second line regimen for patients who failed metronidazole-based triple therapy has not been evaluated. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of low-dose, short-term OCT therapy in an Israeli population, and to compare results obtained in previously treated and untreated patients. METHODS: Patients with duodenal or gastric ulcers and chronic antral gastritis with H. pylori infection as assessed by rapid urease test and/or 14C urea breath test (14C-UBT), were studied. All patients received omeprazole 20 mg b.d., clarithromycin 250 mg b.d. and tinidazole 500 mg b.d. for 7 days. Eradication was assessed by 14C-UBT 4 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: One hundred and fourty-four patients (M/F = 81/63) were enrolled (mean age 48.1 years, range 12-78). Eradication of H. pylori was significantly different between patients who were initially treated with this regimen (90/94, 96%) and patients who had previously failed to eradicate H. pylori with standard triple therapy (27/50, 54%). Moreover, the eradication rate was significantly decreased in patients with more than one previous failure (9/22, 41%) compared to that in patients with only one failure (18/29, 62%). No other differences such as age, gastric pathology, ethnic origin, smoking habits, or pre-treatment urease activity were found to influence the eradication rate. CONCLUSIONS: One-week low-dose triple therapy with OCT is highly effective as an initial therapy in eradicating H. pylori infection. The efficacy is significantly lower when given as a second line treatment in patients who have previously failed to eradicate H. pylori with bismuth-based standard triple therapy.

Adolescent↗

A 'sweet' indication for ovulation induction.

In diabetic patients, euglycaemia at the time of conception is crucial for the success of the pregnancy. In consideration of the difficulty in achieving and maintaining tight glycaemic control for long periods, we administered clomiphene citrate, which is usually indicated in cases of absent or infrequent ovulation, to enhance fecundability in 10 pregestational diabetic patients. All conceived within one to three cycles of the drug, and nine delivered healthy term babies after uneventful pregnancies; one aborted spontaneously in the eighth gestational week. No effect of the drug on the diabetes was noted as based on measurements of glycosylated haemoglobin and fructosamine concentrations and the absence of changes in the patients' insulin requirements. In the light of these successful results, and in view of the importance of euglycaemia at the beginning of diabetic pregnancies, we suggest a new 'sweet' indication for the use of clomiphene citrate.

Adult↗

Immune response to hepatitis B virus vaccine in 1-year-old preterm and term infants.

The recent mass immigration to Israel from the former U.S.S.R. and Ethiopia has significantly increased the hepatitis B virus (HBV) carrier rate. Since January 1992, all newborns in Israel have been routinely immunized against HBV. The same routine of vaccination has been used for premature and term newborns. The aim of the present study was to investigate the immune status against HBV in term and preterm infants at the age of 1 year. All infants were vaccinated at day 1 and at 1 and 6 months with Engerix. Hepatitis B antigen antibody (Ab) serum titers were determined at the age of 1 year. All infants had detectable Ab titers (responders); 92.5% had protective titers (> 10 mlU/ml), out of which 26.5% were low responders (< 100 mlU/ml) and 65% were high responders (> 100 mlU/ml). There was no significant difference in immune responses between term and preterm infants.

Female↗

Perinatal complications following gestational diabetes mellitus how 'sweet' is ill?

OBJECTIVE: We tested the effect of patient compliance, fasting plasma glucose on oral glucose tolerance test, maternal body constitution, and the method of treatment (diet versus insulin) on the perinatal outcome of patients with gestational diabetes mellitus. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective population-based study compared the perinatal outcome of patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (n = 470) (diabetic with regard to the parameters specified above) and a contemporaneous control group (nondiabetic, n = 250). RESULTS: The diabetic and control groups were matched in demographic characteristics. Patient compliance reduced the rate of macrosomia (14.4%) and neonatal hypoglycemia (3.4%) but not to the levels of the control group (5.2% and 1.2% respectively, p < 0.05). The level of fasting plasma glucose on the oral glucose tolerance test had no effect on perinatal outcome. Intensified (insulin) treatment reduced the rate of macrosomia and large-for-gestational age infants in the subgroups with intermediate and high levels of fasting plasma glucose on the oral glucose tolerance test (9.5%/14.2% and 12.2%/24.2% respectively), again not to levels of the control group (5.2%/10.8%). Obese patients were found to have more perinatal complications than lean patients. Intensified (insulin) treatment has proved to be beneficial in terms of reducing the rate of perinatal complications in the obese patients, but not to the corresponding levels of the control group. Such treatment had no effect on the lean patients. CONCLUSIONS: Strict control of maternal hyperglycemia and high patient compliance are imperative for an effective reduction of perinatal complication in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus. The desired plasma glucose level in the glycemic control of these patients should be further reduced, thus bringing the rate of perinatal complications to that of the normal population.

Adult↗

Selective second trimester fetal reduction due to 46XY, 10q+ fetus.

Second-trimester amniocentesis of a twin gestation revealed one normal karyotype, whereas the other had a 46XY, 10q+, indicating an excess of genetic material on chromosome number 10. A selective reduction of the affected twin was carried out on the 20th week of gestation; the outcome of pregnancy and delivery at term of the normal twin were both uneventful.

Adult↗

Successful external version of B-twin after the birth of A-twin for vertex--non-vertex twins.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the optimal intrapartum management of twins, especially those in vertex--non-vertex presentation. STUDY DESIGN: The study population consisted of 408 sets of twins delivered between 1988 and 1992, weighing at birth over 1500 g. According to our protocol, vaginal delivery was attempted in the vertex-vertex presentations. If non-vertex presentation was first, we performed cesarean section. In vertex--non-vertex cases, the first was delivered vaginally and external cephalic version or breech delivery was performed on the second. Apgar scores were compared according to presentation and delivery mode. RESULTS: Vaginal delivery was accomplished in 122 (73%) of 169 vertex--vertex presentations, 96 (68%) of 142 vertex--non-vertex presentations, and 4 (5%) of 99 non-vertex--other presentations. External cephalic version (ECV) of the second twin and subsequent vaginal delivery in vertex--non-vertex was successful in 75% of cases, and internal podalic version and assisted breech delivery were performed in 20 cases, and the remaining two were delivered by cesarean section. Apgar scores were not significantly different among the various groups, and no complications arose from external cephalic version performed on second non-vertex twins. CONCLUSIONS: External cephalic version was found safe for delivering second non-vertex twins in cases where the first twin is in vertex presentation. In our opinion routine cesarean section is thus no longer justified in such cases.

Delivery, Obstetric↗

Detection of immunoglobulin A anticardiolipin antibodies in cervical mucus from in vitro fertilization patients and fertile women.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and quantify antiphospholipid autoantibodies of the immunoglobulin (Ig) A isotype in cervical mucus obtained from IVF patients and fertile controls. DESIGN: The study was performed prospectively. Blood and cervical mucus samples were obtained from patients undergoing IVF treatment (n = 27) at the time of expected E2 peak, before administering hCG. Control samples were taken from fertile women (n = 16) around the time of ovulation during a spontaneous nonstimulated menstrual cycle. Anticardiolipin activity was tested using ELISA. SETTING: Infertility and IVF unit of an academic tertiary referral medical center and university-based basic research laboratory. RESULTS: Forty-eight percent (13/27) of the IVF patients and 43.8% (7/16) of the fertile controls exhibited anticardiolipin IgA activity in aspirated cervical mucus. The mean activity measured for the positive cases was similar in both groups. This activity was higher than that measured in peripheral blood of the women studied. No difference was noted between infertile patients undergoing IVF treatment and fertile women in this respect. CONCLUSIONS: In this preliminary work, we demonstrated for the first time anticardiolipin IgA activity in human cervical mucus. These observations have to be substantiated by larger scaled studies to assess their possible clinical significance.

Adult↗