Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “FLUIDS”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Ultrasonographic assessment of amniotic fluid does not reflect actual amniotic fluid volume.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to compare the ability of two methods of amniotic fluid assessment (two-diameter amniotic fluid pocket versus the amniotic fluid index) to predict oligohydramnios (actual amniotic fluid volume < 500 ml) or polyhydramnios (actual amniotic fluid volume > 1500 ml). STUDY DESIGN: The amniotic fluid index and the two-diameter amniotic fluid pocket were assessed before amniocentesis and determination of amniotic fluid volume with the dye (aminohippurate sodium)-dilution technique. To assess the detection of either oligohydramnios or polyhydramnios, the areas under the receiver-operator characteristic curves (+/-SE) were estimated by the point-to-point trapezoidal method of integration. Prediction limits were calculated by regression analysis of amniotic fluid index or two-diameter amniotic fluid pocket versus actual amniotic fluid volume and determination of 95th percentile ranges for amniotic fluid volume. RESULTS: We studied 144 patients with a mean (+/-SD) gestational age of 31.7 +/- 5.5 weeks; mean (+/-SD) amniotic fluid index and two-diameter amniotic fluid pocket were 12.6 +/- 6.1 cm and 21.2 +/- 18.4 cm2, respectively. Mean (+/-SD) actual amniotic fluid volume was 722 +/- 735 ml (range 101 to 4318 ml). The areas under the four receiver-operator characteristic curves were not significantly different from the nondiagnostic line (p < 0.05). Regression slopes (r values) for amniotic fluid index and two-diameter amniotic fluid pocket versus actual amniotic fluid volume were 0.34 and 0.23, respectively. Calculation of the prediction limit for 95% confidence that oligohydramnios is absent requires that the amniotic fluid index be 30 cm and the two-dimension amniotic fluid pocket be 90 cm2, both thresholds of which are currently considered to represent clinical polyhdramnios. CONCLUSIONS: Both amniotic fluid index and two-dimension amniotic fluid pocket appear to be inaccurate predictors of actual oligohydramnios or polyhydramnios when compared with dye-dilution calculations of actual amniotic fluid volume.

Adult↗

Human and ovine amniotic fluid composition differences: implications for fluid dynamics.

OBJECTIVE: The ovine model is frequently utilized to extrapolate data regarding fetal and amniotic fluid dynamics to human pregnancy. The ovine amnion is highly vascularized, facilitating intramembranous exchange of water and solutes between the amniotic fluid and fetal plasma. In comparison, the relatively avascular human amniotic membrane may have a reduced potential for intramembranous absorption. In view of these anatomical differences, we hypothesized that comparison of human and ovine amniotic fluid composition would provide insight into differences in the mechanisms of amniotic fluid exchange. METHODS: Amniotic fluid was sampled from 43 patients upon hospital admission, and from 27 ovine ewes at five days following amniotic fluid catheter placement. Both human (32 to 39 weeks' gestation) and ovine pregnancies (125 to 136 days' gestation) were sampled during the last 20% of gestation. Samples were analyzed for osmolality and sodium, potassium and chloride concentrations. The contribution of electrolytes to amniotic fluid osmolality and changes in osmolality and electrolyte composition versus gestational age were assessed by regression and covariance analysis. RESULTS: Mean (+/-SEM) amniotic fluid sodium concentration (134.6+/-1.9 vs. 127.1+/-2.0 mEq/1) was greater and potassium (4.6+/-0.1 vs. 6.1+/-0.6 mEq/l) and osmolality (263.9+/-3.7 vs. 285.1+/-1.6 mOsm/kg) less in human than sheep. The range of amniotic fluid osmolality was greater in human (223 to 336 mOsm/kg) than in sheep (274 to 298 mOsm/kg). Human amniotic fluid osmolality was highly correlated with amniotic fluid sodium (r = 0.97) and chloride (r = 0.96) while ovine amniotic fluid osmolality was only weakly correlated with amniotic fluid sodium (r = 0.75) and chloride (r = 0.51). The slope of the regression line of amniotic fluid sodium and osmolality was greater for human than for sheep amniotic fluid (P < 0.0001). The percent of amniotic fluid osmolality accounted for by sodium, chloride and potassium concentrations was greater for human (97%) than for sheep (86%; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that human amniotic fluid osmolality is comprised almost entirely of the major electrolytes while alternative solutes (e.g., fructose) contribute to ovine amniotic fluid osmolality. Extrapolation of fetal and amniotic fluid dynamics from ovine models to humans should incorporate differences in amniotic fluid osmolality and electrolyte composition.

Amniotic Fluid↗

Prevalence, extension and characteristics of fluid-fluid levels in bone and soft tissue tumors.

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence, extension and signal characteristics of fluid-fluid levels in a large series of 700 bone and 700 soft tissue tumors. Out of a multi-institutional database, MRI of 700 consecutive patients with a bone tumor and MRI of 700 consecutive patients with a soft tissue neoplasm were retrospectively reviewed for the presence of fluid-fluid levels. Extension (single, multiple and proportion of the lesion occupied by fluid-fluid levels) and signal characteristics on magnetic resonance imaging of fluid-fluid levels were determined. In all patients, pathologic correlation was available. Of 700 patients with a bone tumor, 19 (10 male and 9 female; mean age, 29 years) presented with a fluid-fluid level (prevalence 2.7%). Multiple fluid-fluid levels occupying at least one half of the total volume of the lesion were found in the majority of patients. Diagnoses included aneurysmal bone cyst (ten cases), fibrous dysplasia (two cases), osteoblastoma (one case), simple bone cyst (one case), telangiectatic osteosarcoma (one case), "brown tumor" (one case), chondroblastoma (one case) and giant cell tumor (two cases). Of 700 patients with a soft tissue tumor, 20 (9 males and 11 females; mean age, 34 years) presented with a fluid-fluid level (prevalence 2.9%). Multiple fluid-fluid levels occupying at least one half of the total volume of the lesion were found in the majority of patients. Diagnoses included cavernous hemangioma (12 cases), synovial sarcoma (3 cases), angiosarcoma (1 case), aneurysmal bone cyst of soft tissue (1 case), myxofibrosarcoma (1 case) and high-grade sarcoma "not otherwise specified" (2 cases). In our series, the largest reported in the literature to the best of our knowledge, the presence of fluid-fluid levels is a rare finding with a prevalence of 2.7 and 2.9% in bone and soft tissue tumors, respectively. Fluid-fluid levels remain a non-specific finding and can occur in a wide range of bone and soft tissue tumors, both benign and malignant. Therefore, they cannot be considered diagnostic of any particular type of tumor, and the diagnosis should be made on the basis of other radiological and clinical findings.

Adolescent↗

Fluid distribution measurement between body compartments in primates in disclosing fluid retention during prolonged hypokinesia.

Body fluid homeostasis undergoes significant changes during hypokinesia (diminished movement). Understanding of fluid transfer between body fluid compartments and its regulating mechanisms was the aim of this study for disclosing impaired fluid retention during hypokinesia (HK). Studies were done on 12 male Macaca mulatta (rhesus monkeys) aged three to five years (5.15 to 6.56 kg) during 90 days period of pre-HK and 90 days period of HK. All primates were divided equally into two groups: vivarium control primates (VCP) and hypokinetic primates (HKP). Hypokinetic primates were kept for 90 days in small individual cages that restricted their movements in all directions without hindering food and fluid intakes. Control primates were housed in individual cages without their movements being restricted. Total body fluid (TBF), intracellular fluid volume (IFV) and circulating plasma volume (CPV) decreased significantly (p < 0.05), while extracellular fluid volume (EFV) and interstitial fluid volume (IsFV) decreased significantly (p < 0.05) at the initial seven days of the HK period and after the 7th day increase progressively in HKP compared with their pre-HK values and their respective control values in VCP. Fluid excretion, urinary and plasma sodium (Na) and potassium (K) levels increased significantly (p < 0.05), while fluid intake and fluid retention decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in HKP compared with their pre-HK values and their respective controls in VCP. The measured parameters did not change in VCP compared with their pre-HK values. It was concluded that decreased IFV and CPV may demonstrate fluid depletion, while marked increase of fluid loss despite of fluid depletion may demonstrate impair fluid retention during HK. Dissociation between fluid loss and fluid depletion may demonstrate the presence of reduced fluid retention as the mechanism of development of fluid depletion during HK.

Animals↗

Certain physiochemical properties of uterine tubal fluid, follicular fluid, and blood plasma in the mare.

Uterine tubal fluids were collected twice a day from mares for 5 consecutive estrous cycles between March 15 and September 1. Follicular fluids were aspirated from the follicles of exteriorized ovaries of 3 mares between days 2 and 5 of estrus. Uterine tubal fluid and follicular fluid were analyzed for osmolarity, dry matter, total lipids, total free fatty acids, glucose, fructose, and lactic acid. Blood samples were collected (jugular venipuncture) throughout the estrous cycle, and the same physical and biochemical analyses were made on blood plasma. A difference (P less than 0.01) was found for osmolarity between uterine tubal fluids collected during estrus and those collected during anestrus. The osmolarity of uterine tubal fluid during anestrus was greater than that of blood plasma; follicular fluid was similar in osmolarity to blood plasma. The dry matter in blood plasma was greater (P less than 0.01) than that in either uterine tubal fluid or follicular fluid. Cyclic variations in dry matter content were not observed in uterine tubal fluid. Total lipids in blood plasma and follicular were greater (P less than 0.01) than those in uterine tubal bluid. The concentration of total lipid in uterine tubal fluid was similar during estrus and anestrus. Myristic acid (C14:0) in blood plasma and myristoleic acid (C14:1) in uterine tubal fluid were the only free fatty acids that had cyclic variation. The fatty acids in the greatest concentration in uterine tubal fluid and blood plasma were palmitic acid (C16:0) and linoleic acid (C18:2). Concentrations of linoleic acid and stearic acid (C18:0) were greater (P less 0.01) in follicular fluid than in uterine tubal fluid or blood plasma. Only trace amounts of glucose were detected in uterine tubal fluid, whereas a considerable amount of glucose was found in follicular fluid. Fructose was not detected in any of the fluids. Lactic acid concentrations did not differ between estrus and anestrus. Lactic acid concentration was significantly greater (P less than 0.01) in uterine tubal fluids and follicular fluids than in blood plasma.

Animals↗

Fluid volume compartments and biochemical measurements for disclosing fluid depletion during acute and rigorous bed rest in normal subjects.

Rigorous bed rest (RBR) induces fluid depletion, however, little is known about the mechanisms of development of fluid depletion during acute bed rest (ABR). Measuring fluid retention and body hydration parameters, the aim of this study was to establish whether ABR than RBR could depress significantly more fluid retention contributing to greater fluid depletion development. Studies were conducted during pre bed rest (BR) period of three days and during seven days period of ABR and RBR. Thirty normal male individuals aged, 24.2 +/- 5.0 years chosen as subjects. They were divided into three groups: unrestricted ambulatory control subjects (UACS), acute bed rested subjects (ABRS) and rigorous bed rested subjects (RBRS). Acute bed rested subjects confined abruptly to RBR, while they did not have any prior knowledge of the exact date and time when they would be asked to stay in bed. Rigorous bed rested subjects submitted to RBR on a predetermined date and time known to them right from the start of the study. Unrestricted ambulatory control subjects were not confined to any type of bed rest. Fluid loss, urinary and plasma sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+), urinary osmolality and plasma osmolality, whole blood hematocrit (Hct), whole blood hemoglobin (Hb), and total plasma protein increased significantly (p < 0.05) with time, while fluid retention, extracellular volume (ECV), plasma volume (PV), red cell volume (RCV), blood volume (BV), interstitial volume (IV) and fluid intakes reduced significantly (p < 0.05) with time in ABRS and RBRS compared with their pre-BR values and the control values (UACS). However, the measured parameters changed significantly (p < 0.05) more with time in ABRS than RBRS. Fluid rention, fluid loss, fluid intake, urinary and plasma Na+ and K+, Hct, Hb, plasma protein, urinary and plasma osmolality, ECV, PV, RCV, BV and IV did not change in UACS compared with their pre-BR values. It was concluded that significant increase of urinary and plasma osmolality, whole blood Hct and Hb, total plasma protein, plasma Na+ and K+, and significant decrease of ECV, PV, RCV, BV, and IV may demonstrate fluid depleteion, while a higher increase of fluid loss in spite of fluid depletion may show decreased fluid retention. Dissociation between fluid losses and fluid depletion may suggest the presence of impair fluid retention as a mechanism of development of fluid depletion.

Adult↗

Fluid balance measurements in disclosing fluid deposition during prolonged hypokinesia in healthy subjects.

Measuring fluid absorption and fluid homeostasis, the aim of this study was to establish if hypokinesia (HK) could depress fluid deposition and thus contribute to the development of fluid depletion. Studies were performed during 30 days pre-HK period and during 364 days HK period. Twenty healthy male individuals 24.0 +/- 6.6 years of age were chosen as subjects. They were equally divided into two groups: active control subjects (ACS) and hypokinetic subjects (HKS). All HKS were walking average distances of 0.7 +/- 0.2 km x day(-1) for 364 days, while all ACS were running average distances of 8.5 +/- 1.2 km x day(-1) for 364 days. Water imbalance, whole blood hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct), plasma protein, plasma osmolality, urinary and plasma sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) levels and fluid loss increased significantly (p < 0.05), while fluid absorption, fluid consumption, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and renal blood flow (RBF) reduced significantly (p < 0.05) in HKS compared with their pre-HK values and their respective active controls (ACS). Conversely, water balance, whole blood Hb and Hct, plasma protein, plasma osmolality, fluid absorption, GFR, RBF, urinary and plasma Na+ and K+ levels, fluid consumption and fluid loss did not change in ACS compared with their pre-HK control values. Significant increase of fluid loss with fluid imbalance may demonstrate decreased fluid deposition. Dissociation between fluid loss and fluid imbalance may demonstrate decreased fluid deposition as the mechanism of development of fluid depletion. It was concluded that fluid imbalance and the significant increase of Hb, Hct, plasma protein, plasma osmolality, urinary and plasma Na+ and K+ levels may demonstrate the presence of fluid depletion during prolonged HK in humans.

Adult↗

Evaluation of the non-inferiority of a fixed combination of thyme fluid- and primrose root extract in comparison to a fixed combination of thyme fluid extract and primrose root tincture in patients with acute bronchitis. A single-blind, randomized, bi-centric clinical trial.

In a single-blind, randomized, bi-centric, prospective study, the non-inferiority of a fixed combination of thyme fluid extract and primrose root fluid extract (Bronchicum Elixir S, fluid test medication) was evaluated by comparison to a fixed combination of thyme fluid extract and primrose root tincture (Bronchcium Tropfen, drops test medication). The patients took either 6 x 5 ml of the fluid test medication (fluid group) or 5 x 1 ml of the drops test medication (drops group) daily. 189 outpatients (121 women, 68 men) suffering from acute, not previously treated bronchitis, lasting for less than 48 h, were randomized and treated with either fluid (94 patients: 66 women, 28 men) or drops (95 patients: 55 women, 40 men) over a time period of 7-9 days. 71 patients were excluded from the per-protocol (PP) collective because of violations regarding examination time points and/or intake of the study medication. The primary outcome criterion was to demonstrate the non-inferiority of the Score (BSS) at the end of the study compared to baseline. In the fluid group, the BSS decreased from 11.0 +/- 5.0 points at baseline to 2.6 +/- 4.6 (76%) at study end compared to a decrease from 11.0 +/- 4.8 points at baseline to 2.5 +/- 4.2 (77.1%) at study end in the drops group (Intention-to-treat (ITT) -analysis). The decrease of the BSS in both groups was highly significant (p < or = 10(-3)), but there was no difference between the two groups. Differences between the study sites were noticed regarding the baseline BSS, which were twice as high at study site 2 compared to study site 1 (probably due to the different way the patients were recruited). However, a statistically significant intergroup difference was not observed at any time point. At the end of the study, 52.1% of the patients of the fluid group were symptom free and 53.7% of the patients from the drops group were symptom free as compared by the ITT-analysis (secondary outcome criterion). For both parameters, the PP-analysis support the non-inferiority of the fluid compared to the drops. The global therapeutic efficacy of the fluid as well as of the drops was rated as being "very good" or "good" by 80% of the patients and clinical investigators. The tolerability was very good in both groups; neither serious adverse events nor clinically relevant findings in the safety parameters were observed. A total of 10 adverse events occurred, 5 in the fluid group and 5 in the drops group. Five of these adverse events (2 in the fluid group and 3 in the drops group) were considered to be possibly or probably related to the intake of the study medication. Neither serious nor unknown adverse drug reactions were observed. One drop-out occurred during the study, because of ineffectiveness of the study medication. In the global safety assessment, the tolerability of both medications was rated by about 90% of the patients and by clinical investigators as "good" or "very good". The study demonstrated that the fixed combination of thyme fluid extract and primrose root extract and the combination of thyme fluid extract and primrose root tincture were well tolerated and showed comparable results regarding their efficacy, e.g. decrease of the bronchitis symptoms (primary outcome criterion) and in relief of symptoms (secondary outcome criterion). The results of the study confirm the non-inferiority of the fluid, a combination of thyme fluid extract and primrose root extract when compared to the drops, a combination of thyme fluid extract and primrose root tincture.

Adult↗

Preincubation in peritoneal fluid decreases the follicular fluid-induced acrosomal reactivity of human spermatozoa.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of preincubation in peritoneal fluid on the follicular fluid-induced acrosomal reactivity of human spermatozoa in vitro. Thirty women participating in our IVF-ET program were given a GnRH-analogue, highly purified FSH and hCG in order to induce superovulation. Peritoneal and follicular fluids were aspirated during pick-up laparoscopy, centrifuged, filtered and frozen until use. An aliquot of swim-up suspension from normospermic semen specimens (n = 30) was incubated with peritoneal fluid or HAM-F10 for 30-180 min, and follicular fluid (in volumetric proportion approximately 50/50 with peritoneal fluid) was subsequently added. The percentage of acrosomally-reacted spermatozoa was assessed using the FITC-conjugated Pisum sativum lectin before and after incubation in peritoneal fluid or control medium, as well as after follicular fluid addition. Peritoneal fluid was not able to stimulate acrosomal reactivity; further, preincubation in peritoneal fluid decreased, but not abolished, the follicular fluid-induced acrosomal reactivity. A longer pre-incubation in peritoneal fluid was associated with a lower percentage of reacted spermatozoa in response to the addition of follicular fluid. In conclusion, our data suggest that peritoneal fluid acts maintaining spermatozoa in an unreacted status in the upper female genital tract. After mixing with follicular fluid, a phenomenon that is likely to occur at ovulation, peritoneal fluid reduces, but does not abolish, the stimulating effect of follicular fluid on acrosomal reactivity.

Acrosome↗

Ascitic fluid pH and lactate: insensitive and nonspecific tests in detecting ascitic fluid infection.

Ascitic fluid pH and lactate concentration have been proposed as useful tests for the detection of ascitic fluid infection. However, past studies involved small numbers of infected patients, and all did not use optimal culture techniques. This large study was performed using highly sensitive culture methods and sought (a) to compare the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of pH and lactate to that of the ascitic fluid neutrophil count and (b) to determine whether evaluation of ascitic fluid pH or lactate (or arterial-ascitic fluid pH or lactate gradient) would result in improved decision-making regarding empirical treatment of suspected ascitic fluid infection. Analysis of 206 ascitic fluid specimens obtained in 175 patients, including 101 infected specimens, revealed that ascitic fluid (or arterial-ascitic fluid) pH and lactate were less than 50% sensitive in detecting bacterial peritonitis and that these tests did not improve clinical decision-making about empirical treatment of suspected ascitic fluid infection. Although statistically significant differences in ascitic fluid pH were detected between infected samples and control samples, these differences did not appear to be clinically helpful. The ascitic fluid pH was 0% sensitive in detecting the presence of bacteria in the absence of neutrophils (i.e., no such specimens had a pH lower than 7.35). Ascitic fluid pH correlated well with neutrophil count and appears to be, at least in part, an indirect measure of the presence of neutrophils in ascitic fluid. Measurement of pH or lactate (or arterial-ascitic fluid gradients) is not helpful in the clinical management of infected ascitic fluid.

Ascites↗

Opening cerebrospinal fluid pressure guides the management of cerebrospinal fluid leakage after acoustic neuroma surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of cerebrospinal fluid pressure as a decisional factor for immediate surgical revision in cerebrospinal fluid leakage after acoustic neuroma removal. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Between 1998 and 2001, 220 patients were operated on for acoustic neuroma by different transpetrosal approaches. Among 24 patients (12%) presenting postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage, those with meningitis or with hydrocephalus were excluded. Fifteen patients were included in this study. METHODS: Each patient had initial conservative treatment with serial depletive lumbar punctures and cerebrospinal fluid pressure measurements associated with oral acetazolamide. Surgical revision was decided on in case of persistent cerebrospinal fluid leakage. RESULTS: In eight patients with high cerebrospinal fluid pressure (18+/-1.4 cm H2O; range, 14-28 cm H2O), cerebrospinal fluid leak disappeared in 3 days after conservative treatment. Seven other patients required surgical revision for persistent cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Revision surgery was efficient in six patients with low cerebrospinal fluid pressure (8+/-1.3 cm H2O, range, 3-12 cm H2O). In the remaining patient with high cerebrospinal fluid pressure (18 cm H2O), cerebrospinal fluid leakage continued despite surgical revision, requiring lumboperitoneal shunting. CONCLUSION: The cerebrospinal fluid pressure value may be used as a decisional indicator for cerebrospinal fluid leakage treatment after acoustic neuroma surgery. Low cerebrospinal fluid pressure leakage would imply a revision surgery procedure without delay, whereas high cerebrospinal fluid pressure leakage would imply conservative treatment.

Acetazolamide↗

Correlation between amniotic fluid glucose concentration and amniotic fluid volume in pregnancy complicated by diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: Pregnancies complicated by diabetes are frequently characterized by an increased volume of amniotic fluid, and the pathophysiologic mechanism of this increase is not known. Our goal was to evaluate the relationship between amniotic fluid glucose concentration and the amniotic fluid index in pregnancies complicated by insulin-treated diabetes and to compare it with that seen in normal pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN: Amniotic fluid index and amniotic fluid glucose levels were measured before elective repeated cesarean delivery in 41 women with insulin-treated diabetes and in 35 women without diabetes. Only singleton gestations without anomalous fetuses were included. Women with diabetes were hospitalized for approximately 4 weeks before delivery, during which time glycemic control was optimized. Amniotic fluid index and amniotic fluid glucose concentration were correlated with each other and were compared between the groups with and without diabetes. RESULTS: The mean amniotic fluid index was significantly increased in the diabetes group (16.6 +/- 5.0 cm in the diabetes group vs 13.4 +/- 3.5 cm in the control group; P =.002). The amniotic fluid glucose concentration was also significantly greater in the diabetes group than in the control group (39 +/- 17 mg/dL in the diabetes group vs 24 +/- 11 mg/dL in the control group; P <.001). Among women with diabetes the amniotic fluid glucose concentration was significantly correlated with the amniotic fluid index (r = 0.32; P =.04), a correlation not found among the control women. The mean fasting blood glucose concentration among the women with diabetes for the week before amniocentesis was 82 +/- 11 mg/dL. CONCLUSION: The amniotic fluid index parallels the amniotic fluid glucose level among women with diabetes. This finding raises the possibility that the hydramnios associated with diabetes is a result of increased amniotic fluid glucose concentration.

Adult↗

Penetration of ciprofloxacin into prostatic fluid, ejaculate and seminal fluid in volunteers after an oral dose of 750 mg.

To evaluate an effective dose for the treatment of bacterial prostatitis the concentrations of ciprofloxacin were measured in prostatic fluid, ejaculate and the cell-free seminal fluid of 15 healthy volunteers who received an oral dose of 750 mg. ciprofloxacin while in a fasting state. Venous blood samples were taken in all subjects at 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours. In 6 subjects blood samples were also taken after 8 and 12 hours. Urine was collected in all subjects during 0 to 4 hours and in the 6 subjects also during 4 to 8 hours and 8 to 12 hours. Prostatic fluid could be obtained in 10 subjects by prostatic massage 4 hours after drug intake. So as not to contaminate the urethra with ciprofloxacin the subjects were not allowed to void until 4 hours after drug intake. Iopamidol (3.162 gm.), a renal contrast agent, was administered intravenously concomitantly with oral ciprofloxacin intake. After 8 hours iohexol (3.235 gm.) was administered intravenously. These agents were measured in prostatic fluid, ejaculate and seminal fluid to assess the contamination of those fluids by urine. All drug measurements were done by high pressure liquid chromatography. The median plasma concentrations of ciprofloxacin were 2.1 mg./l. at 1 hour (maximum concentration), 0.9 mg./l. at 4 hours and 0.2 mg./l. at 12 hours. The median concentration in prostatic fluid was 0.23 mg./l. with a fluid-to-plasma concentration ratio of 0.23. The median concentration in the ejaculate (seminal fluid) after 4 hours was 7.4 mg./l. (6.6 mg./l.) and after 12 hours it was 2.0 mg./l. (1.9 mg./l.) with corresponding ejaculate (seminal fluid)-to-plasma concentration ratios of 8.4 (7.7) and 8.0 (6.6), respectively. Thus, ciprofloxacin is concentrated several-fold in ejaculate and seminal fluid but not in prostatic fluid. According to the results the concentrations of ciprofloxacin in prostatic fluid exceed the minimal inhibitory concentration-90% for Enterobacteriaceae but not for Pseudomonas, enterococci and staphylococci, whereas the concentrations in ejaculate and seminal fluid are sufficiently elevated to include the total spectrum of sensitive strains causing bacterial prostatis.

Administration, Oral↗

Musculoskeletal lesions with fluid-fluid level: a pictorial essay.

A fluid-fluid level was identified in 11.2% of focal lesions of bone. Fluid-fluid levels are observed on cross-sectional imaging with either computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. They become apparent when a fluid collection containing substances of different density is allowed to settle, and when the plane of imaging is perpendicular to the fluid level. For instance, within a collection of blood, the cellular components will settle dependently, with the lower density plasma forming a layer superiorly. The difference in the density of these layers can be observed on CT imaging. With MR imaging, these layers will have different signal characteristics, allowing for visualization of the fluid-fluid level. The presence of fluid-fluid levels within a musculoskeletal lesion is an important finding, which can significantly aid in the differential diagnosis. This finding can be observed in a wide variety of lesions: osseous and soft tissue masses, neoplastic or nonneoplastic lesions, malignant or benign neoplasms, and primary or metastatic malignancies. When a fluid-fluid level is detected, in conjunction with clinical history, the differential diagnosis for a lesion can often be limited to a few choices. For this reason, it is important to be aware of the multiple lesions that can produce fluid-fluid levels, as well as their differentiating characteristics and typical presentations. We will review both osseous and soft tissue lesions, focusing on their imaging characteristics and other important findings.

Body Fluids↗

Fluid-fluid levels in injured knees: do they always represent lipohemarthrosis?

PURPOSE: To determine if fluid-fluid levels on horizontal-beam radiographs of posttraumatic knee joints always represent lipohemarthrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The files of 41 patients with tibial plateau fracture were reviewed retrospectively. Twelve with fluid-fluid levels on radiographs who underwent computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging were selected; CT attenuation and MR signal intensity patterns were used to assess fluid-fluid levels. Simulated hemarthrosis and lipohemarthrosis underwent plain radiography, CT, and MR imaging. RESULTS: Eight patients showed no evidence of fat in the supernatant fluid with either CT (n = 7) or CT and MR imaging (n = 1). Fluid levels resulted from blood separating into cellular elements and supernatant serum. Four patients showed evidence of lipohemarthrosis with either CT (n = 3) or MR imaging (n = 1); in one of these patients, a double fluid-fluid level could be demonstrated retrospectively on plain radiographs. CONCLUSION: Single fluid-fluid levels in posttraumatic knee joints do not necessarily represent a lipohemarthrosis. Double fluid-fluid levels are a more specific finding.

Hemarthrosis↗

Acute amniotic fluid loss and changes in the amniotic fluid index. Correlation and effect on umbilical artery velocimetry.

This study was undertaken to determine whether changes in the amniotic fluid index accurately reflected measured amniotic fluid loss after artificial rupture of membranes and whether this acute loss of fluid volume affected umbilical artery resistance as measured by Doppler velocimetry. Twenty-five uncomplicated term pregnancies underwent umbilical artery velocimetry and amniotic fluid index determination in the active phase of labor before and after amniotomy. Amniotic fluid loss was measured by direct collection of fluid during and immediately following rupture of the membranes. The preamniotomy and postamniotomy data were compared using the paired t test, and the relationship between amniotic fluid index change and actual fluid loss was tested by linear regression. The change in the amniotic fluid index after amniotomy was significant (paired t test, P < .0001), and a significant relationship was found by linear regression between the actual amniotic fluid loss and the change in the amniotic fluid index (P < .01, r2 = .28). Despite significant changes in the amniotic fluid index, however, no significant change in the umbilical artery systolic/diastolic ratio could be demonstrated. Our data suggest that amniotomy in the active phase of labor in uncomplicated pregnancies does not affect umbilical artery resistance and that the amniotic fluid index is a limited, semiquantitative method of assessing acute changes in amniotic fluid volume.

Adolescent↗