Teratological risk evaluation and prevention of voluntary abortion.

AIM: Many women exposed to completely innocuous agents during pregnancy have a high perception of adverse effects to such an extent that they may interrupt their pregnancy. The objective of our study is to evaluate the importance of the perception of the risk level in making the decision to end the pregnancy and the relevance that a teratology consultation can have in preventing unmotivated terminations of pregnancy METHODS: We carried out a survey on 350 women in Rome who voluntarily interrupted their pregnancy to evaluate the prevalence due to presumed teratogen. Contemporarily we studied the pregnancy outcomes, the clinical, the psychological and the socio-economic factors of 142 women who contacted our Teratology Information Service (TIS) in the 1(st)trimester of pregnancy because suspected of teratogen exposure: 72 decided to terminate their pregnancy, whereas 70 were used as a control group. RESULTS: On 350 women who voluntarily interrupted their pregnancy, 4 cases (1.4%) reported exposure to a suspected teratogen, but our evaluation determined only 1 case. On 72 women decided to terminate their pregnancy and who contacted our TIS, after counselling 73% continued their pregnancy with respect to 97% of the control group. Those women who interrupted their pregnancy did so because of personal reasons independently to or the type of exposure or the risk attributed by us. CONCLUSIONS: From our data it appears that a percentage of voluntary abortions is related to suspected teratogen exposure and that TIS are effective in the prevention of this kind of voluntary abortions caused by groundless fears.

Drug-induced congenital defects: strategies to reduce the incidence.

Approximately 1% of congenital anomalies relate to pharmacological exposure and are. in theory, preventable. Prevention consists of controlled administration of drugs known to have teratogenic properties (e.g. retinoids, thalidomide). When possible, prevention could take the form of the use of alternative pharmacological therapies during the pre-conception period for certain specific pathologies, selecting the most appropriate agent for use during pregnancy [e.g. haloperidol or a tricyclic antidepressant instead of lithium; anticonvulsant drug monotherapy in place of multitherapy; propylthiouracil instead of thiamazole (methimazole)], and substitution with the most suitable therapy during pregnancy (e.g. insulin in place of oral antidiabetics; heparin in place of oral anticoagulants; alpha-methyldopa instead of ACE inhibitors). Another strategy is the administration of drugs during pregnancy taking into account the pharmacological effects in relation to the gestation period (e.g. avoidance of chemotherapy during the first trimester, avoidance of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the third trimester, and avoidance of high doses of benzodiazepines in the period imminent to prepartum).

Attention, unpredictability, and reports of physical symptoms: eliminating the benefits of predictability.

Sometimes unpredictable aversive events have more adverse consequences than predictable aversive events and sometimes not. Three experiments were conducted to test an attentional explanation of the inconsistent effects of unpredictability. This explanation suggests that unpredictable events exert a deleterious influence because more attention is typically directed to them. If there were no difference in the amount of attention directed to unpredictable and predictable events, however, there should be no difference in their effects. The validity of these notions was assessed by applying them to one previously established finding from the unpredictability literature--the finding that exposure to unpredictable noise leads to reports of more severe physical symptoms than does exposure to predictable noise. In Experiment 1, subjects performed a reaction time task while they listened to loud bursts of either predictable or unpredictable noise. As expected, reaction times were slower when the noise was unpredictable than when it was not. This finding suggests that more attention had been directed to the unpredictable than the predictable noise. In Experiments 2 and 3, subjects were exposed to either predictable or unpredictable noise and were either instructed to attend to the noise or given no special instructions. In both cases, subjects not instructed to attend to the noise reported more severe symptoms when the noise was unpredictable than when it was not, thus replicating the previous finding. Of greater interest, however, was the fact that equating the amount of attention directed to the unpredictable and predictable noise (by asking subjects to attend to the noise) eliminated the apparent benefits of predictability. The discussion of the findings centers on their theoretical and practical significance.

The use of prostaglandin E2 for cervical ripening in patients requiring induction of labour.

A total of 290 women who required induction of labour for medical or obstetric reasons were given single or multiple doses of prostaglandin E2 gel (0.5 mg) to induce cervical ripening. Onset of labour occurred in 185 (63.8%) of the women treated with the gel, without any further treatment. The overall Caesarean section rate was 27.2% (79/290) and was significantly higher among those with an initially low Bishop score than in those with a higher initial score (34.7% versus 22.1%; P = 0.025). Prostaglandin E2 gel appears to be of considerable clinical benefit, especially where no other options are available except Caesarean section or a very long, difficult labour that may result in significant fetal distress.

[Continuous subcutaneous administration of terbutaline in the therapy of threatening premature labour]. / Uso della somministrazione continua sottocutanea di terbutalina nella terapia della minaccia di parto pretermine.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tocolytic efficacy of terbutaline, administered subcutaneously in a low-dose continuous infusion, and intermittent high-dose boluses. The population study consisted of 13 women admitted with the diagnosis of Threatened Preterm Labour. Before starting chronic infusion by terbutaline, patients received 48 hour of therapy with intravenous MgSO4 for acute tocolysis. Therapy with microinfusor was continued until the 37th week of gestation or until labor. The mean gestational age at the beginning of therapy was 25.6 +/- 3.5 and pregnancies were prolonged an average of 65.5 +/- 29 days. In any case uterine activity was diminished by terbutaline therapy in all patients. Patient tolerance was excellent and there were no significant complications due to the therapy.

Term and postterm low-risk pregnancies: management schemes for the reduction of high rates of cesarean section.

BACKGROUND: We compare trends and current levels of cesarean section delivery by indication in some industrialized countries to help us understand factors underlying national differences in obstetric delivery practice and identify pathways to lower cesarean rates. STUDY DESIGN: In this report we describe the schemes employed at our Department for the management of low-risk at term and postterm pregnancies and list the most important motivations for increased cesarean section rate and remedies suggested to reduce high cesarean section rate. Moreover a randomized trial to assess the role of labor induction with PGE2 gel vs i.v. Oxytocin+Amniotomy in the management of prolonged pregnancy is being evaluated presently at our center. METHODS: To date, 75 postterm pregnancies have been followed. Patients are enrolled at > or = 287 days (41 weeks). Intracervical PGE2 gel (0.5 mg) is used for cervical ripening. Induction of labor is randomly performed using intravaginal PGE2 gel (2 mg) or i.v. Oxytocin+Amniotomy. RESULTS: Overall rates of 75% for spontaneous delivery, and 25% for cesarean section have been observed in our study group of prolonged pregnancies. CONCLUSIONS: The accurate labelling of low- and high-risk pregnancy and the appropriate management of term and postterm pregnancy are two important steps for the reduction of a high rate of cesarean section.

Intravenous maintenance with a saline lock intermittent infusion device in the prehospital environment.

INTRODUCTION: A study was done with EMS personnel to determine the ease of use and acceptance of a saline lock (SL), intermittent infusion device in place of traditional intravenous tubing and fluid bags for prehospital intravenous (IV) maintenance. STUDY HYPOTHESES: Saline lock, intermittent infusion device use in specific clinical scenarios is easier, less expensive, and as effective as traditional IV tubing and fluid bags. The emergency medical technician-paramedic (EMT-P) would accept the implementation of saline locks in the emergency medical services (EMS) system. METHODS: This was a prospective, non-blinded study with the EMS providers under the medical command of a suburban community hospital's emergency department. Patients were included if prophylactic IV access or medication administration was required by clinical protocols. Excluded from the study were those patients requiring IV access for fluid infusion, constant drug infusion, cardiac arrests, or transport to another hospital's emergency department (ED). Intravenous access was achieved with the usual catheter over needle cannulation techniques. The device (Interlink Injection Site SL) was attached to the hub of the IV cannula and flushed with 2 cc of 0.9% saline from prefilled carpujects. RESULTS: There were completed questionnaires for 79 successful SL initiated in 98 attempts of IV access on 80 patients over a four-month period. When compared to traditional IV fluid bags, SL were judged by the paramedics to be less time-consuming to initiate and maintain (55 of 79 or 70%), easier to use (51 of 79 or 65%) and facilitated patient transportation (73 of 79 or 92%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Gadolinium periconceptional exposure: pregnancy and neonatal outcome.

BACKGROUND: Gadolinium derivatives are ionic paramagnetic contrast agents used to enhance magnetic resonance images, labeled as a pregnancy category C by the Food and Drug Administration because of a lack of epidemiological studies concerning first-trimester exposure. METHODS: Prospective cohort study to determine whether gadolinium derivatives exposure in periconceptional period is a risk factor for pregnancy or fetal development. RESULTS: We report the outcome of 26 pregnant women exposed to gadolinium derivatives in the first trimester without adverse effect on pregnancy and neonatal outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Currently, this study represents the only prospective investigation of gadolinium derivatives in pregnancy, but more data are necessary to exclude a teratogenic risk.

Penetrating neck trauma: consensus and controversies.

Proper emergency evaluation and treatment of the victim of penetrating neck trauma requires a thorough knowledge of cervical anatomy and of the injuries that are likely to occur. Nonoperative studies supplement the physical examination in the evaluation of these patients, and may either assist in the operative approach or allow for safe observation of the patient. The debate concerning exploration and observation of penetrating neck wounds continues.

Poor pregnancy outcome and anticardiolipin antibodies.

The present study reports for the first time on the presence of anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) in a population of 259 women with a history of recurrent abortion, intrauterine death, and/or neonatal death associated with fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia and abruptio placentae. The overall incidence of aCL in this study group was 20.5%, a statistically significant increase in comparison with a control group. The highest positive rate was observed among women who presented both recurrent abortion and intrauterine death (33.3%), the lowest was observed among women with a history of neonatal death. Our findings confirm that aCL are strongly linked with fetal loss. Thus, before planning a subsequent pregnancy, the presence of aCL should be tested in all women with poor pregnancy outcome.

Birth weight in pre-eclamptic and normotensive twin pregnancies: an analysis of discordance and growth restriction.

The aim of this study was to verify whether twin pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia were associated with a higher rate of inter-twin weight discordance or an increased prevalence of small for gestational age (SGA) neonates than in normotensive twin pregnancies. A 17 year retrospective study was undertaken by examining 76 twin pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia and comparing them with 400 normotensive twin pregnancies. The case notes were reviewed in reference to birth weight differences, birth order, pregnancy outcome and inter-twin birth weight discordance. Statistical analyses were performed with t-test, contingency tables, regression curves, rank sum test and non-parametric survival plots. Power analysis was also carried out. Pre-eclamptic twin pregnancies were delivered at similar weeks of gestation to normotensive. They resulted in a smaller size for the second twin the earlier the delivery week, while in normotensive twin pregnancies no significant difference occurred at any week. Twin pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia showed higher rates of SGA neonates among second twins than those with normal pressure. The >25% discordance was associated with lower gestational age at delivery in each group [mean (range) 33 weeks (27-38) versus 37 (29-41), P < 0.005 pre-eclampsia and 35 weeks (25-41) versus 38 (25-42), P < 0.001 normotensive]. In pre-eclampsia the concomitant occurrence of SGA second twin and the discordance >25% was associated with shorter gestation while the presence of SGA second twin alone was not.

Emergency phenytoin loading by constant intravenous infusion.

We evaluated the efficacy of constant intravenous (IV) phenytoin infusion. Thirty-eight patients were evaluated prospectively for complications of continuous-infusion phenytoin loading. A total dose of 18 mg/kg was administered as a solution of 500 mg phenytoin in 50 mL normal saline using a constant infusion pump. The initial delivery rate was 40 mg/min. Cardiac rhythm was monitored by telemetry, and rhythm strips and vital signs were obtained every 15 minutes during infusion. Therapeutic phenytoin blood levels (greater than 10 micrograms/mL) were achieved in 37 patients (97%). Infusion was discontinued in one patient because of IV site irritation shortly after initiation of the infusion. Phenytoin levels in the toxic range were seen immediately postinfusion in 22 patients and in the four-hour postinfusion samples of 16 patients. Thirteen of 18 levels drawn 12 to 24 hours after infusion were therapeutic. Phenytoin levels greater than 20 micrograms/mL were tolerated without significant change in rhythm, QRS interval, or QT interval. A small statistically significant (P less than .05) decrease in systolic and mean arterial pressure was noted during the infusion. Complications included burning at the IV infusion site in four patients; the discomfort was relieved in three cases by reducing the rate of infusion to 20 mg/min. Seizures occurred in two patients during the infusion, requiring the additional use of diazepam or phenobarbital. Administration of a loading phenytoin dose by constant IV infusion is an effective means for achieving therapeutic levels quickly.

Predictive value of uterine artery velocimetry at midgestation in low- and high-risk populations: a new perspective.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the value of uterine artery Doppler velocimetry performed at 18-20 and 22-24 weeks of gestation in predicting preeclampsia and adverse pregnancy outcome in low- and high-risk patients. METHODS: 865 pregnant women were evaluated: 335 and 530 pregnant women represented the high- and low-risk groups, respectively. Doppler ultrasound examination of the uterine arteries was performed at 18-20 weeks of gestation in 385 patients and at 22-24 weeks of gestation in 659 patients. Pregnancy outcome was evaluated in terms of: onset of preeclampsia; birth weight <2,500 g; birth weight <1,750 g; delivery before 36 weeks, and delivery before 32 weeks. RESULTS: At 18-20 weeks of gestation the sensitivity for the prediction of preeclampsia was 100 and 94% in low- and high-risk groups, respectively. Excellent negative predictive values towards birth weight <1,750 g (97% in low-risk and 93% in high-risk groups) and delivery prior to 32 weeks of gestation (99% in low-risk and 95% in high-risk groups) were obtained. At 22-24 weeks of gestation the sensitivity for the prediction of preeclampsia was 100 and 97% in low- and high-risk groups, respectively. Negative predictive values towards birth weight <1,750 g were 97% in low-risk and 94% in high-risk groups, whereas towards delivery prior to 32 weeks of gestation they were 98% in low-risk and 94% in high-risk groups. CONCLUSION: Doppler evaluation of the uterine artery at 18-20 and 22-24 weeks of gestation represents a useful predictive test in high-risk pregnancy and can also be used in prenatal surveillance of a low-risk population.

Therapeutic amnioinfusions and fetal fibronectin pattern in a case with preterm ruptured membranes that resealed.

OBJECTIVE: Determination of fetal fibronectin (fFN) levels in a patient at risk of preterm delivery and having premature rupture of the membranes. PATIENT AND METHODS: The present case report concerns a pregnant woman with premature rupture of the membranes at 16 weeks of gestation who was submitted to repeated therapeutic transabdominal amnioinfusions and had a spontaneous resolution of the rupture at 32 weeks of gestation. RESULTS: A good pregnancy outcome was observed. High cervicovaginal fFN levels were observed during the period of membrane rupture with following drop of fFN levels during this period and spontaneous reseal of the membranes. CONCLUSIONS: Active expectant management, using repeated amnioinfusions, probably played a useful role in the therapeutic success of this pregnancy. Further, fFN was a reliable marker of the rupture of membranes. The possible role of fFN in the clinical management of high-risk pregnancies is confirmed.