Hyponatremia, a risk factor for osteoporosis and fractures in women.

SUMMARY: Hyponatremia has been linked to an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures. We found an increased hazard ratio of major osteoporotic fractures adjusted for potential confounders, including osteoporosis and medication. A reduced BMD was not sufficiently explaining the association. Our data indicate that hyponatremia should be considered a risk factor for osteoporosis and fractures. INTRODUCTION: Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder in clinical practice and could be a risk factor for both osteoporosis and fractures. Mild hyponatremia has traditionally been regarded as a benign and asymptomatic condition; however, data from large population and animal studies have led to a reappraisal of this view. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of hyponatremia with osteoporosis and major osteoporotic fractures (MOF) in women. METHODS: This is a historical cohort study with fracture follow-up. The study consisted of 5610 patients with available serum sodium and a bone density measurement. Information on potential risk factor was obtained through a questionnaire. Additional information on medication, comorbidities, and fractures was obtained through national registries. RESULTS: Hyponatremia was associated with significant lower T-scores at total hip and a borderline significant lower T-score at femoral neck in the multivariate analysis. No association was found between hyponatremia and the lumbar spine T-score. Hyponatremia was associated with an increased hazard ratio of sustaining a MOF in the period from 6 months prior to 12 months after serum sodium measurement. Finally, data showed a relationship with increasing serum sodium and an increasing T-score estimate and a decreasing hazard ratio of MOF. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that hyponatremia in women increases the risk of osteoporosis and MOF. The increased risk of MOF was independent of osteoporosis.

Subsequent pregnancy outcome after previous foetal death.

OBJECTIVE: A history of foetal death is a risk factor for complications and foetal death in subsequent pregnancies as most previous risk factors remain present and an underlying cause of death may recur. The purpose of this study was to evaluate subsequent pregnancy outcome after foetal death and to compare cases of recurrent foetal death. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study in a tertiary referral centre. All women with a stillbirth beyond 16 weeks of gestation between January 1999 and December 2004 (n=193) were identified. After providing informed consent, the medical records of 163 women were reviewed until August 2006 in terms of clinical, medical, obstetric and paediatric data of the pregnancy after the index pregnancy that resulted in foetal death. The cause of death for reported cases of foetal death and recurrent foetal death were classified by a multidisciplinary team according to the Tulip classification. RESULTS: Recurrent foetal death occurred in 11 cases, and various causes were identified. The cause of death was explained in seven cases. An association was found between the index foetal death and subsequent foetal death in some cases, especially in early gestation. CONCLUSIONS: This study illustrates the importance of classifying the cause of recurrent foetal death and contributing risk factors using the same classification system. This provides more insight into the pathophysiological pathways leading to foetal death, and enables meaningful comparisons to be made in recurrent foetal death. This is required before preventive strategies can be instituted and implemented to reduce the risk of foetal death.

Fetal loss in women with hereditary thrombophilic defects and concomitance of other thrombophilic defects: a retrospective family study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the absolute risk of fetal loss associated with hereditary deficiencies of antithrombin (AT), protein C (PC) and protein S (PS), and the contribution of additional thrombophilic defects to this risk. DESIGN: A retrospective family cohort study. SETTING: A tertiary referral teaching hospital. POPULATION: Women from families with hereditary deficiencies of AT, PC and PS, and their non-deficient relatives. METHODS: We assessed the absolute risk of fetal loss, comparing deficient women with non-deficient female relatives. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Early, late and total fetal loss rates; odds ratios of fetal loss. RESULTS: We evaluated 289 women, who had 860 pregnancies. The total fetal loss rates were 23% (AT deficient), 26% (PC deficient), 11% (type-I PS deficient) and 15% (type-III PS deficient), compared with 11, 18, 12 and 13% in non-deficient women, respectively. Odds ratios were 2.3 (95% CI 0.9-6.1), 2.1 (95% CI 0.9-4.7), 0.7 (95% CI 0.2-1.8) and 1.1 (95% CI 0.6-2.0), none of which reached statistical significance. Differences were mainly the result of higher late fetal loss rates in women deficient in AT (OR 11.3, 95% CI 3.0-42.0) and PC (OR 4.7, 95% CI 1.3-17.4). The concomitance of factor-V Leiden and prothrombin G20210A was observed in 19% of women, and did not increase the risk of fetal loss. CONCLUSIONS: Although absolute risks of fetal loss were high, odds ratios of total fetal loss were not statistically significant in deficient versus non-deficient women. However the higher absolute risks appeared to reflect higher late fetal loss rates as opposed to early fetal loss rates. An additional effect of concomitance of factor-V Leiden and prothrombin G20210A was not demonstrated, which may result from the exclusion of women at highest risk of venous thromboembolism, or from the small numbers sampled in the study.

A placental cause of intra-uterine fetal death depends on the perinatal mortality classification system used.

Different classification systems for the cause of intra-uterine fetal death (IUFD) are used internationally. About two thirds of these deaths are reported as unexplained and placental causes are often not addressed. Differences between systems could have consequences for the validity of vital statistics, for targeting preventive strategies and for counselling parents on recurrence risks. Our objective was to compare use of the Tulip classification with other currently used classification systems for causes of IUFD. We selected the extended Wigglesworth classification, modified Aberdeen and the classifications by Hey, Hovatta, de Galan-Roosen and Morrison. We also selected the ReCoDe system for relevant conditions, comparable to contributing factors in the Tulip classification. Panel classification for 485 IUFD cases in the different systems was performed by assessors after individual investigation of structured patient information. Distribution of cases into cause of death groups for the different systems varied, most of all for the placental and unknown groups. Systems with a high percentage of cases with an unknown cause of death and death groups consisting of clinical manifestations only are not discriminatory. Our largest cause of death group was placental pathology and classification systems without placental cause of death groups or minimal subdivision of this group are not useful in modern perinatal audit as loss of information occurs. The most frequent contributing factor was growth restriction. This illustrates the vital role of the placenta in determination of optimal fetal development. In the Tulip classification, mother, fetus and placenta are addressed together. The system has a clear defined subclassification of the placenta group, a low percentage of unknown causes and is easily applied by a multidisciplinary team. A useful classification aids future research into placental causes of IUFD.

The Tulip classification of perinatal mortality: introduction and multidisciplinary inter-rater agreement.

OBJECTIVE: To introduce the pathophysiological Tulip classification system for underlying cause and mechanism of perinatal mortality based on clinical and pathological findings for the purpose of counselling and prevention. DESIGN: Descriptive. SETTING: Tertiary referral teaching hospital. POPULATION: Perinatally related deaths. METHODS: A classification consisting of groups of cause and mechanism of death was drawn up by a panel through the causal analysis of the events related to death. Individual classification of cause and mechanism was performed by assessors. Panel discussions were held for cases without consensus. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Inter-rater agreement for cause and mechanism of death. RESULTS: The classification consists of six main causes with subclassifications: (1) congenital anomaly (chromosomal, syndrome and single- or multiple-organ system), (2) placenta (placental bed, placental pathology, umbilical cord complication and not otherwise specified [NOS]), (3) prematurity (preterm prelabour rupture of membranes, preterm labour, cervical dysfunction, iatrogenous and NOS), (4) infection (transplacental, ascending, neonatal and NOS), (5) other (fetal hydrops of unknown origin, maternal disease, trauma and out of the ordinary) and (6) unknown. Overall kappa coefficient for agreement for cause was 0.81 (95% CI 0.80-0.83). Six mechanisms were drawn up: cardio/circulatory insufficiency, multi-organ failure, respiratory insufficiency, cerebral insufficiency, placental insufficiency and unknown. Overall kappa for mechanism was 0.72 (95% CI 0.70-0.74). CONCLUSIONS: Classifying perinatal mortality to compare performance over time and between centres is useful and necessary. Interpretation of classifications demands consistency. The Tulip classification allows unambiguous classification of underlying cause and mechanism of perinatal mortality, gives a good inter-rater agreement, with a low percentage of unknown causes, and is easily applicable in a team of clinicians when guidelines are followed.

[Two pregnant immigrant women with tuberculous peritonitis]. / Twee zwangere buitenlandse vrouwen met peritonitis tuberculosa.

Two primigravid immigrant women aged 20 and 24 years were diagnosed with tuberculous peritonitis. The cases showed a significant delay in diagnosis. This was probably the cause for the premature birth and death of one foetus. The other child was diagnosed with congenital tuberculosis several months after birth and was successfully treated. The women were treated with the usual combination ofisoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol and pyrazinamide. The unfamiliarity with this clinical picture is a problem in countries with a low incidence of tuberculosis. In both cases the final diagnosis was made by the characteristic image seen during laparoscopy. An early diagnosis and also an early start with tuberculostatic drugs are important for a favourable outcome of pregnancy. Pregnancy and breast-feeding are no contraindications for treatment with tuberculostatic drugs.

Vaginal delivery after lung transplantation.

Lung transplantation is accepted as an effective treatment for patients with end-stage pulmonary disease. With gaining experience worldwide and more favorable outcomes after lung transplantation, increasing numbers of pregnancies among lung transplant recipients are expected to occur. Most of the knowledge on the outcome of pregnancies in women with organ allografts is obtained from kidney recipients. However, in the literature few reports exist to support and guide obstetric management regarding outcome of pregnancy and mode of delivery after a preceding lung transplantation (1-4). To our knowledge, we describe the first case of successful spontaneous vaginal delivery near term after a single lung transplantation.

[Genetic carrier screening for hemoglobinopathies: the situation in the Netherlands compared with England]. / Dragerschapsonderzoek naar hemoglobinopathieën: de Nederlandse situatie vergeleken met de Engelse.

In the Netherlands, in contrast to England, no screening for carriership of haemoglobinopathy (sickle-cell anaemia and thalassaemia) is being carried out. The absolute prevalence is low, but the prevalence in proportion to birth figures is approximately the same in the two countries. The lack of knowledge of the professional groups involved can be rectified by adequate instruction. The question whether screening should be carried out before pregnancy or early prenatally proved not difficult to solve in England. Screening for carriership is technically possible and in England it is also cost-effective. This screening should be performed in the Netherlands, as well.

Stepwise compared with rapid application of vacuum in ventouse extraction procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To compare a one-step (rapid) application of negative pressure (vacuum) with conventional stepwise application for ventouse extraction following a prolonged second stage of labour. DESIGN: Randomised controlled study. SETTING: Teaching Hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-seven women were randomised to the rapid vacuum group and 47 to the stepwise group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Duration of ventouse procedure, effectiveness of methods of application, morbidity of mother and infant. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in frequency of detachment of the cup after rapid or stepwise application of vacuum. A reduction in mean duration of the ventouse procedure of 6 min was realised without significant difference in maternal or neonatal morbidity. CONCLUSION: Rapid application of vacuum significantly reduces the duration of a ventouse extraction procedure without compromise to efficiency and safety.

Pain relief during and following outpatient curettage and hysterosalpingography: a double blind study to compare the efficacy and safety of tramadol versus naproxen. Cobra Research Group.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the analgetic efficacy and side-effects of Naproxen and Tramadol following the outpatient VABRA aspiration or hysterosalpingography. SETTING: Ninety-one patients from the gynaecology clinics of two university hospitals and one municipal-teaching hospital. DESIGN: Multicentre double blind randomized clinical trial. Computerised randomisation, stratification per-centre. METHODS: Semiquantitative assessment of the two drugs was performed by the patient and the gynaecologist using a 1- to 6-point scale. Pain, stress and well-being was scored by the patient using the visual analog scale (VAS) and the verbal description scale (VDS), ranging from 0 (good) to 100 (bad). Side-effects during the first 24 h postoperatively were recorded by the patient in a diary. RESULTS: The analgetic efficacy (pain, stress and well-being) of Naproxen and Tramadol was identical. Subjective assessment by the patient and the doctor also revealed no differences between Naproxen and Tramadol. Side-effects of Tramadol, however, were significantly more severe than those of Naproxen and this phenomenon was responsible for a lower ability to proceed with normal activities in the Tramadol group. CONCLUSION: Tramadol is a good alternative for Naproxen at outpatient VABRA or HSG procedures when Naproxen is contra-indicated.

Controlled comparison of induction versus expectant care for prelabor rupture of the membranes at term.

This randomized clinical trial compared oxytocin induction of labor with expectant care for 48 hours after prelabor rupture of the membranes at term. Women at term with prelabor rupture of the membranes for at least 8 hours were assigned at random to induction with oxytocin or to expectant management for 48 hours followed by induction if necessary. Of 168 eligible women, 123 (73%) agreed to participate. More women in the induction group (23%) than in the expectant group (10%) had operative delivery, either cesarean section or instrumental vaginal delivery. In the induction group 41% received analgesia versus 24% in the expectant group (p < 0.005). There was no difference in the rate of maternal and neonatal infection between groups and sepsis was not observed. The active policy of oxytocin induction exposed the mother to a higher risk of operative delivery and a less comfortable labor than the 48 hours expectant care option.

A prospective randomized study comparing amoxycillin/clavulanate with cefuroxime plus metronidazole for perioperative prophylaxis in gynaecological surgery.

A prospective, randomized, open study was performed in 199 patients at the Leyenburg Hospital comparing amoxycillin/clavulanate (AMX/CL) with cefuroxime plus metronidazole (CR/MN) in the prophylaxis of infection following gynaecological surgery. AMX/CL was given as a single dose of 2200 mg i.v. at the start of the operation. CR/MN, 750/500 mg i.v. was administered 3 times within 24 h, beginning at the start of the operation. The study group consisted of patients undergoing either a vaginal hysterectomy, a vaginal hysterectomy with cysto/rectocele repair or a secondary caesarean section. There were no statistically significant differences in demographic characteristics, duration of surgery or anaesthetic method between the two groups. Postoperatively, 10.6% of patients developed a urinary tract infection, and febrile temperatures were found in 9.0% of patients. There were no statistically significant differences between the two treatment groups. Other complications were found in less than 1% of the study population, equally distributed between the two regimens. In this study there was a low overall percentage of infection after gynaecological surgery. AMX/CL was as effective as CR/MN as a perioperative prophylactic treatment and has the dual advantage of a single dose and lower cost.

A randomized clinical trial comparing two methods of fascia closure following midline laparotomy.

Three hundred forty women undergoing midline laparotomy were randomized into an interrupted suture (polyglactin 910, size 1) or a continuous suture (polyglyconate, size 0) closure group. The two groups were well balanced with respect to various risk factors for postoperative wound complications. Early evaluation revealed no differences between the continuous and interrupted suture groups with respect to wound infection (3% vs 1%), superficial wound dehiscence (2% vs 4%), and deep wound dehiscence (0.6% vs 0%). Late evaluation showed no differences between the two groups either. Continuous polyglyconate and interrupted polyglactin 910 sutures had a similar incidence of suture fistula (0% vs 2%), wound pain (1% vs 2%), and incisional hernia (3% vs 4%). Continuous closure was done faster and resulted in less foreign-body suture material. Despite its smaller diameter, the polyglyconate suture also retains a higher tensile strength after surgery than does the quicker-degrading polyglactin 910 suture. Results of this study lead to the conclusion that a running polyglyconate suture is the better choice for closure of the abdominal-wall fascia following midline laparotomy.

[Blood pressure elevation among industrial workers exposed to stress]. / Blodtrykksstigning hos stresseksponerte industriarbeidere.

A standardized, annual medical examination of a group of heat workers exposed to, and another group not exposed to heat in a Norwegian ferro-alloy plant over a period of six years showed no statistically significant difference in blood pressure between the two groups. However, following three years of stable blood pressure and heart rates, both parameters increased markedly in both groups. The occurrence of this sudden increase in blood pressure coincided with the plant being threatened with the possibility of closure due to inability to operate at a profit. This threat persisted for more than two years, but even afterwards, when it was quite clear that jobs at the plant were no longer threatened, the blood pressure remained markedly elevated. These findings emphasize the importance of being aware of the possible relationship between prolonged mental stress and hypertension.

[Acute fatty degeneration of the liver in pregnancy]. / Acute leververvetting in de zwangerschap.

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy is considered an uncommon disorder that may complicate the third trimester of pregnancy, with high fetal and maternal mortality rates. However, in recent years it has become clear that the course of the disorder can be less fulminant than previously believed. The diagnosis is also made more frequently. The case histories of three patients are described followed by a review of the clinical and diagnostic features. It is concluded that with all women showing symptoms of malaise, nausea, vomiting and upper abdominal pain in the third trimester of pregnancy liver enzymes should be measured. If evidence of liver dysfunction is found, acute fatty liver of pregnancy should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Only early recognition and prompt treatment will improve both fetal and maternal survival.

Conservative management of an ovarian cyst in late pregnancy.

We report a case of concomitant ovarian tumor and pregnancy. Sonographic examination indicated that the tumor was benign and obstructed the birth canal. After conservative treatment (puncture of the cyst), a normal vaginal delivery was possible. Two days after delivery, salpingo-oophorectomy was performed because of torsion of the cyst. Pathological examination confirmed the benign nature of the cyst.

Case of lethal multiple pterygium syndrome with special reference to the origin of pterygia.

A case of lethal multiple pterygium syndrome is presented. Besides the anomalies usually associated with this syndrome, cardiac hypertrophy and connective tissue abnormalities were observed. On the basis of these observations, we suggest that an abnormally fragile collagen constitution is the principal disorder in the lethal multiple pterygium syndrome, which is responsible for the pathogenesis of fetal immobility, pterygia, and many of the associated anomalies.