Hexoprenaline Compared with Atosiban as Tocolytic Treatment for Preterm Labor.

Introduction Preterm birth is defined as a live birth before 37 weeks of gestation and is associated with increased neonatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of hexoprenaline and atosiban for short- and long-term tocolysis and their effects on neonatal and maternal outcomes. Methods This retrospective cohort study included women with threatened preterm labor between 24 + 0 and 34 + 0 weeks of gestation without premature rupture of membranes. The tocolytic efficacy of hexoprenaline and atosiban was compared in women receiving one of the two medications for short- and long-term tocolysis. Continuous variables were compared using t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, as appropriate. Comparison of categorical variables between the two groups was done with χ 2 test after Pearson's and Fisher's exact test. Results 761 women were enrolled in this study; 387 women received atosiban and 374 women received hexoprenaline as their primary tocolytic agent. Atosiban showed a higher efficacy as a primary tocolytic agent (p = 0.000) within 48 hours. As regards long-term tocolysis, there were no differences between the treatment groups (p = 0.466). Maternal side effects such as tachycardia (p = 0.018) or palpitations (p = 0.000) occurred more frequently after the administration of hexoprenaline, while there were no differences between the two drugs administered with regard to any other maternal or neonatal outcome parameter. Conclusion Our retrospective study shows a significantly higher efficacy of atosiban in the first 48 hours, especially when administered at an early gestational age. There were no significant differences in terms of neonatal outcome but significantly more maternal adverse effects during the administration of hexoprenaline.

Diversity and complexity of the cavotricuspid isthmus in rabbits: A novel scheme for classification and geometrical transformation of anatomical structures.

The aim of this study was to describe the morphology of the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) in detail and introduce a comprehensive scheme to describe the topology of this region based on functional considerations. This may lead to a better understanding of isthmus-dependent flutter and fibrillation and to improved intervention strategies. We used images of the cavotricuspid isthmus from 52 rabbits of both sexes with a median weight of 3.40 ± 0.93 kg. The area of the CTI was 124.25 ± 42.14 mm2 with 53.28 ± 21.13 mm2 covered by pectinate muscles connecting the terminal crest and the vestibule. Isthmus length decreased from inferolateral (13.09 ±2.14 mm) to central (9.85 ± 2.14 mm) to paraseptal (4.88 ± 1.96 mm) resembling the overall human geometry. Ramification sites of pectinate muscles were identified and six levels dividing the CTI from posterior to anterior were introduced. This allowed the classification of pectinate muscle segments based on the connected ramification level. To account for the high inter-individual variations in size and shape, the CTI was projected onto a normalized reference frame using bilinear transformation. Furthermore, two measures of complexity were introduced: (i) the ramification index, which reflects the total number of muscle segments connected to a ramification site and (ii) the complexity index, which reflects the type of ramification (branching or merging site). Topological analysis showed that the complexity of the pectinate muscle network decreases from inferolateral to paraseptal and that the number of electrically uncoupled parallel pathways increases in the central section between the terminal crest and the vestibule which introduces potential reentry pathways.

Do different treatment strategies influence women's level of psychosexual distress? Observational cohort study of women with premalignant HPV-associated genital lesions.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of different treatment strategies - surgical treatment or watchful waiting- on sexual activity, psychosocial distress, and fear of progression in women with Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-associated premalignant genital lesions. STUDY DESIGN: Observational cohort study of women diagnosed with HPV-associated premalignant lesions of the cervix, vagina or vulva. Patients were stratified into two groups depending on the severity of their premalignancy: surgical treatment or watchful waiting. Validated patient administered questionnaires, i.e. Fear of Progression questionnaire (FoP-Q), Cervical Dysplasia Distress Questionnaire (CDDQ), and Sexual Activity Questionnaire (SAQ) were completed after clinical evaluation (baseline), at 6- and 12-months follow-ups. RESULTS: 209 women treated with surgery (N = 125) were compared with women who were monitored in regular intervals (N = 82). During an observational period of 12 months there were no significant differences in fear of progression, psychosocial distress, and sexual activity (p > 0.05). The level of concerns and anxiety about the future, and fear of progression were present, mostly at baseline. While there was a small increase of tension from visit to visit in both groups, patients generally were able to cope with their clinical situation quite well. CONCLUSIONS: Fear of progression, psychosocial distress and sexual activity in women with precancerous HPV- associated premalignant genital lesions seem to be independent from type of treatment. Both treatment strategies may be applied without major psychological sequelae, as long as adequate information is provided.

Comparison of Primary Tumor Size in Stage I and III Epithelial Ovarian Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Two studies have found primary ovarian carcinomas in stage I disease to be larger than those in stage III. Thus, these stages may represent different tumor entities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical data from 553 patients operated on between 1985 and 2012 for epithelial ovarian cancer were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Primary lesions including invasive, borderline and benign components were significantly larger in stage I compared to stage III disease (p<0.001). However, the maximum diameter of invasive components in those with stage III disease were significantly larger than in those with stage I disease (p=0.001). The size of the invasive component was not associated with the largest size of intraperitoneal metastasis. CONCLUSION: We were only, in part, able to reproduce the data from the two smaller published studies. The prognosis of patients with stage III disease strongly depends on the size of intraperitoneal metastases.

Histological parameters and alcohol abstinence determine long-term prognosis in patients with alcoholic liver disease.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Few data exist on predictors of long-term prognosis in patients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Most studies have only assessed short-term prognosis in patients with advanced ALD. We aimed to assess the prognostic impact of clinical, biochemical and histological parameters on long-term prognosis in patients with early/compensated and decompensated ALD. METHODS: Consecutive patients (n=192) with biopsy-proven liver disease due to alcohol abuse were analyzed retrospectively. Prognostic factors were evaluated in patients with early/compensated ALD (n=60) and in patients with decompensated ALD (clinical decompensation and/or bilirubin >3mg/dl at entry) (n=132). Factors that predict long-term survival were identified using Cox regression models. RESULTS: Liver-related mortality at 5years was 13% in early/compensated and 43% in decompensated ALD. In early/compensated ALD patients, long-term prognosis was determined by fibrosis stage, but not by clinical or biochemical variables. Severe fibrosis (F3/4) was present in 52% and had a major impact on 10-year mortality (F3/4: 45% vs. F0-2: 0%, p<0.001). In contrast, in decompensated patients, a combination of clinical features (sex), biochemical markers of liver failure (bilirubin, international normalized ratio [INR]), and histological features (pericellular fibrosis) predicted long-term survival. During follow-up, abstinence from alcohol was an important predictor of survival in both early/compensated and decompensated ALD. CONCLUSION: Fibrosis stage is the main predictor of long-term survival in patients with early/compensated ALD, while clinical, biochemical and histological parameters predict survival in patients with decompensated disease. Promoting abstinence may improve survival in patients with both early and advanced ALD. LAY SUMMARY: In this study, we evaluated long-term outcome in 192 patients with alcoholic liver disease who underwent liver biopsy: 60 patients with early disease (no symptoms) and 132 patients with advanced disease (jaundice, complications of cirrhosis). Importantly, half of the patients with 'early' disease already had severe fibrosis or cirrhosis on liver histology and dismal outcome (45% mortality at 10years). Abstinence from alcohol improved the prognosis in both early and advanced stages of the disease.

Characterization of the early local immune response to Ixodes ricinus tick bites in human skin.

Little is known about the immunomodulation by tick saliva during a natural tick bite in human skin, the site of the tick-host interaction. We examined the expression of chemokines, cytokines and leucocyte markers on the mRNA levels and histopathologic changes in human skin biopsies of tick bites (n=37) compared to unaffected skin (n=9). Early tick-bite skin lesions (<24 hours of tick attachment) were characterized by a predominance of macrophages and dendritic cells, elevated mRNA levels of macrophage chemoattractants (CCL2, CCL3, CCL4) and neutrophil chemoattractants (CXCL1, CXCL8), of the pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL-1ß, and the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-5. In contrast, the numbers of lymphocytes and mRNA levels of lymphocyte cell markers (CD4, CD8, CD19), lymphocyte chemoattractants (CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, CXCL13, CCL1, CCL22), dendritic cell chemoattractants (CCL20), and other pro- (IL-6, IL-12p40, IFN-γ, TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, TGF-ß) did not differ from normal skin. With longer tick attachment (>24 hours), the numbers of innate immune cells and mediators (not significantly) declined, whereas the numbers of lymphocytes (not significantly) increased. Natural tick bites by Ixodes ricinus ticks initially elicit a strong local innate immune response in human skin. Beyond 24 hours of tick attachment, this response usually becomes less, perhaps because of immunomodulation by tick saliva.

Arterial blood gases during and their dynamic changes after cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A prospective clinical study.

PURPOSE: An arterial blood gas analysis (ABG) yields important diagnostic information in the management of cardiac arrest. This study evaluated ABG samples obtained during out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation (OHCPR) in the setting of a prospective multicenter trial. We aimed to clarify prospectively the ABG characteristics during OHCPR, potential prognostic parameters and the ABG dynamics after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). METHODS: ABG samples were collected and instantly processed either under ongoing OHCPR performed according to current advanced life support guidelines or immediately after ROSC and data ware entered into a case report form along with standard CPR parameters. RESULTS: During a 22-month observation period, 115 patients had an ABG analysis during OHCPR. In samples obtained under ongoing CPR, an acidosis was present in 98% of all cases, but was mostly of mixed hypercapnic and metabolic origin. Hypocapnia was present in only 6% of cases. There was a trend towards higher paO2 values in patients who reached sustained ROSC, and a multivariate regression analysis revealed age, initial rhythm, time from collapse to CPR initiation and the arterio-alveolar CO2 difference (AaDCO2) to be associated with sustained ROSC. ABG samples drawn immediately after ROSC demonstrated higher paO2 and unaltered pH and base excess levels compared with samples collected during ongoing CPR. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that adequate ventilation and oxygenation deserve more research and clinical attention in the management of cardiac arrest and that oxygen uptake improves within minutes after ROSC. Hyperventilation resulting in arterial hypocapnia is not a major problem during OHCPR.

Effect of eplerenone on parathyroid hormone levels in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism: results from the EPATH randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence points toward mutual interaction between parathyroid hormone (PTH) and aldosterone as potential mechanism for increasing cardiovascular risk in primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). METHODS: The Eplerenone on parathyroid hormone levels in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (EPATH) trial is a single-center, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial. The primary aim is to evaluate the effects of the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist eplerenone on plasma intact PTH (iPTH) concentration in patients with pHPT. Secondary end points comprised surrogate parameters of cardiovascular health [24-h ambulatory SBP and DBP and echocardiographic parameters related to systolic/diastolic function as well as to cardiac dimensions]. RESULTS: We enrolled 110 study participants with pHPT, 25-hydroxyvitamin D at least 20 ng/ml and estimated glomerular filtration rate more than 50 ml/min per 1.73 m. Patients were 1 : 1 randomly assigned to receive either 25 mg eplerenone once daily (up-titration after 4 weeks to 50 mg/day) or matching placebo for a treatment period of 8 weeks.The study was completed by 97 participants [mean (SD) age: 67.5 ±â€Š9.5 years; 78.4% women). The mean treatment effect (95% confidence interval) for iPTH was 1.0 (0.9-1.1; P = 0.777) pg/ml. Mean 24-h ambulatory SBP and DBP decreased significantly [mean change (95% confidence interval) -6.3 (-9.4 to -3.3) and -3.7 (-5.7 to -1.7) mmHg, respectively; P < 0.001]. No differences were seen in any further secondary outcomes or frequency of adverse events. CONCLUSION: In pHPT, treatment with eplerenone compared with placebo had no effect on circulating iPTH levels. Eplerenone treatment was well tolerated and safe and followed by significant decrease of ambulatory blood pressure.

Sexual Activity, Psychosexual Distress, and Fear of Progression in Women With Human Papillomavirus-Related Premalignant Genital Lesions.

INTRODUCTION: Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are very common in women 18 to 30 years old and substantially affect women's sexual health. AIM: To examine sexual activity, psychosexual distress, and fear of progression in women diagnosed with HPV-related precancerous genital lesions. METHODS: In this observational study, women diagnosed with premalignant lesions of the cervix, vagina, or vulva were recruited from a university hospital-based colposcopy clinic. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Quantitative data from three validated patient-administered questionnaires (Sexual Activity Questionnaire, German version of the Cervical Dysplasia Distress Questionnaire, and Fear of Progression Questionnaire) were compared within the study population, according to the location of the genital lesion, and with relevant reference populations. Qualitative data from two written open-ended questions about women's thoughts regarding diagnosis and information were analyzed. RESULTS: Two-hundred nine women completed the questionnaires. Seventy-eight percent of women (n = 162) were referred for evaluation of suspect lesions of the cervix, 8% (n = 17) of the vagina, and 14% (n = 30) of the vulva. There were no significant differences in questionnaire results among the three patient groups, except for sexual consequences (Cervical Dysplasia Distress Questionnaire) and recent sexual activity (Sexual Activity Questionnaire). Women with vulvar lesions were most likely to worry about sexual consequences (ie, being unable to have children, being sexually less attractive, or infecting a sexual partner; P = .04). The Sexual Activity Questionnaire subscales sexual pleasure (P = .15) and sexual habits (P = 1.00) were similar to those in a healthy control population, whereas sexual discomfort (P = .51) was comparable to that in a reference population of women who survived cervical cancer. The subscale partner-specific concerns (Fear of Progression Questionnaire) was similar to that in a reference population of patients with cancer (P = .28). CONCLUSION: HPV-related precancerous genital lesions, especially of the vulva, are likely to cause concerns about sexual health. Effective information and communication are important to lessen negative sexual consequences and anxiety.

Marinobufagenin in essential hypertension and primary aldosteronism: a cardiotonic steroid with clinical and diagnostic implications.

BACKGROUND: The cardiotonic steroid marinobufagenin (MBG) is increasingly suggested to be responsible for some of the cardiovascular injury that has been previously attributed to aldosterone. We examined the clinical correlates of circulating MBG concentrations in hypertensive patients and tested the hypothesis that MBG serves as a reliable diagnostic tool for detecting primary aldosteronism (PA). METHODS: Plasma MBG concentrations (mean: 0.51±0.25 nmol/l) were measured in the morning fasting samples in 20 patients with PA and 20 essential hypertensive (EH) controls matched for age, sex, body mass index, renal function, urinary sodium and intake of antihypertensive medication (mean age: 51.6 years; 52.2% women). RESULTS: Overall, plasma MBG was directly correlated with plasma aldosterone, aldosterone to active renin ratio (AARR), diastolic blood pressure, mean carotid intima-media thickness, serum sodium, urinary protein to creatinine ratio and inversely with serum potassium levels. Plasma MBG levels were significantly higher in patients with PA compared to EH (mean: 0.68±0.12 versus 0.35±0.24 nmol/l; p<0.001). ROC analysis yielded a greater AUC for plasma MBG compared to the AARR, PAC and serum potassium levels for detecting PA. Youden's Index analyses yielded the optimal plasma MBG cut-off score for diagnosing PA at >0.49 nmol/l with specificity and sensitivity values of 0.85 and 0.95, respectively, which were higher than those at the optimum AARR cut-off at >3.32 ng/dl/µU/ml. CONCLUSIONS: In a well-characterized cohort, values of plasma MBG were significantly related to clinical correlates of cardiovascular and renal disease. Plasma MBG emerged as a valuable alternative to the AARR for screening of PA.

Retropubic vs. transobturator tension-free vaginal tape for female stress urinary incontinence: 3-month results of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: We conducted a prospective randomized controlled noninferiority trial to compare objective and subjective outcomes of retropubic tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) with those of transobturator tape (TVT-O) as primary treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women. STUDY DESIGN: The study was conducted at 25 gynecology units in Austria and Germany; regional and academic hospitals participated. A total of 569 patients were randomly assigned to undergo TVT or TVT-O. RESULTS: A total of 480 patients (85%) were examined at 3 months. A negative cough stress test with stable cystometry to 300 ml was seen in 87% of patients after TVT and in 84% after TVT-O; 64% and 59% of patients, respectively, reported no pad use, and 88% of patients in both groups considered themselves much or very much better on the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) scale. Quality of life (QoL) as assessed with the SF-12 Health Survey, Kings' Health Questionnaire, (KHQ), and EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) was significantly improved in both arms, with no differences between arms. There were no significant differences in postoperative pain or complications. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this trial demonstrate noninferiority between TVT and TVT-O with regard to postoperative continence and QoL and suggest little difference in perioperative problems (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT 00441454).

Human nonmercaptalbumin-2: a novel prognostic marker in chronic liver failure.

Albumin is the major plasma protein with several important biological functions. Various disturbances of albumin function have been demonstrated in end-stage liver disease. These functional disturbances may be related to oxidative modifications of albumin at cysteine-34, including the irreversibly oxidized human nonmercaptalbumin-2 (HNA2). The aim of the present study was to relate oxidative modification of albumin to short-term prognosis in chronic liver failure. Patients with advanced cirrhosis (N = 39), acute-on-chronic liver failure (N = 15), and healthy controls (N = 15) were investigated. Three fractions of albumin were separated by high performance liquid chromatography according to the redox state of cysteine-34. The HNA2 fraction was markedly increased in cirrhotic patients vs. controls and correlated with the degree of chronic liver failure as well as laboratory parameters of liver dysfunction. The HNA2 level tended to be a better predictor of short-term mortality than the model for end stage liver disease with respect to both 30-day mortality (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC] 0.87 vs. 0.81, NS) and 90-day mortality (AUROC 0.87 vs. 0.82, NS). In multivariate analysis of prognostic variables, HNA2 was the only remaining predictor of 90-day mortality. Our results suggest that HNA2, a marker of chronic oxidative stress, is related to liver dysfunction and mortality in cirrhosis and may represent a novel biomarker of chronic liver failure.

Validation of a point-of-care (POC) lactate testing device for fetal scalp blood sampling during labor: clinical considerations, practicalities and realities.

BACKGROUND: Although fetal blood sampling for pH is well established the use of lactate has not been widely adopted. This study validated the performance and utility of a handheld point-of-care (POC) lactate device in comparison with the lactate and pH values obtained by the ABL 800 blood gas analyzer. METHODS: The clinical performance and influences on accuracy and decision-making criteria were assessed with freshly taken fetal blood scalp samples (n=57) and umbilical cord samples (n=310). Bland-Altman plot was used for data plotting and analyzing the agreement between the two measurement devices and correlation coefficients (R²) were determined using Passing-Bablok regression analysis. RESULTS: Sample processing errors were much lower in the testing device (22.8% vs. 0.5%). Following a preclinical assessment and calibration offset alignment (0.5 mmol/L) the test POC device showed good correlation with the reference method for lactate FBS (R²=0.977, p<0.0001, 95% CI 0.9 59-0.988), arterial cord blood (R²=0.976, p<0.0001, 95% CI 0.967-0.983) and venous cord blood (R²=0.977, p<0.0001, 95% CI 0.968-0.984). CONCLUSIONS: A POC device which allows for a calibration adjustment to be made following preclinical testing can provide results that will correlate closely to an incumbent lactate method such as a blood gas analyzer. The use of a POC lactate device can address the impracticality and reality of pH sample collection and testing failures experienced in day to day clinical practice. For the StatStrip Lactate meter we suggest using a lactate cut-off of 5.1 mmol/L for predicting fetal acidosis (pH<7.20).

Short-term neonatal outcome in diabetic versus non-diabetic pregnancies complicated by non-reassuring foetal heart rate tracings.

OBJECTIVE: Analysis of the impact of non-reassuring foetal heart rate patterns (FHR) and suspected foetal distress during active labour on the neonatal outcome in diabetic compared to non-diabetic mothers. METHODS: Retrospective case-control study comparing the short-term neonatal outcome including Apgar score at 5 min, and arterial/venous umbilical cord blood pH of 57 deliveries of women with different types of diabetes and 114 healthy controls. Patients were selected out of all deliveries with suspected foetal distress during active labour and performed foetal scalp pH samplings (n = 590) at the Medical University of Graz, Austria, during 2008-2009. RESULTS: Arterial pH was significantly lower in the diabetic group (7.215 versus 7.250, p = 0.007). Apgar scores ( > 8) at 5 min were similar in both groups (96.5% versus 95.6%, p = 0.566). The percentage of cases with foetal scalp blood pH <7.25 was higher in the diabetes group, but did not reach statistical significance (14.1% versus 7.1%, p = 0.166). CONCLUSIONS: Newborns of women with gestational and type 1 diabetes and non-reassuring FHR tracing have significantly lower arterial cord blood pH values without consequences on neonatal postpartum adaptation. Special attention to pathological changes in FHR patterns and to the more rapid decline in foetal pH during periods of foetal distress may be warranted in women with gestational and pre-conceptional diabetes during active labour. More frequent foetal scalp pH testing to rule out clinically relevant foetal acidosis needs to be discussed.

Efficacy of misoprostol in relation to uterine position in the treatment of early pregnancy failure.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of misoprostol in the treatment of missed or incomplete abortion in relation to uterine position. METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study, misoprostol was evaluated as first-line treatment for missed and incomplete abortion before 13 gestational weeks. Between 2009 and 2011, women received 600 µg of sublingual misoprostol for missed abortion or 400 µg for incomplete abortion. Follow-up examinations were performed 7-10 days later, with the option of a second administration of misoprostol. Success was defined by the absence of vaginal bleeding or sonographic signs of incomplete abortion, and falling levels of ß-human chorionic gonadotropin. RESULTS: In total, 111 women were included in the study. A single-dose regimen was effective for 73 (65.8%) women. The overall success rate, including repeat doses, was 73.0% (81/111). There were no significant differences in treatment success between women with missed abortion and those with incomplete abortion (56/89 [62.9%] vs 18/22 [81.8%]; P=0.152). Anteverted uterine position was associated with significantly higher success rates compared with diverging position (62/86 [72.1%] vs 4/18 [22.2%]; P=0.001). CONCLUSION: Misoprostol is an effective treatment for early pregnancy failure. Uterine position might impact the success of medical treatment for missed abortion.

Increasing arterial oxygen partial pressure during cardiopulmonary resuscitation is associated with improved rates of hospital admission.

AIM: As recent clinical data suggest a harmful effect of arterial hyperoxia on patients after resuscitation from cardiac arrest (CA), we aimed to investigate this association during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the earliest and one of the most crucial phases of recirculation. METHODS: We analysed 1015 patients who from 2003 to 2010 underwent out-of-hospital CPR administered by emergency medical services serving 300,000 inhabitants. Inclusion criteria for further analysis were nontraumatic background of CA and patients >18 years of age. One hundred and forty-five arterial blood gas analyses including oxygen partial pressure (paO2) measurement were obtained during CPR. RESULTS: We observed a highly significant increase in hospital admission rates associated with increases in paO2 in steps of 100 mmHg (13.3 kPa). Subsequently, data were clustered according to previously described cutoffs (≤ 60 mmHg [8 kPa]], 61-300 mmHg [8.1-40 kPa], >300 mmHg [>40 kPa]). Baseline variables (age, sex, initial rhythm, rate of bystander CPR and collapse-to-CPR time) of the three compared groups did not differ significantly. Rates of hospital admission after CA were 18.8%, 50.6% and 83.3%, respectively. In a multivariate analysis, logistic regression revealed significant prognostic value for paO2 and the duration of CPR. CONCLUSION: This study presents novel human data on the arterial paO2 during CPR in conjunction with the rate of hospital admission. We describe a significantly increased rate of hospital admission associated with increasing paO2. We found that the previously described potentially harmful effects of hyperoxia after return of spontaneous circulation were not reproduced for paO2 measured during CPR. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: n/a.

Maxillary rehabilitation of periodontally compromised patients with extensive one-piece fixed prostheses supported by natural teeth: a retrospective longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the long-term success and stability of periodontal tissue around extensive one-piece prostheses supported by natural teeth in periodontally compromised maxillae. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 28 fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) fabricated by different technologies were inserted in 28 patients with a history of chronic periodontitis after successful periodontal treatment. Subsequently, a program of supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) was instituted. Clinical parameters were evaluated in each patient after insertion of the FDP and during a follow-up examination. RESULTS: The reported follow-up examinations took place after a mean clinical service of 75.7 (9.9­232.7) months. Probing depths had remained essentially unchanged by that time (2.6 ± 0.8 mm at baseline versus 2.7 ± 0.6 mm at follow-up). Significant deteriorations were observed based on plaque index scores (from 24.8% to 33.2%) and bleeding on probing (from 8.5% to 26.2%). One case of framework fracture was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Restorative treatment with extensive one-piece FDPs resulted in long-term stability of the periodontal outcomes. Gingival conditions were shown to deteriorate mildly despite periodic recalls for SPT. An association between deterioration and compliance was observed, suggesting that periodic examinations are essential for maintaining oral hygiene and hence to the success of treatment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Given a favorable distribution of potential abutment teeth, treatment with tooth-supported extensive FDPs is desirable even in patients with a history of periodontitis. Removable dentures would involve a number of shortcomings, including functional problems and severe degradation of oral ecology. Tooth-supported FDPs are capable of restoring function, esthetics, phonation, and mastication.

Conization of the uterine cervix: does the level of gynecologist's training predict margin status?

The management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia is becoming more individualized. The European Federation of Colposcopy has developed guidelines for quality assurance and also certifies specialists. The status of the resection margins of conization specimens is prognostically important and is a quality feature. We examined the rate of positive margins in conization specimens according to the training level of the gynecologic surgeon. We reviewed the hospital charts of 411 consecutive patients who underwent conization for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or adenocarcinoma in situ between November 2006 and December 2009. Preoperative colposcopy was performed to localize and characterize the transformation zone and the lesion in all cases. Ninety-seven conizations were performed by residents, 138 by staff members, and 124 by 1 certified specialist for colposcopy. A total of 334 cold-knife conizations and 25 loop electrosurgical excision procedures were carried out. The rates of positive histologic margins in conization specimens were 16%, 22%, and 5% for residents, staff members, and the certified specialist, respectively (P<0.001). Expertise of the gynecologic surgeon in performing conization procedures appears to influence the rate of involved margins after conization. These data support quality-assured preoperative colposcopy and European Federation of Colposcopy quality assurance criteria. Specialization of gynecologic staff members in the field of colposcopy is warranted.

Twin-to-twin delivery time: neonatal outcome of the second twin.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of twin-to-twin delivery time (TTDT) on neonatal outcome. METHODS: We evaluated twin deliveries >34 weeks of gestation. Twin pregnancies with both twins delivered by cesarean section and pregnancies with antenatal complications were excluded. We analyzed TTDT and neonatal outcomes of the second twin (umbilical arterial pH value (pH(art)), Apgar scores at 1, 5 and 10 minutes, need for intensive care). The study population was divided into two homogenous groups based on the mode of delivery: (A) vertex presentation and vaginal delivery of both twins, (B) vertex presentation and vaginal or vaginal operative delivery of twin I, breech or transverse presentation and vaginal breech delivery or cesarean section (CS) of twin II. RESULTS: A total of 207 twin pairs were included in our study. In Group A (n = 151) there were no significant correlations between TTDT and pH(art) or Apgar scores at 1,5 and 10 minutes of twin II (p = .156; 0.861; 0.151 and 0.384, respectively). In Group B (n = 56), the mean pH(art) of twin II was inversely correlated to TTDT, but not significantly (p = .417). TTDT was inversely related to 1-min and 5-min Apgar scores, but not significantly (p = .330; p = .138, respectively). The 10-min Apgar score showed no correlation with TTDT (p = .638). CONCLUSION: Increasing TTDT was not associated with adverse fetal outcome. Expectant management of the second twin appears possible and elapsed time alone does not appear to be an indication for intervention.