The problem of the older primipara.

The obstetric data relating to 98 older primiparas (OP) (0.21% of all deliveries) are compared with 100 randomly chosen older multiparas (OM) and 100 young primiparas (YP). Notable differences observed were a higher incidence of toxemia and a greater incidence of uterine myomata in the OP group. No difference was seen in the incidences of diabetes, cardiac disease, and essential hypertension. There was a greater number of preterm deliveries. The frequencies of induction of labor, vacuum extraction, and cesarean section were much greater in the OP group. No difference in postnatal course was detected among the 3 groups. No significant increase in perinatal morbidity was observed, but the incidences of prematurity and perinatal mortality were higher. It seems that the attending obstetrician is much quicker to decide to terminate pregnancy or labor ithe OP group. Except for the need for special attention to prematurity and perinatal mortality, the OP group is not at high risk.

Characterization of the growth-discordant twin.

A computer-assisted analysis of perinatal variables was undertaken in order to characterize the growth-discordant twin. We studied 124 twin pairs grouped at four degrees of discordancy: over 5, 10, 15, and 20% birth weight difference, using the larger twin as 100%. Twins with birth weight discrepancy below these figures were considered concordant. Highly discordant second twins showed significantly lower birth weight, gestational age, and Apgar scores, and prolonged neonatal hospitalization, as compared with discordant first twins. Complex presentations and a higher cesarean section rate characterize discordant first and concordant twins. It is suggested that a 15% birth weight discordancy be used as the safety limit for birth weight disparity. We also recommend special attention when discordancy seems to increase, especially if the discordant is the second twin.

Vaginal delivery of the second twin in breech presentation.

The obstetric performance of 39 vertex-breech twin-pairs was compared with that of 48 vertex-vertex pairs. No difference was found between the two groups in maternal age, parity, gestational age, birth weight, and Apgar scores. The second twin in breech presentation had a higher incidence of very low birth-weight (less than 1500 g), but of borderline significance (P = .05), and a significantly (P less than .03) longer hospitalization period. The cesarean section rate was 7.7 and 10.4% for the breech and vertex second twin, respectively. In our view, breech presentation of the second twin is not an indication for cesarean section.

Prenatally diagnosed blocked atrial premature beats.

A case of persistent severe bradycardia in labor, diagnosed as blocked atrial premature beats, is presented. Simultaneous recording of fetal heart rate (FHR) and fetal electrocardiogram (FECG) during labor established an accurate diagnosis of an innocent fetal sinus bradycardia and differentiated it from fetal distress. This method should be applied in all cases of persistent fetal dysrhythmia, in order to differentiate it from hypoxic distress, and thus enable the obstetrician to avoid unnecessary cesarean sections.

Severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: a reevaluated therapeutic approach.

During the 10 years 1978 to 1987, 33 patients were hospitalized because of moderate and severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in 39 treatment cycles. Twenty-five treatment cycles ended in moderate OHSS (group A), 7 had severe OHSS without a significant amount of ascites (group B1), and 7 had severe OHSS with ascites (group B2). Groups A and B1 received intravascular volume expander, electrolytes replacement, and indomethacin up to 300 mg/day. The patients in group B2 had significant clinical and biochemical improvement after abdominal paracentesis. Urinary output and creatinine clearance improved significantly, and a decrease in hematocrit, blood osmolarity, and weight reduction were achieved. A strategy for treatment of OHSS based on consecutive ultrasonographic examination, clinical and biochemical evaluation, and abdominal paracentesis in severe OHSS with clinically significant ascites is suggested.

Intravenous albumin for the prevention of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in an in vitro fertilization program: a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of i.v. administration of human albumin solution for the prevention of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study comparing the effects of i.v. administration of human albumin solution versus sodium chloride 0.9% solution at the time of oocyte retrieval with patients undergoing IVF-ET who are at high risk for the development of severe OHSS. SETTING: Specialized assisted reproduction unit. PATIENTS: Thirty-one patients undergoing IVF-ET who had serum E2 levels of 1,906 pg/mL (> 7,000 pmol/L) and multiple follicular development on the day of hCG administration. INTERVENTIONS: After hCG administration, patients were randomized to receive i.v., either 50 g of human albumin diluted in 500 mL of sodium chloride 0.9% or 500 mL of sodium chloride 0.9% at the time of oocyte retrieval. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Ovarian size as measured by pelvic ultrasonography, development of ascites, serum E2 concentrations during the luteal phase, and results of the IVF-ET cycles. RESULTS: Although no patient who had received human albumin solution developed severe OHSS, there were four such cases in the control group. All four were hospitalized with marked ascites and ovarian enlargement. There were no significant differences between the two groups comparing serum E2 levels on the day of hCG administration and during the luteal phase, the number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization, and pregnancy rates. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary results suggest that the administration of human albumin solution may help to prevent the development of severe OHSS in high-risk patients. Further research is needed to assess the potential of this novel approach.

Can premature luteinization in superovulation protocols be prevented by aspiration of an ill-timed leading follicle?

In 12 patients stimulated for in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET), a single leading follicle developed, whereas the other follicles were 6 mm smaller. In 7 patients chosen at random (group A), the leading follicle was aspirated, whereas in the other 5 the leading follicle was allowed to continue growing (group B). Comparison of the hormonal pattern of both groups showed that a premature luteinizing hormone (LH) surge was avoided only in group A, and only in this group a second follicle aspiration for IVF-ET was done, and two pregnancies were achieved. In group B, aspiration for IVF-ET was canceled because of premature LH surge. It is suggested that aspiration of a single leading follicle during ovulation induction may be an efficient method to avoid premature LH surge enabling other follicles to develop up to the preovulatory stage.

The premenstrual syndrome.

PMS is probably a group of entities which include various symptoms that occur during the 7 to 10 days before menstruation and disappear a few hours after the onset of menstruation. The definition of PMS lacks objective criteria. The most common symptoms are irritability, bloating, aggressiveness, mastodynia, and headaches. The prevalence of PMS is estimated at 30 to 40 per cent. PMS is more prevalent among women working outside the home, alcoholics, women of high parity, and women with toxemic tendency; it probably runs in families. The etiology of PMS is no less obscure to us than when it was first described by Frank in 1931. No single theory has been established to explain the entire diversity of PMS symptomatology. The multitude of possible etiologic factors includes psychosocial bases, progesterone deficiency, prolactin excess, thyroid hypofunction, renin angiotensin alternations, antidiuretic hormone excess, decreased colloidosmotic pressure, endorphin activity alternations, serotonin metabolism alternations, prostaglandin action, vitamin deficiency, and such unconventional theories as the ovarian infection or the "yeast overgrowth" theory. A partial resolution of this divergence of hypotheses comes from the biopsychosocial model developed by Keye and Trunnel. According to this model, a biologic, perhaps genetically determined, predisposition to PMS is realized when past and present life experiences, attitudes, beliefs, coping styles, and social forces interact to stress a woman. The diagnosis of PMS is based on establishing a relationship between the luteal phase of the cycle and the symptoms. The evaluation of PMS patients includes the use of a monthly diary to scale the symptoms, a physical examination, and biochemical studies to rule out other disorders. Management includes education, reassurance, and drug therapy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Tuberculoid cornstarch granulomas with caseous necrosis. A diagnostic challenge.

We studied a patient in whom peritoneal granulomas developed with caseous-type necrosis after exposure to cornstarch from surgical gloves. This necrotizing type of lesion, which is the least common among cornstarch granulomas, can simulate tuberculous infection and lead to initiation of antituberculous therapy. A review of the literature suggests that there are two basic types of cornstarch granulomas: the phagocytic, foreign body type, and the tuberculoid granuloma with and without central necrosis. The morphologic features and possible mechanism of formation of these types of granulomas are being discussed. Although the cornstarch particles can be identified with a variety of stains, the most reliable method is that of examination with polarized light, which is recommended in all cases of granulomas, especially abdominal ones.

Invasive papillary serous adenocarcinoma of the endocervix in pregnancy; a case report.

A case of invasive papillary serous adenocarcinoma of the endocervix in pregnancy is described. The pure papillary pattern appears rarely, and to the best of our knowledge has never been described previously in pregnancy.

Transverse uterine incision for cesarean delivery of the transverse-lying fetus.

Low-isthmic transverse uterine incision was performed in 66 patients during Cesarean section indicated for transverse fetal lie. No significant differences were noted in the 1 and 5 min Apgar scores among fetuses delivered before or after rupture of the membranes. In only 5 (7.6%) of these cases was the incision converted into an inverted-T. The 1 min Apgar score was significantly lower in this group (6.0 +/- 1.3) compared to the rest of the group (7.5 +/- 1.7, P less than 0.01), however, the 5 min score showed no significant difference. No significant complications were noted in the post-operative course of mother and fetuses. We concluded that the transverse uterine incision is safe for the Cesarean delivery of the transverse-lying fetus.

Endometrial morphology and hormonal profiles in in vitro fertilization patients.

Endometrial biopsy was performed in 27 infertile women participating in the IVF program. Their mean age was 31.8 years, 33% of the women being over 35 years old. The average duration of infertility was 6.9 years. The superovulation protocol consisted of hMG/hCG in 5 cases, of combined GnRH analog/gonadotropin therapy in 20 women, and 2 patients received combined contraceptive pill/gonadotropin treatment. Judging by hormonal profiles, follicular growth rate and number of oocytes retrieved, the response to stimulation was normal. The mean estradiol (E2) levels increased from 132.7 pg/ml on day -5 (SEM = 9.67) to 1272 pg/ml (SEM = 103.7) on the day of hCG administration and to 1813 pg/ml (SEM = 209.6) 1 day later. One day before the hCG application, the mean progesterone and LH levels were 1.34 ng/ml and 8.38 IU/ml, respectively. Only one patient had clinical hyperstimulation syndrome. Ova were harvested in all women, the mean number of oocytes being 7.7 (SEM = 0.83) per patient. In all 27 cases lack of fertilization or faulty ovum cleavage were observed. Thus, an endometrial biopsy (EB) was performed 72 h after oocytes retrieval. The mean estrogen and progesterone levels on the EB day were 610.9 pg/ml (SEM = 78.44) and 45.4 ng/ml (SEM = 7.53), respectively. Histologic examination of the endometrium showed normal secretory endometrium consistent with day 16-17 of spontaneous ovulatory cycle. Two women who received combined contraceptive pills/gonadotropin therapy showed inactive endometrium with subnuclear vacuoles and decidual reaction in the stroma similar to that observed in women on estrogen-progestin birth control medication.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aspiration of ectopic pregnancy under guidance of vaginal ultrasonography.

This case report describes the treatment of tubal pregnancy by aspiration of the gestational sac content and injection of methotrexate by transvaginal sonographic guidance. The confirmation of the embryo aspiration as indicated by disappearance of the embryo with its heart beat and the resulting 46,XY karyotype, raises the question whether methotrexate injection is necessary.

Clinical aspects of ovarian tumors of low malignant potential.

A review of 21 cases of ovarian tumors of low-malignant potential diagnosed in our department over a period of 13 years was undertaken. Ninety percent of the patients presented with stage I disease. The average age at diagnosis (45 years) was younger than commonly found in patients with invasive epithelial cancer. Three patients received postoperative chemotherapy, and all of those were evaluated by second-look laparotomy. One of our patients with stage Ic serous tumor recurred with lung metastases. In two other patients with mucinous tumors, mucocele of the appendix was found. The five year survival in this series was 100%. Our study emphasizes the need for a prospective study to evaluate the value of adjuvant therapy in the various stages of these ovarian neoplasms.

Severe hemolytic disease of the newborn due to anti-c.

Two cases of severe hemolytic disease of the newborn due to c-isoimmunization are presented. Both women were multiparous, had previous blood transfusion and high maternal titers of anti-c (1:1024 and 1:4036, respectively).

Indications and results of metroplasty in uterine malformations.

During 14 years, 430 women with some type of congenital uterine malformation were discovered by different methods, with a rate of 1 in 137 deliveries. In only 17 was metroplasty indicated, because of very poor reproductive performance; out of 42 desired pregnancies, only 14.3% live births resulted. The abortion rate was 65.2%, and there were 13% premature deliveries. The operations performed included the Strassmann type in 13, the Tompkins technique in three and the Jones operation in one. After the metroplasty, out of 27 completed pregnancies the rate of abortions fell in 14.8% (P less than 0.00003) and the rate of live births rose to 85.2% (P less than 0.00003). There is no doubt that when the indication for metroplasty is strictly imposed, the staff is well versed in the different types of operations and the treatment is done in a center which has acquired competence, the improvement in reproductive performance can be quite impressive.

The obstetrical management of patients with immunologic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Pregnant women with immunologic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) run the risk of complications during pregnancy and labor, mainly due to the possibility of hemorrhage. Antibodies pass through the placenta, causing a transient, but dangerous thrombocytopenia in the fetus and infant. Four women with ITP, having five deliveries, are presented, showing that the modern treatment of these patients includes corticosteroids during pregnancy, thrombocyte transfusion during labor, and splenectomy being or after the pregnancy in selected cases. Cesarean section is not indicated for the disease per se, and fetal scalp blood sampling for thrombocyte count during labor is not necessary. The newborn needs immediate, careful control and, if necessary, thrombocyte transfusion and even steroids. Prolonged follow-up of the infants is necessary.

Bromocriptine treatment of hyperprolactinemic infertility with ovulatory disturbances.

We studied 77 women with hyperprolactinemic infertility and possible ovulatory disturbances. Galactorrhea was present in 27. Ovulation was normal in 15, 21 were anovulatory and 41 had luteal phase deficiency. All patients received bromocriptine for three months, resulting in normal serum prolactin levels. After that time, if no pregnancy occurred, clomiphene (with or without human chorionic gonadotropin) or human menopausal gonadotropin and human chorionic gonadotropin were added to the treatment. The overall pregnancy rate was 65%. The incidence of hyperprolactinemia in infertile patients is higher than expected, and patients with luteal phase deficiency can benefit from treatment with bromocriptine and ovulatory agents.

Premature rupture of the membranes in a single twin gestational sac. A case report.

Premature rupture of the membranes was diagnosed with ultrasound and subsequent injection of dye into the upper sac of a 15-week twin gestation. Because of a history of prolonged infertility, conservative treatment (including bed rest, antibiotics and intravaginal povidone-iodine pessaries) was given. Four weeks later the leakage of amniotic fluid stopped, and at 32 gestational weeks the patient delivered healthy twins by cesarean section. No sign of chorioamnionitis was noted clinically or histologically. It seems that in this unusual case the lower sac was acting as a tampon and at some stage prevented further escape of amniotic fluid as well as ascending infection.

Vaginal delivery of breech-vertex twins.

The safety of vaginal birth for breech-vertex twins has not been addressed directly before. We retrospectively compared the perinatal outcome of two groups of breech-vertex twins: 24 delivered vaginally and 35 delivered abdominally. Vaginal delivery was allowed under the same protocol developed for singletons in breech presentation. Both groups had similar maternal and neonatal characteristics except for a significantly higher rate (P = .003) of pregnancies after infertility in the abdominal delivery group. Intergroup differences in perinatal outcome, as measured by Apgar scores and morbidity and mortality cases, were not significant. Our data suggest that if measures for safe vaginal delivery are taken, this route appears to incur no morbidity and mortality for breech-vertex twins.