Galectin-3 in cord blood of term and preterm infants.

In recent years galectin-3 has gained attention as a signalling molecule, mainly in inflammatory diseases. Data on galectin-3 expression in neonates, however, are limited, and expression of this lectin in cord blood has not yet been reported. The aim of this study was to determine galectin-3 levels in cord blood of term and preterm neonates as well as galectin-3 levels in cord blood of term neonates after stimulation with the prevalent pathogen Streptococcus agalactiae. Cord blood samples were incubated for 24 h and galectin-3 levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. There is a positive correlation between gestational age and galectin-3 levels in cord blood. Expression of galectin-3 is significantly higher in cord blood of small-for-gestational-age infants compared to appropriate-for-gestational-age infants. Stimulation with an invasive but not with a colonizing strain of S. agalactiae induced expression of galectin-3. Galectin-3 is expressed constitutively in cord blood of neonates and seems to play a role in the innate immunity of this population.

Second-line treatment of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH).

INTRODUCTION: Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) remains to be the most common cause of maternal mortality and is responsible for 25 % of the maternal deaths worldwide. Although the absolute risk of maternal death is much lower, a recent increase of PPH and related maternal adverse outcomes has been noted in high-income countries as well. Generally, PPH requires early recognition of its cause, immediate control of the bleeding source by medical, mechanical, invasive-non-surgical and surgical procedures, rapid stabilization of the mother's condition, and a multidisciplinary approach. Second-line treatment of PPH remains challenging, since there is a lack of univocal recommendations from current guidelines and sufficient data from randomized controlled trials. MATERIALS: For this review, electronic searches were performed in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials using the keywords "postpartum haemorrhage" in combination with 'uterine tamponade' and, especially with 'arterial embolisation', 'uterine compression sutures', and 'post(peri)partum hysterectomy' (from January 2000 to November 2011). Reference lists of identified articles were searched and article references to the keywords selected. RESULTS: Treatment options such as uterine compression sutures, embolisation, arterial ligation and hysterectomy were evaluated with regard to their prerequisites, benefits, drawbacks and respective success rate. In addition, a treatment algorithm for the second-line treatment of PPH is presented.

Teenage deliveries in Northern Germany: always a risk factor for higher surgical delivery rates?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of young maternal age on labour, intrapartum assessment and delivery mode. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted of 13,941 deliveries at a tertiary delivery unit between 2000 and 2009. Patients aged less than 18 years were compared with patients aged 18 years or older. The main outcome was defined as mode of delivery. Frequencies and odds ratios for adverse maternal-foetal outcomes were calculated for primiparous women. RESULTS: Of the deliveries occurring during the study period, 6,863 (49.2%) met the inclusion criteria. A total of 156 deliveries (2.3%) occurred among teenagers less than 18 years and 6,707 among patients 18 years and older. Compared with patients 18 years of age and older, younger maternal age was associated with a higher chance of spontaneous delivery [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.45-2.93] than via operation (vaginal operative delivery: OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.48-2.03; secondary caesarean delivery: adjusted OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.32-0.82). CONCLUSION: Young maternal age at delivery does not represent a risk factor for high surgical delivery rates.

Total laparoscopic hysterectomy without uterine manipulator: description of a new technique and its outcome.

INTRODUCTION: Hysterectomy remains the most common major gynecological operation. This is the first study that describes a new technique of TLH without using any kind of uterine manipulator or vaginal tube (TLHwM) and analyzes the intra- and postoperative surgical outcome of the first 67 cases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between October 2008 and December 2009, 67 patients underwent TLH without uterine manipulator or vaginal tube. We analyzed the differences in the outcome by using three different kinds of surgical instruments: in 21 cases the TLHwM was performed using conventional 5 mm bipolar and scissors, in 22 cases using Sonosurgical, and in 24 cases using PKS cutting forceps. RESULTS: There was no intra- or postoperative complications. The overall mean operating time was by TLHwM with salpingo-oophorectomy 98 min and without salpingo-oophorectomy, 80 min. The mean operating time using cutting forceps was significantly lower. The mean uterine weight was 263 g. DISCUSSION: Uterine manipulator seems to be a safe and practical surgical method, especially for patients with vaginal stenosis and in cases of enlarged uterus. With its short operation time and no complication rate, we believe that this method is an enrichment of the laparoscopic hysterectomy techniques.

[Non-invasive thermoablation of symptomatic uterine fibroids with magnetic resonance-guided high-energy ultrasound]. / Nichtinvasive Thermoablation symptomatischer Uterusmyome mit MR-gesteuertem hochenergetischem Ultraschall.

Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors in postmenopausal women which can cause severe symptoms and considerably reduce the quality of life. Patients are requesting minimally invasive, organ-saving therapies increasingly more often and magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound is a promising new technology which even surpasses these requirements as it is a totally non-invasive approach. The possibility of real-time temperature mapping allows a safe and precise thermal ablation of uterine fibroids. The rate of adverse events is low and safety and efficiency have been proven in several clinical studies. Further studies will have to be carried out to demonstrate long-term success and comparability to the established therapies and clarify if focused ultrasound is a safe treatment for women with the desire for future pregnancy. The MR-guided focused ultrasound technique is an effective and gentle treatment for uterine fibroids and holds a great potential for further indications.

Laparoscopic nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy: description of the technique and patients' outcome.

OBJECTIVE: The radical hysterectomy type three can be accompanied by postoperative morbidity, such as dysfunction of the lower urinary tract with loss of bladder or rectum sensation. We describe the technique of laparoscopic nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy and patient's outcome. METHODS: Thirty-two patients underwent laparoscopic nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy. Both the hypogastric and the splanchnic nerves were identified bilaterally during pelvic lymphadenectomy. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 52 years, and the average operating time was 221 min. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications considering the nerve-spring radical hysterectomy. Postoperatively, in all patients spontaneous voiding was possible on the third postoperative day with a median residual urine volume of <50 ml. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic identification (neurolysis) of the inferior hypogastric nerve and inferior hypogastric plexus is a feasible procedure for trained laparoscopic surgeons who have a good knowledge not only of the retroperitoneal anatomy but also of the pelvic neuro-anatomy as this qualification could prohibit long-term bladder and voiding dysfunction during nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy.

[Foetal rhabdomyosarcoma with massive cardiac and placental infiltration associated with intrauterine foetal death]. / Zum intrauterinen Fruchttod führendes fetales Rhabdomyosarkom mit ausgeprägter cardialer und placentarer Infiltration.

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a common malignant soft-tissue tumour in children, accounting for 6-7% of all malignant tumours in childhood. Congenital neoplasms are very rare in childhood and represent 2.5% of all paediatric tumours; the intrauterine or congenital diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcomas is extremely seldom. The most frequent locations of rhabdomyosarcomas are the head and neck regions. There are a number of ultrasonographic differential diagnoses. In cases of foetal rhabdomyosarcomas in utero, not only distant metastases but also the possibility of placental infiltration and thus of hypothetical distant metastases in the mother must be taken into consideration because of their metastatic potential. Only very few cases of transplacental penetration of tumour cells and especially of foeto-maternal metastatic invasion, in contrast to materno-foetal tumour cell transfer in the case of maternal cancer disease, have been reported in the literature. We report on a foetal rhabdomyosarcoma of the head and neck area with massive cardiac and placental infiltration associated with intrauterine foetal death in the second trimester. Sonographic features and necropsy findings are described and the differential diagnosis is discussed. Furthermore, diagnostic approaches to rule out a pattern of transplacental metastases are presented.

[Congenital gastroschisis--prenatal diagnosis and perinatal management]. / Kongenitale Gastroschisis--pränatale Diagnose und perinatales Management.

The birth prevalence of gastroschisis is increasing world-wide. This situation applies particularly to young, slim women who smoke. At a first glance this is a paradox in light of the ever-increasing age of pregnant women among whom there are fewer and fewer smokers. In numerous studies it has been clearly demonstrated that not only (nutritional) teratogenic substances and environmental factors but also epidemiological causes can be held responsible for this phenomenon. Nowadays gastroschisis is detected prenatally in up to 90% of all foetuses. Advantages of a prenatal diagnosis include the identification of associated disorders and the determination of a high-risk constellation (IUGR, intraabdominal bowel dilatation or vanishing gut). This is essential for an adequate interdisciplinary counseling for the afflicted parents together with obstetricians, paediatric surgeons and neonatalogists. The efficacy of serial amnioexchanges with regard to a better neonatal outcome has as yet not been unambiguously clarified. The possibilities for surgical procedures on the foetus are limited and can at present only be considered as experimental attempts in animal models. From an obstetrical perspective the in utero transport and elective Caesarean section before completion of the 36 (th) week of gestation in a tertiary centre with appropriate facilities (paediatric surgery, neonatalogy) seem to be the course recommended by most authors in spite of inconclusive data. The survival rates for babies with gastroschisis after operative treatment (primary defect closure, silotechnique) are considerably high (>90%).

[Prenatal diagnosis of an inguino-scrotal hernia in a fetus with trisomy 18]. / Pränatale Diagnose einer Skrotalhernie bei einem Feten mit Trisomie 18.

In spite of its prevalence in neonates, an inguino-scrotal hernia is a rarely detected condition in prenatal life. The sonographic findings, i. e., a scrotal mass with intestinal peristalsis, the differential diagnosis, and possible associations between a scrotal hernia and chromosomal aberrations are described by presenting the case of a fetus with trisomy 18 and major structural anomalies.

[Seasonality of omphalocele in northern Germany]. / Saisonalität der Omphalozele in Norddeutschland.

PURPOSE: Omphalocele is a rare congenital abdominal wall defect that has been attributed to environmental factors such as increased levels of herbicides in surface water. We wanted to verify a seasonal variation of the incidence of Omphalocele and thus to identify possible environmental factors in an area in Northern Germany that is characterized by a predominantly agricultural setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all pregnancies (n = 28 935) screened by ultrasound at our University Hospital between January 1, 1993 and December 31, 2007 was carried out. After identification of fetuses with persisting Omphalocele, analysis for additional structural defects and for chromosomal anomalies, such as trisomy 18, was carried out. We further categorized all patients with regard to the date of conception during summer (April-September) and winter months (October-March). Categorical variables were compared by the Mann-Whitney-U test and were considered statistically significant when two tailed analyses yielded p = 0.05. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the seasonal distribution of conception neither for all fetuses (p = 0.70) nor for fetuses with Omphalocele (p = 0.94). The results were constant for fetuses with isolated Omphalocele and with additional malformation and for those with Omphalocele and associated chromosomal anomalies. The incidence of fetal Omphalocele has remained relatively stable within the last 15 years. No significant difference was found in the seasonal incidence of Omphalocele in patients from an urban or rural background. CONCLUSION: Since we were unable to demonstrate a relationship between the time of conception and the incidence of fetal Omphalocele in our cohort of pregnant women from a predominantly agricultural background, other factors should be investigated for possible associations with the onset of Omphalocele.

[Impact of assisted reproduction on obstetrics and neonatology]. / Einfluss der assistierten Reproduktion auf Geburtshilfe und Neonatologie.

BACKGROUND: In industrialised countries, 1-4% of all children are born as a result of assisted reproductive therapies (ART), such as IVF and ICSI. Possible associations of these ARTs with obstetric and neonatal risk constellations are analysed critically in the context of this review. METHODS: A selective literature search was conducted to examine the influence of ART on obstetric and neonatal aspects. RESULTS: Multiple gestations, occurring more frequently after ART, are of special significance with regard to their associated risks. In comparison to spontaneous pregnancies, singleton gestations after ART are associated with higher rates of complications, such as preeclampsia, prematurity, low birth weight, foetal malformations and a higher rate of Caesarean sections. Although causal associations between extracorporeal fertilisation methods and health risks for mothers and infants in singleton pregnancies cannot be ruled out, these complications are rather attributed to the underlying causes of infertility than to the methods of assisted reproduction themselves. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancies after ART are to be regarded as risk constellations with a need for closer surveillance during gestation - irrespective of the number of developing foetuses. Couples seeking advice about infertility should be informed in detail before the onset of ART.

[Prevention of complications in twin gestations and pregnancies after assisted reproduction]. / Risikoprävention bei Geminigraviditäten und Schwangerschaften nach assistierter Reproduktion.

BACKGROUND: Twin pregnancies and gestations after assisted reproductive therapy (ART) are of special obstetric significance with regard to their associated risks. However, little is known about preventive approaches specifically evaluated for these constellations. METHODS: A selective literature search was conducted to examine possible preventive approaches for complications such as hypertensive disorders, anaemia, gestational diabetes, prematurity, and others, seen significantly more often in twin gestations and pregnancies after ART. RESULTS: For both constellations, preventive approaches are not specifically evaluated for the majority of complications. For some preventive methods a possible detrimental effect cannot even be ruled out. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge about specific preventive approaches against complications in twin pregnancies and gestations after ART is scarce. More prospective trials are urgently needed to assess the risks and benefits of prophylactic approaches for these risk constellations.

[Spontaneously conceived twins and twins after ART: are there any differences regarding direct financial costs of delivery]. / Gibt es einen Unterschied der direkten Entbindungskosten bei spontan eingetretener Zwillingsgravidität und Gemini nach Kinderwunschbehandlung?

BACKGROUND: Healthcare expenditures are rising steadily. There are no data on delivery expenses of twin pregnancies. This study aims to provide data on expenses of twin deliveries and to compare expenditures of deliveries after spontaneous conception with deliveries after infertility treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort-analysis on obstetrical data of twin deliveries at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck between January 2000 and December 2008. A comparison of delivery expenses of spontaneous twin pregnancies and after infertility treatment. RESULTS: Patients delivering twins after infertility treatment stay 1.1 days longer at the hospital, are 2.5 years older and the number of previous pregnancies and deliveries are significantly lower compared to women after spontaneous conception of twins. In our setting fetal outcome (weeks of gestation, birthweight, APGAR, umbilical arterial pH, admission to neonatal intensive care unit etc.) and other maternal data (maternal height, maternal weight, length of surgery etc.) were not significantly different. The prolonged time spent in hospital leads to a 250 Euro higher expense per patient. DISCUSSION: Additional expenses of twin deliveries after assisted reproduction are due to a longer stay at the hospital. This prolonged stay of an average of 1.1 days was not obvious to medical reasons. Main delivery expenses for the substantial outcome-parameters are not significantly different between both groups.

Recurrent Miscarriage: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures. Guideline of the DGGG (S1-Level, AWMF Registry No. 015/050, December 2013).

Purpose: Official guideline coordinated and published by the German Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (DGGG). Aim of the guideline was to standardize the diagnosis and treatment of patients with recurrent miscarriage (RM). Recommendations were proposed, based on the current national and international literature and the experience of the involved physicians. Consistent definitions, objective assessments and standardized therapy were applied. Methods: Members of the different involved societies developed a consensus in an informal process based on the current literature. The consensus was subsequently approved by the heads of the scientific societies. Recommendations: Recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with RM were compiled which took the importance of established risk factors such as chromosomal, anatomical, endocrine, hemostatic, psychological, infectious and immunological disorders into consideration.

Constrictive tuberculous pericarditis in a HIV-positive patient.

Constrictive pericarditis is a relatively rare clinical manifestation nowadays. We present the case of an HIV-positive patient with constrictive calcified pericarditis due to an infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Pericardectomy was performed. The therapeutical approach is discussed and the literature is reviewed.

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation of Uterine Fibroids - Potential Impact on Fertility and Pregnancy Outcome.

Laparoscopic myomectomy is regarded as the gold standard for women with symptomatic fibroids who wish to become pregnant. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU or MRgFUS) ablation of uterine fibroids is also being discussed as a non-surgical, minimally invasive, therapeutic option. This review examines the available data on the impact of HIFU/MRgFUS on fertility and pregnancy, focusing particularly on potential direct side-effects of this type of intervention on ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus and potential late effects on pregnancy and birth, based on the current literature. All pregnancies after HIFU/MRgFUS published to date (around 100 cases) were evaluated. The published case series suggest that HIFU/MRgFUS ablation has no impact on the rate of miscarriages or other obstetrical outcome parameters. Because no prospective studies exist which permit firm conclusions to be drawn on the impact of HIFU/MRgFUS on fertility and pregnancy outcome in women with symptomatic fibroids, this approach is currently only recommended for women with suspected fertility problems due to uterine fibroids who either decline surgery or who have an unacceptably high surgical risk.

Electrical impedance tomography may optimize ventilation in a postpartum woman with respiratory failure.

Amniotic fluid embolism is a rare peripartum complication with the sudden onset of haemodynamic instability, respiratory failure and coagulopathy during labour or soon after delivery. A 31-year-old woman with amniotic fluid embolism was treated with vasopressors, inotropes, intravenous fluid, tranexamic acid and ventilatory support. Assessment of respiratory impairment was made using conventional chest X-ray, computed tomography and electrical impedance tomography. The potential for electrical impedance tomography to improve monitoring and guide respiratory therapy is explored.

MR-guided HIFU treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids using novel feedback-regulated volumetric ablation: effectiveness and clinical practice.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a novel feedback-regulated volumetric sonication method in MR-guided HIFU treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 27 fibroids with an average volume of 124.9 ± 139.8 cc in 18 women with symptomatic uterine fibroids were ablated using the new HIFU system Sonalleve (1.5 T MR system Achieva, Philips). 21 myomas in 13 women were reevaluated 6 months later. Standard (treatment) cells (TC) and feedback-regulated (feedback) cells (FC) with a diameter of 4, 8, 12, and 16 mm were used and compared concerning sonication success, diameter of induced necrosis, and maximum achieved temperature. The non-perfused volume ratio (NPV related to myoma volume) was quantified. The fibroid volume was measured before, 1 month, and 6 months after therapy. Symptoms were quantified using a specific questionnaire (UFS-QoL). RESULTS: In total, 205 TC and 227 FC were applied. The NPV ratio was 23 ± 15 % (2 - 55). The TC were slightly smaller than intended (-3.9 ± 52 %; range, -100 - 81), while the FC were 20.1 ± 25.3 % bigger (p = 0.02). Feedback mechanism is less diversifying in diameter (p < 0.001). Overall, the FC correlate well with the planned treatment diameter (r = 0.79), other than the TC (r = 0.38). Six months after therapy, the fibroid volume was reduced by 45 ± 21 % (5 - 100) (p = 0.001). The symptoms decreased significantly (p = 0.001). No serious adverse events were recorded. CONCLUSION: Use of volumetric sonication leads to homogenous heating and sufficient necrosis. It is a safe and effective therapy for treating symptomatic uterine fibroids. Successful sonication of feedback cells leads to more contiguous necrosis in diameter and a less diversifying temperature. KEY POINTS: ▶ MR-guided HIFU ablation of symptomatic uterine fibroids is a valuable treatment option. ▶ By non-invasive HIFU fibroid volumes can be reduced and symptoms improved. ▶ The novel feedback-regulated treatment cells offer advantages over standard treatment cells.

MR-guided HIFU treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids using novel feedback-regulated volumetric ablation: effectiveness and clinical practice.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a novel feedback-regulated volumetric sonication method in MRguided HIFU treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 27 fibroids with an average volume of 124.9 ± 139.8 cc in 18 women with symptomatic uterine fibroids were ablated using the new HIFU system Sonalleve (1.5 TMR system Achieva, Philips). 21 myomas in 13 women were reevaluated 6 months later. Standard (treatment) cells (TC) and feedback-regulated (feedback) cells (FC) with a diameter of 4, 8, 12, and 16 mm were used and compared concerning sonication success, diameter of induced necrosis, and maximum achieved temperature. The non-perfused volume ratio (NPV related to myoma volume) was quantified. The fibroid volume was measured before, 1 month, and 6 months after therapy. Symptoms were quantified using a specific questionnaire (UFS-QoL). RESULTS: In total, 205 TC and 227 FC were applied. The NPV ratio was 23 ± 15 % (2 ­ 55). The TC were slightly smaller than intended (-3.9 ± 52 %; range, -100 ­ 81), while the FC were 20.1 ± 25.3 % bigger (p = 0.02). Feedback mechanism is less diversifying in diameter (p < 0.001). Overall, the FC correlate well with the planned treatment diameter (r = 0.79), other than the TC (r = 0.38). Six months after therapy, the fibroid volume was reduced by 45 ± 21 % (5 ­ 100) (p = 0.001). The symptoms decreased significantly (p = 0.001). No serious adverse events were recorded. CONCLUSION: Use of volumetric sonication leads to homogenous heating and sufficient necrosis. It is a safe and effective therapy for treating symptomatic uterine fibroids. Successful sonication of feedback cells leads to more contiguous necrosis in diameter