Fetal Metabolic Alkalosis Resulting from Maternal Vomiting.

We describe a pregnant patient with severe compulsive water ingestion and vomiting that lead to metabolic alkalosis and preterm delivery. A 21-year-old patient was hospitalized multiple times throughout pregnancy for symptoms initially thought to be related to hyperemesis gravidarum. Overtime, it became apparent that the patient induced vomiting by rapidly drinking large volumes of water. At 32 weeks' gestation, rapid ingestion of water caused 3 days of vomiting with findings of hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypochloremia, metabolic alkalosis, and compensatory respiratory acidosis. Fetal monitoring showed minimal variability and recurrent decelerations; subsequent biophysical profile score of 2/10 prompted urgent cesarean section. A male newborn was delivered and cord blood gases reflected neonatal metabolic alkalosis and electrolyte imbalances identical to those of the mother. Compensatory hypoventilation in both mother and fetus were treated with assisted ventilation. With saline administration and repletion of electrolytes, metabolic alkalosis resolved for both patients within days. Metabolic alkalosis was transplacentally acquired by the fetus. This case demonstrates the development of metabolic alkalosis in a pregnant woman caused by vomiting severe enough to prompt preterm delivery for nonreassuring fetal status. It also demonstrates fetal dependence on both placenta and mother to maintain physiologic acid-base and electrolyte balance.

Placental pathology reports: A qualitative study in a US university hospital setting on perceived clinical utility and areas for improvement.

OBJECTIVE: To explore how placental pathology is currently used by clinicians and what placental information would be most useful in the immediate hours after delivery. STUDY DESIGN: We used a qualitative study design to conduct in-depth, semi-structured interviews with obstetric and neonatal clinicians who provide delivery or postpartum care at an academic medical center in the US (n = 19). Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using descriptive content analysis. RESULTS: Clinicians valued placental pathology information yet cited multiple barriers that prevent the consistent use of pathology. Four main themes were identified. First, the placenta is sent to pathology for consistent reasons, however, the pathology report is accessed by clinicians inconsistently due to key barriers: difficult to find in the electronic medical record, understand, and get quickly. Second, clinicians value placental pathology for explanatory capability as well as for contributions to current and future care, particularly when there is fetal growth restriction, stillbirth, or antibiotic use. Third, a rapid placental exam (specifically including placental weight, infection, infarction, and overall assessment) would be helpful in providing clinical care. Fourth, placental pathology reports that connect clinically relevant findings (similar to radiology) and that are written with plain, standardized language and that non-pathologists can more readily understand are preferred. CONCLUSION: Placental pathology is important to clinicians that care for mothers and newborns (particularly those that are critically ill) after birth, yet many problems stand in the way of its usefulness. Hospital administrators, perinatal pathologists, and clinicians should work together to improve access to and contents of reports. Support for new methods to provide quick placenta information is warranted.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Identification After Delayed Cord Clamping.

We sought to determine the feasibility of identifying and quantifying mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from umbilical cord blood (UCB) after delayed cord clamping in preterm and term births. We obtained 3 mL of UCB at various gestational ages after delayed cord clamping. UCB separated by density gradient centrifugation within 4 h of delivery was passed through magnetic bead micro-columns to exclude the CD34 + cell population. The samples were incubated with fluorescent-tagged mesenchymal cell marker antibodies CD 29, CD44, CD73, CD105, and hematopoietic cell marker CD45. The cell populations were analyzed by flow cytometry. Viable cells were assessed with 7-aminoactinomycin-D. The results were expressed in median (minimum to maximum) MSCs and compared between preterm and term samples. A total of 12 UCB samples (32-40 weeks) were obtained, 10 of which demonstrated MSCs, accounting for 0.0174% (0-14.7%) of the viable UCB mononuclear cells. MSCs comprised 0.148% (0.0006-1.59%) and 0.116% (0-14.7%) of the viable UCB mononuclear cells in the term (n = 5), 38.4 ± 1.3 weeks, and preterm (n = 7) samples, 34.6 ± 1.1, respectively, p = 0.17. There was an overall median of 96 (0-39,574) MSCs. There was no difference in the median numbers of MSCs identified between term and preterm UCB samples, 3384 (23-6042) and 36 (0-39,574), respectively, p = 0.12. Mesenchymal stem cells were identified and quantified in 5 of 7 preterm and all 5 term UCB 3-mL samples obtained after delayed cord clamping.

Implant system for large osteochondral defects.

Issues with current treatments for osteochondral defects such as mosaicplasty and autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) are lack of donor material, problems associated with donor sites, necessity of second surgical intervention and cell expansion, difficult site preparation and implant fitting to match the surrounding tissue. This study presents the development of a patient specific implant system for focal osteochondral defects that addresses these issues. Using computer aided design and manufacturing techniques, computed tomography scans are utilized to design the implant and templates that facilitate site preparation to allow for precise and easy implantation of the designed perfectly fitting tissue replacement. Functionality of the system and accurate restoration of a defect is demonstrated by digital before/after comparison and with a prototype. With the presented implantation system larger defects in curved joint surfaces can be restored to an optimal shape in an easier procedure than for instance mosaicplasty. The proposed system potentially allows for later replacement of worn implants.

Mechanism and Prediction of Hydrogen Embrittlement in fcc Stainless Steels and High Entropy Alloys.

The urgent need for clean energy coupled with the exceptional promise of hydrogen (H) as a clean fuel is driving development of new metals resistant to hydrogen embrittlement. Experiments on new fcc high entropy alloys present a paradox: these alloys absorb more H than Ni or SS304 (austenitic 304 stainless steel) while being more resistant to embrittlement. Here, a new theory of embrittlement in fcc metals is presented based on the role of H in driving an intrinsic ductile-to-brittle transition at a crack tip. The theory quantitatively predicts the H concentration at which a transition to embrittlement occurs in good agreement with experiments for SS304, SS316L, CoCrNi, CoNiV, CoCrFeNi, and CoCrFeMnNi. The theory rationalizes why CoNiV is the alloy most resistant to embrittlement and why SS316L is more resistant than the high entropy alloys CoCrFeNi and CoCrFeMnNi, which opens a path for the computationally guided discovery of new embrittlement-resistant alloys.

Does Proximal Femoral Morphology Impact Morbidity and Mortality? A Cohort Study of Uncemented Hemiarthroplasties in the Treatment of Femoral Neck Fractures.

BACKGROUND: To assess outcomes after uncemented hemiarthroplasty stems in the treatment of intracapsular femoral neck fractures over an 11-year period. Mortality rates were assessed, and whether proximal femoral geometry and stem alignment were factors in intraoperative or postoperative periprosthetic fracture (PPF) needs to be identified. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective single-center observational study was conducted of all patients who underwent intracapsular femoral neck fracture treatment using an uncemented prosthesis between January 2008 and December 2018. Primary endpoints included mortality rate, Dorr classification, prosthesis alignment, intraoperative fracture, and reoperation rate for any reason. Subanalysis on collared and uncollared implants was also conducted. Multivariate logistic regression was performed based on Dorr classification for stem alignment, fracture incidence, reoperation rate, implant sizing, and patient mortality. RESULTS: A total of 536 patients received an uncemented hemiarthroplasty in the study period. The mean patients age was 80.4 years, of which 71% were female. The 30-day mortality rate was 5.2%, with no deaths on day zero or day one. Twenty patients (3.7%) sustained an intraoperative calcar fracture, and 14 patients a PPF (2.6%) at a mean of 1.3 years from surgery. Dorr C type femurs were more likely to develop a PPF (P = .001), while valgus stem alignment was associated with PPF (P = .049). CONCLUSIONS: This implant has low reoperation rates, low early postoperative mortality, and low 30-day mortality. This large single-center study provides up-to-date information using a contemporary stem in patients with multiple comorbidities. Dorr C femoral morphology and valgus stem malalignment were risk factors for postoperative fractures.

Perioperative Mortality After Cemented or Uncemented Hemiarthroplasty for Displaced Femoral Neck Fractures-A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Debate surrounds the use of cemented or uncemented prostheses for the treatment of displaced femoral neck fractures (FNF). Many guidelines recommend the use of the cemented hemiarthroplasty (CHA). Proponents of CHA point out the increased re-operation rate while proponents of uncemented hemiarthroplasty (HA) highlight the increased mortality rate in the perioperative period. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature to evaluate perioperative mortality after HA for displaced FNFs. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed of MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases evaluating perioperative mortality after HA for displaced FNFs. Randomized control trials and observational studies were included comparing current-generation stem designs. A meta-analysis was performed on studies that directly compared the different modes of fixation. RESULTS: Twenty-two studies were included (seven randomized control trials and 15 observational studies), with a total of 183,167 HAs for treatment of a displaced FNF. Fourteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. There was a higher cumulative odds of death within the first 48 hours in those with CHA compared with uncemented HA (OR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.35, 2.00; P ≤ .01). No difference was found in mortality at 7 days, 30 days, and one year. CONCLUSION: CHA is associated with an increased mortality rate within the first two days of surgery with no difference at 7 days, 30 days, and one year. Surgeons should consider tailoring their stem choice based on the physiological status of the patient when planning HA for FNFs. Techniques to reduce the risk of bone cement implantation syndrome should be used.

Impact of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus on Human Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Number and Phenotypic Characteristics.

Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been investigated in numerous disease settings involving impaired regeneration because of the crucial role they play in tissue maintenance and repair. Considering the number of comorbidities associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the hypothesis that MSCs mediate these comorbidities via a reduction in their native maintenance and repair activities is an intriguing line of inquiry. Here, it is demonstrated that the number of bone marrow-derived MSCs in people with T2DM was reduced compared to that of age-matched control (AMC) donors and that this was due to a specific decrease in the number of MSCs with osteogenic capacity. There were no differences in MSC cell surface phenotype or in MSC expansion, differentiation, or angiogenic or migratory capacity from donors living with T2DM as compared to AMCs. These findings elucidate the basic biology of MSCs and their potential as mediators of diabetic comorbidities, especially osteopathies, and provide insight into donor choice for MSC-based clinical trials. This study suggests that any role of bone marrow MSCs as a mediator of T2DM comorbidity is likely due to a reduction in the osteoprogenitor population size and not due to a permanent alteration to the MSCs' capacity to maintain tissue homeostasis through expansion and differentiation.

Bone Mineral Is More Heterogeneously Distributed in the Femoral Heads of Osteoporotic and Diabetic Patients: A Pilot Study.

Osteoporosis is associated with systemic bone loss, leading to a significant deterioration of bone microarchitecture and an increased fracture risk. Although recent studies have shown that the distribution of bone mineral becomes more heterogeneous because of estrogen deficiency in animal models of osteoporosis, it is not known whether osteoporosis alters mineral distribution in human bone. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) can also increase bone fracture risk and is associated with impaired bone cell function, compromised collagen structure, and reduced mechanical properties. However, it is not known whether alterations in mineral distribution arise in diabetic (DB) patients' bone. In this study, we quantify mineral content distribution and tissue microarchitecture (by µCT) and mechanical properties (by compression testing) of cancellous bone from femoral heads of osteoporotic (OP; n = 10), DB (n = 7), and osteoarthritic (OA; n = 7) patients. We report that though OP cancellous bone has significantly deteriorated compressive mechanical properties and significantly compromised microarchitecture compared with OA controls, there is also a significant increase in the mean mineral content. Moreover, the heterogeneity of the mineral content in OP bone is significantly higher than controls (+25%) and is explained by a significant increase in bone volume at high mineral levels. We propose that these mineral alterations act to exacerbate the already reduced bone quality caused by reduced cancellous bone volume during osteoporosis. We show for the first time that cancellous bone mineralization is significantly more heterogeneous (+26%) in patients presenting with T2DM compared with OA (non-DB) controls, and that this heterogeneity is characterized by a significant increase in bone volume at low mineral levels. Despite these mineralization changes, bone microarchitecture and mechanical properties are not significantly different between OA groups with and without T2DM. Nonetheless, the observed alterations in mineral heterogeneity may play an important tissue-level role in bone fragility associated with OP and DB bone. © 2019 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Superior patient reported outcome measures reported post Articular Surface Replacement (ASR) revision arthroplasty in the setting of an objective surgical indication.

The Articular Surface Replacement (ASR) hip system displayed unexpectedly high failure rates. All patients who underwent revision arthroplasty at our institution were identified. Indications for revision were classified as objectively identifiable or performed for unexplained pain. Clinical outcomes, post ASR revision, were superior in cases where the aetiology for failure was identifiable. Pain and function improved reliably when a targeted objective indication was identified pre-revision, but failed to do so in cases of unexplained pain. Surgeons familiar with the results of this study will be empowered to discuss expectations and realistic outcomes with their patients undergoing complex revision arthroplasty cases.

Cemented Proximal Femoral Replacement for the Management of Non-Neoplastic Conditions: A Versatile Implant but Not Without Its Risks.

BACKGROUND: The demand for revision arthroplasty continues to grow. Proximal femoral bone loss poses a significant challenge to surgeons and proximal femoral replacements (PFRs) are one option to address this problem. The aim of our study is to assess the reoperation, complication, and mortality rates following PFR for treatment of non-neoplastic conditions. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted of a consecutive group of patients treated with a PFR for non-neoplastic conditions between 2010 and 2018. Mortality was confirmed using the Irish national death events publication service. RESULTS: Over the 8-year study period, 79 PFRs in 78 patients were performed. Mean age of patients was 78.3 years (standard deviation 11.9), of which 37.2% were male. Periprosthetic fracture was the most common indication for PFR (63.3%). The 30-day mortality rate was 7.6% (6 patients), of which bone cement implantation syndrome occurred in 4 patients. One-year mortality was 12.7%. Complications occurred in 22.8%. CONCLUSION: A cemented PFR is a versatile prosthesis in the armamentarium of a revision arthroplasty surgeon that allows immediate full weight-bearing. However, it may appropriately be considered a last resort procedure that poses specific risks that must be explained to patients and family. We present the short-term outcomes on one of the largest series of PFR to date.

Breaking Bad: A Comparative Descriptive Analysis of Periprosthetic Fractures Around Cemented and Uncemented Femoral Stems.

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic fractures are most commonly classified according to the Vancouver classification system and more recently the Unified Classification System. The aim of this study is to provide a descriptive analysis of fracture patterns in femoral periprosthetic fractures (PPFs) by femoral stem fixation. METHODS: A retrospective observational study of all femoral PPFs over a 10-year period at our institution was conducted. Presenting radiographs were examined to assess the fracture pattern. RESULTS: Over the 10-year period, 138 femoral PPFs that underwent operative treatment were examined. Mean age of patients was 78 years with 45.7% male and median American Society of Anaesthesiologists grade 3. The femoral stem fixation was cemented in 83 patients and uncemented in 55 patients. Uncemented femoral stems most commonly caused a simple oblique fracture pattern (69.1%) with a more comminuted pattern seen in cemented fixation (59%). CONCLUSION: Fracture patterns differ according to femoral stem fixation. A simple "sickle-like" oblique fracture pattern was more commonly seen in uncemented stems while cemented tapered stems resulted in a comminuted "axe splitting" pattern.

Hemorrhage from Umbilical Cord Ulceration Identified on Real-Time Ultrasound in a Fetus with Duodenal Atresia.

Umbilical cord ulceration has been associated with congenital upper intestinal (duodenal or jejunal) atresia and can lead to fatal fetal intrauterine hemorrhage. We report a case of spontaneous hemorrhage from the umbilical cord, incidentally noted at the time of ultrasound in a 33-week fetus with suspected duodenal atresia, in which immediate delivery resulted in a good outcome. Despite many reports in the literature of congenital upper intestinal atresia and its association with umbilical cord ulceration, the propensity for this lesion for fetal hemorrhage, and the resulting perinatal morbidity and mortality, there appears to be a gap in the dissemination of this knowledge. In fetuses with suspected congenital upper intestinal atresia, recognition of the entity of umbilical cord ulceration may be improved by ultrasound with special attention to the amount of Wharton's jelly within the cord. Routine antepartum fetal surveillance may reduce perinatal morbidity and mortality from this condition. A high index of suspicion is needed to make the diagnosis of umbilical cord ulceration in association with congenital upper intestinal atresia. The role of amniotic fluid bile acids in the genesis of this disorder needs further study.

Accuracy of fetal anatomy survey in the diagnosis of velamentous cord insertion: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine the accuracy of ultrasound at the time of the fetal anatomy survey in the diagnosis of velamentous cord insertion (VCI). STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective case-control study identified placentas with VCI (cases) and randomly selected placentas with normal placental cord insertion (PCI) (controls) as documented by placental pathology for mothers delivered from 2002 through 2015. Archived ultrasound images for PCI at the time of the fetal anatomy survey were reviewed. Data analysis was by calculation of sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy and their 95% CI for the ultrasound diagnosis of VCI. RESULTS: The prevalence of VCI was 1.6% of placentas submitted for pathologic examination. There were 122 cases of VCI and 347 controls with normal PCI. The performance criteria calculated for the diagnosis of VCI at the time of fetal anatomy survey were as follows: sensitivity 33.6%; 95% CI: 25.3, 42.7; specificity 99.7%; 95% CI: 98.4, 99.9 and accuracy 82.5; 95% CI: 80.5, 82.9. CONCLUSION: The identification of a VCI at the time of fetal anatomy survey is highly specific for the presence of a VCI as documented by placental pathology. The sensitivity in this study was less than expected. Sensitivity could be improved by reducing the number of nonvisualized PCIs, creating an awareness of risk factors for VCI, and obtaining more detailed images in the case of an apparent marginal PCI.

Placental thickness on ultrasound and neonatal birthweight.

Objective To investigate the relationship between maximal placental thickness during routine anatomy scan and birthweight at delivery. Methods This retrospective descriptive study analyzed 200 term, singleton deliveries in 2016 at Penn State Hershey Medical Center. We measured maximal placental thickness in the sagittal plane from the ultrasound images of the placenta obtained at the 18-21-week fetal anatomy screen. The relationship between placental thickness and neonatal birthweight was assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Logistic regression was used to assess the association between placental thickness and secondary binary outcomes of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission and poor Apgar scores. Two-sample t-tests, or exact Wilcoxon rank-sum test for non-normally distributed data, were used to assess for differences attributable to medical comorbidities (pre-gestational diabetes, gestational diabetes, chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia and eclampsia). Results Placental thickness had a positive correlation with neonatal birthweight [r=0.18, 95% CI=(0.05, 0.32)]. The mean placental thickness measured 34.2±9.7 mm. The strength of the correlation remained similar when adjusting for gestational age (r=0.20) or excluding medical comorbidities (r=0.19). There was no association between placental thickness and NICU admission, Apgar scores <7 or medical comorbidities. Conclusion Our study demonstrated a positive correlation between sonographic placental thickness and birthweight. Future prospective studies are warranted in order to further investigate whether a clinically significant correlation exists while adjusting for more covariates.