[Ultrasonic staging cervical cancer -a proposal for the standard procedure]. / Ultrazvukový staging karcinomu delozního hrdla - návrh standardního postupu.

OBJECTIVE: To develop guidelines for the ultrasound examination of cervical cancer, including a unified ultrasound terminology. SUBJECT: Original paper. SETTING: Gynecological Oncology Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Masaryk University and General Faculty Hospital Brno, and Gynecological Oncology Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Charles University in Prague - First Faculty of Medicine and General Faculty Hospital Prague. SUBJECT AND METHOD: The standard diagnostic algo-rithm for examination of cervical cancer in oncogynecology centers in the Czech Republic is based on published studies, own experience (Oncogynecological Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics,1st Medical Faculty, Charles University) and the experiences of a group of ultrasonographers involved in the grant project IGA MZ CR NT13070 focused on the implementation of an oncogynecological ultrasound into clinical practice. Standard ultrasound examination includes two-dimensional real-time ultrasound examination (sagittal and transverse views). Transrectal or transvaginal ultrasound examination is combined with transabdominal ultrasound. Prerequisites are quality ultrasound equipment, a high frequency microconvex linear probe and abdominal convex and linear probe. The examination is performed by an experienced sonographer (level 2 or 3 according to the recommendations of the Ultrasound division of the Czech Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Czech Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology). Intravenous administration of contrast material or three-dimensional ultrasound examination do not influence accuracy of the examination and is not a prerequisite. CONCLUSION: Based on the consensus of experienced sonographers and a review of the literature, guidelines were created for ultrasound staging of cervical cancer.

[Ultrasound staging of endometrial cancer - recommended methodology of examination]. / Ultrazvukový staging karcinomu endometria - doporucená metodika vysetrení

The extent of the staging surgery in cases of histologically proven endometrial cancer depends on whether the tumor is of high risk or low risk for extrauterine spread and recurrence. There are several significant prognostic factors - histological subtype and grade of dediferentiation from preoperative biopsy and local stage of uterine involvement based on imaging methods. The depth of myometrial invasion and presence of cervical stromal infiltration (local staging) can be assessed by ultrasound with the overall accuracy comparable to that of magnetic resonance. Transvaginal ultrasound enables to vizualize detailed pelvic anatomy and that is why it is considered to be a suitable tool for assessment of local stage of endometrial cancer. It is advisable to use the standardized terminology defined by International Endometrial Tumor Analysis group (IETA) to describe ultrasound findings. The standardized methodology of ultrasound preoperative staging examination based on prearranged protocols is recommended.

[Prenatal diagnosis and management of fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia]. / Diagnostika a management prenatální péce o plod s vrozenou bránicní kýlou.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to review current options of prenatal diagnosis and management of fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia at the Institute for the Care of Mother and Child. SETTING: Institute for the Care of Mother and Child, 3. LF UK, Prague. METHODS: Review of the literature. RESULTS: Prenatal diagnosis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia based on 2D ultrasound. Measurement of the lung-to-head ratio (LHR), observed to expected lung to head ratio (O/E LHR), side of the diaphragmatic defect, assessment of the liver position and presence of associated anomalies (negative prognostic factors) are used for prediction of outcome. Prenatal diagnosis can be suplemented by 3D ultrasonography and magnetic resonace imaging. An important part of succesful management of CDH is the referal of cases to a specialised center.

[Ultrasound imaging of normal fetal central nervous system at 8 to 12 weeks of gestation]. / Sonoanatomie CNS plodu v 8. az 12. týdnu gravidity.

With ongoing evolution of advanced ultrasound diagnostic in prenatal care the trend is to detect potential fetal anomalies in the first trimester if possible. Complex knowledge of normal fetal anatomy, embryology and ultrasound anatomy is important to be able to identify subtle abnormalities. In this review we demonstrate the possibilities of ultrasound imaging of fetal brain at late first trimester and describe normal central nervous system development week by week. Original images are presented.

[Prenatal intracranial hemorrhagie--diagnosis and follow-up]. / Prenatálne vzniklé intrakraniální krváicení--diagnostika a sledování.

AIM: We present a case of difficult prenatal diagnosis and follow-up of severe fetal intracranial hemorrhage. With an analysis of the available literature that is related to this topic, we would like to bring attention to the necessity of accurate evaluation of fetal brain morphology even during routine ultrasound examination in the late third trimester. TYPE OF STUDY: Case report. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Faculty Hospital and 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague. METHODS AND RESULTS: Four cases of prenatal intracranial hemorrhage are presented. All cases were diagnosed during ultrasound examination during the third trimester of pregnancy and the findings were clarified using nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. The etiology of the hemorrhage was determined in only two cases. Postnatal follow-up of the affected children over a range of one to two years of age shows a very severe prognosis of the described hemorrhagic conditions. CONCLUSION: Prenatally diagnosed fetal intracranial hemorrhage is a rare but severe complication in pregnancy associated with fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. A detailed description and precise image documentation of the damaged fetal structures have a fundamental forensic significance. Postnatal estimation of the time of hemorrhage using analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid and ultrasound findings (echogenicity of the lesions) is not always unified.

Pregnancy outcome in women with PCOS and in controls matched by age and weight.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the pregnancy outcome, especially the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), in a group of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), with a group of healthy weight-matched women. METHODS: Retrospectively, we evaluated the pregnancies of 66 women with PCOS, who had been treated for infertility and who delivered at our department. These were compared with a group of 66 age- and weight-matched controls. RESULTS: We did not find any significant differences in the prevalence of pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes mellitus, pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and premature deliveries between the group of PCOS patients and the controls. CONCLUSION: When differences in age and weight between PCOS patients and controls are negligible, PCOS is not associated with a higher risk of pregnancy complications.

Prediction of insulin sensitivity in nonobese women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

UNLABELLED: Insulin resistance is a frequent (although not constant) abnormality in both obese and nonobese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It plays a key role in the predisposition to type 2 diabetes, which is the most important health consequence of the syndrome. Identification of patients with insulin resistance is significant both for follow-up and for therapeutic reasons. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationships between insulin sensitivity, measured by euglycemic clamp, and both endocrine and metabolic indices and to identify the best model for predicting insulin sensitivity. A total of 41 nonobese women fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for PCOS were enrolled in the study. None of the androgens correlated with the insulin sensitivity index. All clamp parameters correlated with SHBG, triglycerides, and body mass index, although no correlation was found with waist to hip ratio or waist circumference. The close relationship between insulin sensitivity and SHBG was documented by factor analysis and by its presence in all prediction models as the most significant (or even the single) predictor of the insulin sensitivity index. IN CONCLUSION: 1) a decreased level of SHBG can be used as a single reliable parameter in the prediction of insulin sensitivity in nonobese women with PCOS; and 2) waist to hip ratio, waist circumference, and androgen concentrations have no predictive value.

[Prediction of premature labor--multifactorial analysis of a prospective clinical study]. / Predikce predcasného porodu--multifaktoriální analýza prospektivní klinické studie.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate, which of selected anamnestic, laboratory and ultrasonographic (USG) parameters could contribute to the prediction of prematurity. DESIGN: Prospective, observational, clinical study. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1st Faculty of Medicine and the General Faculty Hospital, Charles University, Prague. METHODS: 349 women with the singleton pregnancy were followed from the half of the 2nd trimester until the end of gestation. At each woman the anamnestic (age, parity, pregravid BMI, weight gain until 20th week, significant risk from patient's history, cigarette smoking, risk pregnancy symptoms until 20th week), laboratory (maternal serum concentration of AFP, hCG, and uE3/triple test/at 16th week, the blood count and ferritin concentration at 18th-20th week, bacteriological cultivation of the smear from the cervix at 34th-36th week), and USG (transvaginal cervicometry and doppler flowmetry of the uterine arteries at 18th-20th week) data were established. With the aid of one-dimensional and multi-dimensional analysis the dependence of completed gestational age and preterm delivery (before completed 37th week) on above mentioned parameters was tested. RESULTS: 314 women completed the study. We proved a significant dependence of prematurity on the following markers: risk pregnancy symptoms until 20th week (RR 2.94), abnormal triple test (RR 4.63), cultivation of pathogens from the cervix (RR 5.49), USG established cervical length (P < 0.0001), abnormal result of cervicometry (RR 19.02), both doppler parameters (RI of uterine arteries: P < 0.0001; presence of early diastolic notch: RR 2.84). The results of multi-dimensional analysis confirmed superiority of USG cervicometry in prediction of both measured outcomes. CONCLUSION: The predictive value of some of selected anamnestic, laboratory, and USG markers of premature delivery was proved at random population of women with singleton pregnancy. The abnormal result of transvaginal USG cervicometry was the most significant predictor of prematurity. We recommend a routine performing of cervicometry (as a part of USG screening at 18th-20th week) for early selection of women with significantly increased risk of prematurity.

[Laparoscopy in chronic pelvic pain--a retrospective clinical study]. / Laparoskopie pro chronickou pánevní bolest--retrospektivní klinická studie.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the laparoscopic findings in women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP). To verify the possible predictive value of the anamnestic factors for the laparoscopically established diagnosis. DESIGN: A retrospective clinical trial. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 1st Faculty of Medicine and the General Faculty Hospital, Charles University, Prague. METHODS: We realized a detailed analysis of laparoscopies for CPP performed in our clinic in the last 5 years. With the help of statistical analysis (chi 2) the possible influence of age, previous surgical intervention, history of PID, dysmenorrhea, infertility, and some other factors on endoscopic finding was verified. RESULTS: 480 laparoscopies for CPP were performed from the year 1995 to 1999. The most frequent findings were adhesions (22.3%), endometriosis (20.4%), PID (17.7%), and normal finding (17.7%). In 53% of all cases the operative laparoscopic procedure was done, most frequently the adhesiolysis (62.2%). Only one serious complication during laparoscopy was recorded (0.21%). In women younger than 30 years endometriosis was the most frequent finding (22.8%), in women older than 30 pelvic adhesions were the most often (31.9%). Diversity of findings between the groups was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). In patients with previous operation in pelvis the adhesions were found most frequently (46.2%). Diversity of findings in women with and without previous operation was also significant (P < 0.0001). In women treated for PID, pelvic inflammation was found in 25.8%, but in 22.5% the finding was negative and in 20.2% the endometriosis was diagnosed. In these subgroups (women after and without treatment of PID) the diversity of findings was not significant (P < 0.1). In infertile women, suffering from CPP, PID was found most frequently (41.2%). A suspicion of chronic appendicitis was verified in 64.3%. In patients with dysmenorrhea, as well as in women suffering from dyspareunia, endometriosis was dominant finding (30.4%, resp. 29.1%). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy for CPP is a safe and effective method for verifying and adequate therapy of as yet hidden pathological findings. With the help of anamnestic factors some laparoscopic findings are predictable; although the sensitivity and specificity is very poor.

Massive fetomaternal transplacental hemorrhage as a perinatology problem, role of ABO fetomaternal compatibility--case studies.

BACKGROUND: Massive fetomaternal transplacental hemorrhage is not simply a problem of possible alloimunization in Rh incompatibility but also endangers the fetus (newborn) by massive anemization. Bleeding from placental vessels can occur after small trauma to the gravid uterus with mild or no clinical signs (bleeding or spotting, pain, hypertonus). The rupture of anchoring villi related to early uterine contractions is also possible. In the case of slow blood loss, the fetus reacts by adequate or inadequate compensatory reactions (hydrops fetus). Rapid and massive blood loss is followed by perinatal hypoxic damage and finally death. Our goal was to map out the diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities in regard to specific neonatal care. CASE REPORT: We evaluated four cases of fetomaternal transfusion during a 2-year period with special regard to postpartum adaptation of the newborn and the perinatal outcome. The incidence of adverse outcomes following massive fetomaternal transplacental hemorrhage was 50% (2 of 4). There was one perinatal death and one infant was affected by spastic quadriplegia. CONCLUSIONS: For diagnosis, it is possible to use cardiotocography (decreased variability, sinusoid pattern), ultrasound (biophysical profile) and special hematological tests for quantitative determination of fetal erythrocytes in the maternal blood. For the treatment of such cases one should consider premature termination of pregnancy or intraumbilical transfusion.

[Anemia in pregnancy--review. Part 2]. / Anémie v tehotenství--prehled. 2. cást.

OBJECTIVE: To review the clinical risks of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in pregnant women: a list of the possible disorders of the mother, fetus and the newborn. A discussion about the clinical value of iron administration in gestation. DESIGN: Review article. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1st Faculty of Medicine and the General Faculty Hospital, Charles University, Prague. Apolinárská 18, Prague 2, 128,00. METHODS: Analysis of the results in literature (texts in medical journals, monographies, textbooks, internet--"Medline") and authors' clinical experience. CONCLUSIONS: Routine iron supplementation in pregnancy is still a controversial issue. The key question is, whether improving the mother's laboratory parameters helps to improve her clinical status and the clinical outcome of pregnancy. There is no doubt that iron supplementation in pregnancy decreases the incidence of anemia and increases the level of iron stores in the 2nd and 3rd trimester of gestation as well as in the puerperium. Even with the presence of many recent studies there still exists a lack of proper evidence, that routine iron administration in pregnancy leads to improvement of the clinical status of the mother and fetus. Up to this time there is not sufficient proof either in favour of or against iron supplementation in pregnancy. In conclusion, there is a need for further research (randomized, controlled, clinical trials focused on the clinical outcomes of pregnancy, with a sufficient amount of pregnant women and with representative statistical evaluation; or careful metaanalysis of the existing studies) to reach definite results about the importance of iron administration and about the treatment of asymptomatic anemia in gestation.