Gestational choriocarcinoma at Ibn Rochd Hospital, Casablanca, 2004-2010.

The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the frequency, risk factors, management and prognosis of gestational choriocarcinoma at the gynaecology-obstetrics C department of the Ibn Rochd Hospital in Casablanca, Morocco over a 7-year period (2004-2010). There were 18 760 pregnancies in the study period, among which 8 cases of gestational choriocarcinoma were recorded, a frequency of 43/100 000 or 1 case of gestational choriocarcinoma in 2345 pregnancies. Maternal age ranged from 20 to 48 years. It occurred after a hydatidiform mole in 4 cases, after spontaneous miscarriage in 2 and after normal delivery in 2 cases. All the patients presented with bleeding. Metastases were found in 3 patients, including 2 with pulmonary localization. Positive diagnosis was made mainly by ultrasound and human chorionic gonadotropin level and histological confirmation was done for all cases. Polychemotherapy was used to treat 4 cases, monochemotherapy to treat 3 and one case received only radiotherapy. Of the 8 cases, 2 patients died and 6 had complete remission.

Solitary ovarian plasmacytoma: About a rare entity of extramedullary plasma cell tumor.

INTRODUCTION: Solitary ovarian plasmacytoma is a rare form of extramedullary plasmacytic tumor that develops outside the bone marrow. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report the case of a 52-year-old female patient who consulted for pelvic pain and abdominal distension. Clinical examination revealed an abdominopelvic mass and a pelvic MRI confirmed a right ovarian mass. The diagnosis of ovarian plasmacytoma was made after exploratory laparotomy. DISCUSSION: Extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) is rare and most often found in the upper aerodigestive tract, ovarian localization is exceptional. Histological and immunohistochemical features of EMP highlights similarities with multiple myeloma. EMP treatment options are discussed, including radiotherapy, surgery, and chemotherapy. The prognosis of EMP depends on several factors, including tumor size and timing of treatment. CONCLUSION: Solitary ovarian plasmacytoma is a rare but important entity to consider in the diagnosis of abdominopelvic masses. Appropriate treatment, such as surgery combined with radiotherapy, can be effective, although regular monitoring is necessary due to the risk of relapse and transformation into multiple myeloma.

[Potential role of the angiogenic factor "EG-VEGF" in gestational trophoblastic diseases]. / Rôle potentiel du facteur angiogénique «EG-VEGF¼ dans les maladies gestationnelles trophoblastiques.

Gestational trophoblastic disease (MGT) includes a wide spectrum of pathologies of the placenta, ranging from benign precancerous lesions, with gestational trophoblastic tumors. Metastases are the leading causes of death as a result of this tumor. They represent a major problem for obstetrics and for the public health system. To date, there is no predictor of the progression of molar pregnancies to gestational trophoblastic tumor (GTT). Only an unfavorable plasma hCG monitoring after evacuation of hydatidiform mole is used to diagnose a TTG. The causes of the development of this cancer are still poorly understood. Increasing data in the literature suggests a close association between the development of this tumor and poor placental vascularization during the first trimester of pregnancy. The development of the human placenta depends on a coordination between the trophoblast and endothelial cells. A disruption in the expression of angiogenic factors could contribute to uterine or extra-uterine tissue invasion by extravillous trophoblast, contributing to the development of TTG. This review sheds lights on the phenomenon of angiogenesis during normal and abnormal placentation, especially during the MGT and reports preliminary finding concerning, the variability of expression of "Endocrine Gland-Derived Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor" (EG-VEGF), a specific placental angiogenic factor, in normal and molar placentas, and the potential role of differentiated expressions of the main placental angiogenic factors in the scalability of hydatidiform moles towards a recovery or towards the development of gestational trophoblastic tumor. Deciphering the mechanisms by which the angiogenic factor influences these processes will help understand the pathophysiology of MGT and to create opportunities for early diagnosis and treatment of the latter.

[Partial hydatidiform mole in Morocco: an epidemiological and clinical study]. / Les môles hydatiformes partielles au Maroc: étude épidémiologique et clinique.

This retrospective study reviewed cases of partial hydatidiform mole (PHM) diagnosed at the University Hospital in Casablanca from 2000 to 2010 in order to examine the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and progressive pathological factors associated with PHM. All PHM cases confirmed clinically and sonographically at pathological examination were included. We identified 24 cases of PHM among 60 748 births and 1704 abortions, giving a frequency of 0.4 per 1000 pregnancies and 1.4% of abortions. The mean age was 26 years (range: 16-55 years). The circumstances of discovery and clinical ultrasound varied: 79.2% of patients sought consultation for bleeding; clinical thyrotoxicosis syndrome was found in 1 patient (4.2%). Physical examination showed increased uterine size in 83.3% of cases associated with a latero-uterine mass in 25%. The diagnosis was supported by an ultrasound examination combined with measurement of plasma betaHCG. Histological confirmation was made in all cases and treatment was endo-uterine aspiration. Neoplastic drift was observed in 1 case (4.2%) which went into remission with chemotherapy.

[The ovarian immature teratoma with gliomatosis peritonei]. / Tératome immature de l'ovaire avec gliomatose péritonéale. A propos d'un cas et revue de la littérature.

OBJECTIVE: We return a case of ovarian immature teratoma with peritoneal gliomatose at a woman aged of 20 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The diagnosis discovered following pelvic mass increasing volume and treaty by a one-sided annexectomy, with chemotherapy. RESULTS: Eighty-seven cases have been published in the literature. Although potential for recurrence is high, the risk of malignancy is very low. CONCLUSION: Ovarian immature teratoma is a malignant germ cell tumor and represents less than 1% of ovarian malignant tumors. Tissues are derived from the three germ layers (endo-, meso- and ectoderm). Tumor grading is based on the amount of immature neuroepithelium present. The prognosis is directly correlated to histological grade. Rapid (fast) growth leads to large tumors with an early diagnosis. Gliomatosis peritonei is a rare situation, characterized by the recurrence of peritoneal implants after the surgical treatment of ovarian teratoma. This entity does not modify the good prognosis of mature teratomas, but we recommend regular follow-up.

[Chronic renal failure and pregnancy]. / Insuffisance rénale chronique et grossesse.

The women who are suffering from chronic renal failure in an advanced stage have a deficient fertility but they are not sterile. Hemodialysis has improved considerably the fertility of these patients. The aim of this study is to give the results of our experience, from 1990 to 1996, about pregnancies among the uremic patients, dialysed or no and to make a literature review about this subject. We have noticed that pregnancies in the dialysis patients are rare and their evolution is precarious. We have also noticed more miscarriage or pregnancy interruption. Complications are frequent. Mothers have a high risk of hemorrhagic accident (ablatio placentae), of anemia aggravation, of thrombosis of the vascular approach and a high risk of liver anomalies (gravidic cholestasis). The fetus suffers from the maternal anemia and from chronic hypoxia. He's threatened by hydramnios in the case of bad volemic supervision. The intra uterine delayed developement and the prematurity are usual. The absence of high blood pressure and a residual renal function are representing the favourable elements of the good march of pregnancy. A therapeutic intensification is necessary in order to lead this pregnancies to a viable term. The management is heavy not only for the nephrologic, the obstetrical and the neonatal physicians, but also for the patient who is the only one who can decide to continue or to interrupt the pregnancy. It seems better to inform the patient rather than to procure her abortion by proposing her an effective and inoffensive contraceptive method meanwhile to be pregnant after renal transplantation.

[Jaundice and pregnancy. The role of viral hepatitis]. / Ictère et grossesse. La place de l'hépatite virale.

Through a series of 76 cases of jaundice observed in pregnant women, the authors emphasize on the biggest frequency of viral hepatitis among the all of etiology. In fact that one represents the 2/3 of cases. They insist on the graves forms of the diseases which are responsible of a high maternal mortality and big foetal complications.

[Delivery of large baby after cesarean section: role of trial of labor. Apropos of 355 cases]. / Accouchement du gros bébé sur utérus cicatriciel : la place de l'épreuve utérine.

OBJECTIVE: Our goal is to determine whether a trial of labor in women with suspected fetal macrosomia would be a valuable alternative to elective repeat cesarean. MATERIAL: and methods: Based on retrospective analysis of 355 women with previous cesarean section who delivered macrosomic infants (> or =4,000g), we tried to determine the impact of fetal weight on a trial of labor. The outcomes of trial of labor with fetal macrosomia were compared on the one hand to those of elective repeat cesarean and on the other hand to those of trial of labor with normal birth weight (<4,000g). RESULTS: The trial of labor was conducted in 297 cases (83,7%), and had led to vaginal birth in 189 cases (63,6%). There were 4 uterine ruptures (1,3%) and 8 uterine dehiscences (2,7%) among the women who underwent a trial of labor. In this group, there were 4 perinatal deaths (1,3%) related in one case to uterine rupture, and 2 brachial plexus injuries related to shoulder dystocia after vaginal birth. Perinatal and maternal outcomes of trial of labor were similar to those of elective repeat cesarean. A trial of labor was more associated with scar separations and lower success rate if the infant weighed 4,000g or more. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that the use of trial of labor for delivery of large baby with prior cesarean section was associated with lower success rate and the maternal and fetal risks could be increased. However, carefully others controlled studies are necessary to establish the appropriate management in this setting.

[Induction of labor by misoprostol, an analog of PGE1. A prospective study of 200 cases]. / Induction du travail par misoprostol, analogue de PGE1. Etude prospective à propos de 200 cas.

We carried out a prospective study of 200 pregnant women who required induction of labor at full term, at the Lalla Meryem maternity unit of the Ibn Rochd University Hospital, Casablanca, between January 1st 1996 and June 30th 1997. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, tolerance and acceptance of misoprostol (Cytotec) as a drug for inducing labor in unfavorable conditions (Bishop < 5). Misoprostol (a PGE1 analog) was administered to the women via the vagina, with a dose of 1/4 tb (50 mg) given every 6 hours, and a maximum of 3 doses (150 mg). If labor had not begun 18 h after the start of the protocol, misoprostol induction was considered to have failed. We found that misoprostol failed to induce labor in 5% of cases, Syntocinon was required in 40% of cases and the interval between misoprostol insertion and vaginal delivery was 13.3 + 11.1 h. The rate of delivery by cesarean section was 22% and the mean amount of misoprostol required was 1.3 doses (66 mg). The mean cost of labor induction was 0.6 FF, the frequency of uterine hyperstimulation was 3.5% and maternal, fetal and neonatal tolerance was good. Our results confirm that intravaginal misoprostol is very effective and well tolerated for the induction of labor in pregnant women at full term, in unfavorable obstetric conditions.

[Premature rupture of fetal membranes. Its management is still disputed!]. / La rupture prématurée des membranes. Une prise en charge encore controversée!

The aim of this study is to have an idea about the epidemiologic and clinic profile of the PRM, the management of the PRM. We conclude from this retrospective study about 374 cases, that the PRM frequency is about 2.67%. It reaches particularly the young women, primipar (57.48%) and not happen of this accident. The diagnosis was clinical in general. In the doubtful cases, amniotic infection was present in 25.13%. The delivery was characterized by the complications were dominated by prematurity and neonatal infection which both caused a high perinatal mortality 49.3%). A better sanitary education of any pregnant woman, a regular follow-up of the pregnancies, a treatment of each etiologic factor of this accident, a good per and postnatal supervision could remarkably limit the incidence of this obstetrical accident and also improve the maternal and fetal prognosis.

[Youssef's syndrome]. / Le syndrome de Youssef.

Youssef's syndrome is an uncommon form of vesico-uterine fistula, caracterized clinically by the association: amenorrhea cyclic, hematuria without urinary leakage. This entity is the result of pressure gradient between uterin cavity and bladder reservoir. We report on one case.

[Hyperthyroidism in molar pregnancy]. / Hyperthyroïdie au cours d'une grossesse molaire.

INTRODUCTION: Hyperthyroidism is a rare complication of molar pregnancy. CASE REPORT: We report a 39-year-old woman who presented a thyrotoxic syndrome accompanying a molar pregnancy. Serum thyroid hormones were elevated and returned to normal level after uterine evacuation of a molar pregnancy. The authors detail the role of thyroid stimulating property of human gonadotropin chorionic hormone and its structural changes during the gestational trophoblastic diseases. These changes give the latter the thyroid stimulating properties and signs of hyperthyroidism. CONCLUSION: Molar pregnancy may be a cause of hyperthyroidism. The diagnosis of molar pregnancy should be a mention to thyrotoxicosique syndrome in a woman of childbearing age.

[Pregnancy in Gaucher disease]. / Grossesse et maladie de Gaucher.

Gaucher disease is a lysosomal storage disorder due to deficiency of glucocerebrosidase. The association with pregnancy exposes the worsening of the disease and complications of pregnancy and puerperium. We report a case of pregnancy in a woman of 35 years, suffering from Gaucher disease type 1. Pregnancy had a favorable outcome. Complications occurred. They were kept under control. The outcome was favorable. The authors discuss the evolution of the disease during pregnancy and management of complications. They can occur during pregnancy, post-partum and breastfeeding. Support begins with preconception consultation. It involves finding and correcting the biological problems and deficiencies, and management of complications. Genetic counseling is important, it helps prevent inbreeding.

[Physical violence during pregnancy in Morocco]. / Sévices physiques durant la grossesse au Maroc.

INTRODUCTION: Physical abuse are a serious social problem and an issue of perinatal health. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This article presents the results of a survey conducted at the CHU Ibn Rochd of Casablanca (Morocco), over a period of one year, in order to determine their frequency, risk factors, maternal diseases and obstetric complications. RESULTS: The results of our survey found that women who reported physical abuse have a frequency of 12.3% (107 cases). The average age of these women is 22.3 years; 65.6% of parturients are illiterate, 45% are from a disadvantaged socioeconomic status, 47% originated from a rural county; 37% are unmarried; half of the abused are multiparous with an average of 3.2 living children; 23% of the pregnancies are unplanned. Lastly, 37.3% of pregnant partners are unemployed and 67% have toxic habits. Obstetric complications are fairly frequent and mental effects are not negligible with 3 attempted suicides and attempted homicide. CONCLUSION: Early identification of abuse suffered by pregnant women and taking measures to prevent them could reduce the occurrence of these adverse effects.