bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BEHAVIOUR OF TOTAL OESTROGEN, PREGNANEDIOL AND CREATININE LEVELS IN THE AMNIOTIC FLUID IN THE LAST WEEKS OF PREGNANCY
Authors: Woytoń J. , Sward J. , Dzioba A. , Gajewski A. , Szacki J. , Baranowski H.
Published: August 2005

Amniotic fluid levels of total oestrogens, pregnanediol and creatinine were studied in samples obtained between 35 and 43 weeks of pregnancy. Amniotic fluid total oestrogen levels increased in the last weeks of pregnancy and dropped in patients who were overdue and gave birth to infants showing signs of postmaturity. Amniotic fluid pregnanediol levels were steady in the last weeks of pregnancy, but increased sharply when pregnancy lasted more than 40 weeks. Creatinine levels increased steadily throughout pregnancy. It was felt that high amniotic fluid levels of pregnanediol were in some way associated with a failure of processes responsible for the onset of uterine contractions at term.
AMNIOTIC FLUID LECITHIN AND ITS FATTY ACID COMPOSITION IN RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME
Authors: Ekelund Laila , Arvidson Gösta , ÅStedt Birger
Published: August 2005

In a prospective study, specimens of amniotic fluid were obtained at parturition from 853 consecutive patients. Nine of the infants, with a gestational age of 25 to 37 weeks, developed respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). The amniotic fluid phospholipids were analyzed in these nine patients and in two other groups: one consisted of 15 patients with a gestational age of 35 weeks and the other of 80 randomly selected full‐term pregnancies. None of the infants in these two groups developed RDS. The total amniotic fluid phospholipids were analyzed by thinlayer chromatography without preceding precipitation in acetone, and the fractions were isolated and quantitated by phosphorus determination. In addition, the fatty acid composition of the lecithins was determined. The mean concentration of the total phospholipids and the lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio were significantly lower in the RDS group than in the other two groups with healthy infants. In the RDS group there was also a significantly lower proportion of palmitic acid in the amniotic fluid lecithins. The present investigation clearly demonstrates that analysis of total amniotic fluid phospholipids should be of great value in estimating the pulmonary maturity of the fetus.
HUMAN PLACENTAL LACTOGEN (HPL) LEVELS IN MATERNAL SERUM DURING ABORTION INDUCED BY INTRA‐ AND EXTRA‐AMNIOTIC INJECTION OF PROSTAGLAND1N F2α
Authors: Ylikorkala O. , Pennanen S.
Published: August 2005

Human placental lactogen (HPL) concentrations in maternal serum were measured by double antibody radioimmunoassay in 25 patients who were undergoing abortion by intra‐ and extra‐amniotic injection of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and by extra‐amniotic injection of hypertonic saline in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. The injection of 150 ml. of 20 per cent NaCl did not change the HPL level but the extra‐amniotic injection of 5 to 6 mg. of PGF2α and the intra‐amniotic injection of 20 to 25 mg. of PGF2α decreased the serum HPL level significantly (p<0.01) in the two hours after the injections. PGF2α administered by intrauterine routes appeared to have a direct effect on the placental synthesis and/or the secretion of HPL in early pregnancy.
THE EFFECT OF ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES ON SERUM COPPER LEVELS IN NIGERIAN WOMEN
Authors: Olatunbosun D. A. , Adeniyi F. A. , Adadevoh B. K.
Published: August 2005

Serum copper levels were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy in 224 Nigerian women attending the postpartum Family Planning Clinic of University College Hospital, Ibadan. Eighty‐seven of the women had been fitted with the Lippes intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD), 28 were taking Ovral 28, and 65 Norlestrin Fe. Forty‐four women attending for the first time served as normal controls. The mean serum copper levels in the women taking oral contraceptive agents were 144 μg./l00 ml. for the group taking Ovral 28, and 142 μg./100 ml. for those taking Norlestrin Fe. These values were similar, but significantly greater than the mean values for the control group and for the group fitted with IUCDs which were also similar. Compared to values reported in non‐Nigerians these values were all much lower and appear to be related to a reduction in appropriate binding and transport proteins in individuals in this environment.
PROTEINURIA IN PRE‐ECLAMPSIA
Authors: Simanowitz M. D. , MacGregor W. G. , Hobbs J. R.
Published: August 2005

The urine/serum ratios of seven proteins of varying molecular weight have been determined in patients with pre‐eclampsia, using radial immunodiffusion. A linear excretion pattern of protein clearance on molecular weight has been confirmed in pregnancy proteinuria. Protein selectivity indices, based on this relationship have been derived for each patient with pre‐eclampsia and were found to lie in the intermediate range of selectivity.
INDUCTION OF LABOUR BY AMNIOTOMY AND INTRAVENOUS INFUSIONS OF OXYTOCIC DRUGS – A COMPARISON BETWEEN PROSTAGLANDINS AND OXYTOCIN
Authors: Brown A. A. , Hamlett J. D. , Ibbard B. M. , Howe P. D.
Published: August 2005

The effects of intravenous infusions of prostaglandins E2 or F2å were compared with the effects of oxytocin infusions in patients who had a low amniotomy after 37 weeks of gestation. Pairs of patients receiving oxytocin and a prostaglandin were matched for age, parity and gestation period. With the technique described low doses of prostaglandins were effective in inducing labour and 78 per cent of patients were delivered within 12 hours. No significant practical advantages of prostaglandins over oxytocin were evident and side‐effects from prostaglandins sometimes necessitated discontinuing the infusion.
A DOUBLE‐BLIND STUDY OF INTRA‐AMNIOTIC UREA AND HYPERTONIC SALINE FOR THERAPEUTIC ABORTION
Authors: Smith Robert J. , Newton John
Published: August 2005

A double‐blind trial using intra‐amniotic injections of hypertonic urea and hypertonic saline for inducing mid‐trimester abortions is reported. There were fifty patients in each group and each intra‐amniotic injection was followed by an intravenous Syntocinon drip. Termination was not achieved in five patients, all of whom received intra‐amniotic urea. If one includes these five patients, there was a significant difference between the induction‐abortion intervals in the two groups. The overall complication rate was similar in the two groups.
THE CYTOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS OF ENDOMETRIAL PATHOLOGY USING A UTERINE ASPIRATION TECHNIQUE
Authors: Wachtel Erica , Gordon H. , Wycherley J.
Published: August 2005

Seventy patients were studied using a new negative pressure uterine aspiration technique to obtain samples for endometrial cytology. Normal cytological findings were associated with a normal endometrium in all cases. There was difficulty in precise diagnosis when the cytology was abnormal, and the reasons for this are discussed. Nevertheless the method may well be of value in the early diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma.
A CASE OF GENITAL HERPESVIRUS INFECTION IN PREGNANCY
Authors: Roberts J. K.
Published: August 2005

A case of genital herpes in pregnancy is described. The infant also developed the infection and died. The management of genital herpes in pregnancy is discussed.
PLASMA OESTRIOL CONCENTRATION DURING NORMAL PREGNANCY
Authors: Masson Gordon M.
Published: August 2005

Serial measurements were made of the concentration of plasma oestriol in normal pregnancy. The mean curve and limits of normal variation have been defined. The mean curve was analyzed and the correlations between various features of the pregnancy and plasma oestriol concentrations at particular stages of gestation were examined. Serial plasma oestriol concentrations seemed to give a better indication of feto‐placental function than serial urinary oestriol excretion values.
PLASMA OESTRIOL IN PRE‐ECLAMPSIA
Authors: Masson Gordon M.
Published: August 2005

Plasma oestriol was measured serially in a group of patients considered likely to develop pre‐eclampsia. In some the plasma oestriol curve deviated from normal before clinical signs of pre‐eclampsia became apparent. Plasma oestriol values were abnormal in patients with pre‐eclampsia, particularly if the condition was severe.
CHANGES IN UNCONJUGATED OESTROGENS AND PROGESTERONE CONCENTRATION IN PLASMA AT THE APPROACH OF LABOUR
Authors: Shaaban Mamdouh M. , Klopper Arnold
Published: August 2005

The concentrations of unconjugated oestriol, of unconjugated oestradiol and of progesterone were measured in the plasma of ten normal pregnant women during the last 15 to 21 days of pregnancy and in labour. The approach of labour was not associated with any consistent change in hormone concentration or in the relationship of oestrogen and progesterone levels to one another.
THE EFFECT OF CONTINUOUS LUMBAR EPIDURAL ANALGESIA ON MATERNAL ACID‐BASE BALANCE AND ARTERIAL LACTATE CONCENTRATION DURING THE SECOND STAGE OF LABOUR
Authors: Pearson James F. , Davies Paul
Published: August 2005

The effects of continuous lumbar epidural analgesia on maternal arterial acid‐base balance and arterial lactate concentration in the second stage of labour were investigated. Although primiparae became more acidotic than multiparae, their rates of increase in acidosis were virtually identical. Epidural analgesia depressed the bearing‐down reflex and thus diminished the rate of production of lactate and the degree of maternal metabolic acidosis.
A SCORING SYSTEM FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF MULTIPLE METHODS OF MONITORING FETAL GROWTH
Authors: Robinson H. P. , Chatfield W. R. , Logan R. W. , Tweedie A. K. , Barnard W. P.
Published: August 2005

Forty‐five “at risk” pregnancies were serially monitored by sonar biparietal cephalometry, 24‐hour urinary oestriol assays and determination of serum oxytocinase, total alkaline phosphatase and heat‐stable alkaline phosphatase activities. The results were assessed by a scoring system, and it was found that a combination of sonar cephalometry and 24‐hour urinary oestriol assays gave the most reliable prediction of intrauterine growth retardation.
ABRUPTION OF THE PLACENTA
Authors: Blair Robert G.
Published: August 2005

A series of 189 cases of abruption of the placenta admitted in the five years from 1965 to 1969 to Bellshill Maternity Hospital, Lanarkshire, is reported. There was one maternal death and a perinatal loss of 55 per cent. The role of Caesarean section in improving infant survival in selected cases after the 34th week of gestation is discussed.
CLOSED SYSTEM OF BLADDER IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE AFTER MAJOR VAGINAL SURGERY
Authors: Clark A. D. , Crossley J.
Published: August 2005

A system of closed bladder antiseptic irrigation and drainage was used after major vaginal surgery on 108 patients. The infection rates were 20 per cent when using chlorhexidine 1 in 5000 and 22 per cent with a 1 per cent solution of noxythiolin.
POSTABORTAL POSTERIOR COLPOTOMY AND STERILIZATION
Authors: Sheth Shirish S. , Kothari Meena L. , Munshi Varsha
Published: August 2005

A series is described of 300 patients who had a posterior colpotomy and sterilization at the time of termination of pregnancy or at evacuation of the uterus after a spontaneous abortion.
INJURIES OF THE CERVIX AFTER INDUCED MIDTRIMESTER ABORTION
Authors: Bradley‐Watson P. J. , Beard R. J. , Craft L.
Published: August 2005

Severe damage to the cervix after the intra‐amniotic injection of urea and prostaglandin F2α is reported. Speculum examination is advised following completion of mid‐trimester abortion induced by oxytocic agents.
A NEW APPROACH TO THE INHIBITION OF PUERPERAL LACTATION
Authors: Rolland Rune , Schellekens Louis
Published: August 2005

Inhibition of lactation by the new peptide ergot alkaloid 2‐Br‐α‐ergocryptine (CB154) was studied in a double‐blind trial. Forty patients divided into four groups were treated during seven consecutive days with daily doses of either 2.5 mg., 5.0 mg., 7–5 mg. of CB154 or a placebo. In terms of milk secretion, engorgement and pain the CB154 therapy was significantly better than the placebo. Tolerance of CB154 was good and no drug‐related side effects were observed. In a further trial CB154 was tried in five patients with already established lactation and in 22 patients who had not responded to standard hormonal therapy. With one exception (suppression of lactation after four months of full breast‐feeding) excellent results were achieved.

For prevention as well as for the suppression of already established lactation, the following dosage schedule of CB154 is effective and avoids a rebound phenomenon: 2.5 mg. twice daily for two weeks, followed by 2.5 mg. once daily for one week.
HUMAN FETAL AND MATERNAL PLASMA OESTROGENS AND THE ONSET OF LABOUR
Authors: Patten P. T. , Anderson A. B. M. , Turnbull A. C.
Published: August 2005

Levels of unconjugated oestrone and oestradiol were measured in maternal peripheral and umbilical arterial and venous plasma. The levels before and after the spontaneous onset of labour were compared, samples being obtained either at elective Caesarean section or at normal delivery following labour of spontaneous onset. In the umbilical circulation, the mean concentrations of both oestrone and oestradiol were higher in the vein than in the artery, but the V‐A difference was highly significant only for oestrone (P<0.001). The main positive finding in relation to labour was that in the umbilical vein plasma, the oestrone level was significantly higher (P<0.01) after labour than before its onset, the mean value (±S.E.) in the patients having an elective Caesarean section being 10.9 (±1–4) ng./ml., compared with a level of 17.1 (±1.6) ng./ml. in the group delivering spontaneously. In the maternal peripheral circulation there was no appreciable change in the level of oestrone or oestradiol in relation to labour. It is concluded that the increase in umbilical vein oestrone may depend on a change in the placental metabolism of oestrogens related to labour, and probably reflects more complex endocrine changes concerned in the control of human parturition.
A STUDY OF CERVICAL VIBRATION IN INDUCED LABOUR
Authors: Beard Robert , Boyd Iain , Holt Edmund
Published: August 2005

The effect of dilating the cervix by vibration was studied in a group of 50 patients in labour randomly allocated to treatment or control groups. There was no difference in the overall induction to delivery interval. The average rate of cervical dilatation was increased in the patients who had cervical vibration, but not significantly so. In 13 out of 25 patients who had cervical vibration the cervix became sufficiently dilated to make ventouse delivery possible. The procedure was found to be safe and acceptable to patients.
E PROSTAGLANDINS IN AMNIOTIC FLUID DURING LATE PREGNANCY AND LABOUR
Authors: Keirse M. J. N. C. , Turnbull A. C.
Published: August 2005

Concentrations of prostaglandins e1 and E2 (PGE1 and PGE2) have been measured by gas liquid chromatography with electron‐capture detection, in samples of amniotic fluid from 49 patients with normal pregnancies and one patient with a pregnancy complicated by anencephaly. In 10 of 12 samples taken before the onset of clinical labour, PGE2 levels were below 0.5 ng. per ml. In 37 samples, obtained from patients in labour, PGE2 concentrations varied from 1 .2 to 17.0 ng. per ml. PGE2 concentrations increased significantly (p<0.001) with advancing cervical dilatation. No PGE1 (less than 0.5 ng. per ml.) was found in any sample investigated. Levels of PGE2 in oxytocin‐induced or spontaneous labour were not statistically different. No PGE2 was found in the late first stage labour in one patient, in whom pregnancy was complicated by anencephaly.
THE EFFECT OF CONTINUOUS EPIDURAL BLOCKADE ON PLASMA 11‐HYDROXYCORTICOSTEROID CONCENTRATIONS IN LABOUR
Authors: Buchan Peter C. , Milne Melville K. , Browning Margaret C. K.
Published: August 2005

The adrenocortical response to labour was assessed by measurement of plasma 11‐hydroxycorticosteroid concentrations in 20 patients. Labour was induced by artificial rupture of the membranes and intravenous oxytocin. Ten patients received analgesia by intramuscular pethidine and ten by continuous epidural blockade.

Epidural blockade prevented the rise in plasma 11‐hydroxycorticosteroid concentration which occurred during labour in patients given pethidine alone, but did not block the rise with the delivery of the child.

The findings illustrate the effectiveness of efficient analgesia in reducing the stress of labour as assessed by plasma 11‐hydroxycorticosteroid concentrations.
A TRIAL OF CLOTRIMAZOLE AND NYSTATIN IN VAGINAL MONILIASIS
Authors: Higton B. K.
Published: August 2005

A trial of clotrimazole and nystatin was made in 50 obstetrical and gynaecological patients with mycological evidence of vaginal moniliasis. Treatment for six days resulted in a higher eradication rate with clotrimazole (96 per cent) than with nystatin (76 per cent) and a comparable decrease in symptoms and signs. Four weeks after the end of treatment the recurrence rates in those patients with negative cultures immediately after therapy were 12.5 per cent with clotrimazole and 26.4 per cent with nystatin. No significant adverse effects were noted in either group of patients.
ENDOMETRIAL SARCOMA CAUSING OBSTRUCTED LABOUR
Authors: Nye E. B.
Published: August 2005

A search of the literature has failed to reveal previous reports of obstructed labour due to stromal endometriosis or sarcoma. Such a case is here recorded. A biopsy was taken at Caesarean section and hysterectomy four weeks later confirmed endometrial sarcoma.
INTRAPARTUM DRUGS AND FETAL BLOOD pH and GAS STATUS
Authors: Hounslow Dianne , Wood Carl , Humphrey Michael , Chang Allan
Published: August 2005

A retrospective study, including a control group, demonstrated that nalorphine may have a detrimental effect on fetal acid‐base and blood gas status. Delivery of the head was slower in patients given analgesic drugs in labour. Pethidine apparently diminished transplacental oxygen transfer, but this effect was not sufficiently severe to influence acid‐base status.
A SERIAL STUDY OF CHANGES OCCURRING IN THE ORAL GLUCOSE TOLERANCE TEST DURING PREGNANCY
Authors: Lind T. , Billewicz W. Z. , Brown Gail
Published: August 2005

Nineteen healthy pregnant women with no family history of diabetes took part in a serial study in which they had a standard 50 g. oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 10, 20, 30 and 38 weeks gestation and again 10 to 12 weeks after delivery. While every test result remained within “normal” limits as defined by any of the standard criteria, subtle and progressive changes in the shape of the glucose response curve were shown to occur throughout pregnancy. These changes in shape were evaluated by means of the H index recently described by Billewicz et al. (1973); in 14 patients the values attained were characteristic of a “suspect” or “abnormal” response in non–pregnant subjects. Nevertheless since all of these women remained clinically normal throughout, and it is unlikely that 14 out of 19 will become diabetic later in life, it seems unreasonable that these changes per se should be regarded as evidence of impending pathology.
HUMAN PLACENTAL LACTOGEN (HPL) IN SERUM IN COMPLICATED EARLY PREGNANCY
Authors: Ylikorkala Olavi , Jouppila Pentti
Published: August 2005

The clinical value of maternal serum HPL concentrations determined by radio‐immunoassay in complicated early pregnancy was studied between the 6th and 20th weeks of pregnancy. The subjects were 203 normally pregnant women and 188 whose pregnancy was complicated by uterine bleeding. In threatened abortion where the pregnancy continued successfully (102 patients) the HPL level was generally similar to that in normal pregnancy and showed a pattern of increase in serial determinations. In complicated pregnancies with an unsuccessful outcome (blighted ovum 19, incomplete abortion 42, and missed abortion 25) HPL values were low and decreased in serial samples. A single HPL determination seemed to be a sufficiently reliable index of viable pregnancy from the 14th week onwards, but before that serial HPL samples would seem to be needed.
PRIMARY ABDOMINAL (PERITONEAL) PREGNANCY
Authors: Kellett R. J.
Published: August 2005

A case of primary abdominal pregnancy occurring in a 40‐year‐old Jamaican negress is recorded, the patient presenting with lower abdominal pain and eventually succumbing to massive intraperitoneal haemorrhage. Studdiford's criteria for primary abdominal pregnancy are enumerated and assessed. A brief review of the literature with a table of the more popularly quoted cases is presented.
PLACENTA MEMBRANACEA
Authors: Pryse–Davies J. , Dewhurst C. J. , Campbell S.
Published: August 2005

A case of placenta membranacea is presented in which bleeding between 7 and 20 weeks of gestation was persistent and marked, necessitating blood transfusion to a total of 10 litres. Spontaneous abortion occurred at 20 weeks. Examination of the placenta and membranes showed the presence of a distinct placental disc 2 cm. thick; elsewhere the sac was completely covered by villi 0.2 to 0.3 cm. thick. Comparisons are made with other case reports and the use of ultrasound in the diagnosis of this condition is discussed.
TIME—AN IMPORTANT VARIABLE IN NORMAL DELIVERY
Authors: Wood Carl , Hing Ng Keng , Hounslow Dianne , Benning Hella
Published: August 2005

A controlled study showed that speeding birth increased umbilical artery and vein blood pH, most probably by reducing fetal asphyxia. The methods used to speed delivery were simple and were readily applied to a predominantly migrant population. The umbilical artery blood p H in the fast group was significantly higher than in six of seven studies in other centres.
URINARY OESTRIOL IN PREGNANCY, DAILY FLUCTUATION, AND CORRELATION WITH FETAL GROWTH
Authors: Bergsjøs Per , Bakke Trygve , Salamonsen Lois A. , Støsa Karl F. , Thorsen Thor
Published: August 2005

Urinary oestriol output in 214 series of three consecutive 24‐hour periods during late pregnancy showed large day‐to‐day fluctuations. The clinical correlations have been based on the mean excretion value of each three‐day series. From 30 weeks of pregnancy onwards there was a highly significant difference in the oestriol output between mothers who had normal‐sized babies (birthweight above the 25th percentile) and those who had small‐for‐dates babies (birthweight below the 10th percentile). Serial oestriol determinations also showed that in pregnancies with growth‐retarded fetuses the levels were persistently low, or falling, while in pregnancies with normal‐sized fetuses the levels rose, often sharply. The shape of the curves was more important than the actual values in predicting the outcome with regard to the birthweight of the baby.
AMNIOTIC FLUID PHOSPHOLIPIDS IN NORMAL AND ABNORMAL PREGNANCY
Authors: Bayer Hannes , Bonnar John , Phizackerley P. J. R. , Moore R. A. , Wylie Fiona
Published: August 2005

A method is described that gives accurate quantification of the phospholipid fractions in amniotic fluid and requires a sample of only one ml. Phospholipid estimations were made in 86 samples of amniotic fluid from normal and abnormal pregnancies. The percentage of amniotic fluid phospholipids that were alkali‐labile was determined. As thin‐layer chromatography suggested that most of the alkali‐labile phospholipid was lecithin, this percentage was called the “lecithin level”. Prenatal lecithin levels in amniotic fluid were compared with the neonatal condition of the infant. When the amniotic fluid lecithin level exceeded 65 per cent, fetal lung maturity could be anticipated. Amniotic fluid lecithin levels below 60 per cent of the total phospholipid were associated with the development of respiratory distress syndrome and also with anencephaly. In pregnancies complicated by hypertension and fetal growth retardation the amniotic fluid lecithin levels were within the normal range.
ANTENATAL DIAGNOSIS OF FETAL SEX BY CYTOPLASMIC STAINING OF CELLS IN AMNIOTIC FLUID
Authors: Nelson Matilda M.
Published: August 2005

Antenatal prediction of sex using Shorr's cytoplasmic stain was made in 93 samples of amniotic fluid from 71 women. This technique provided correct diagnoses in 97 per cent of samples obtained after 30 weeks of gestation. Before this the method was unreliable. Comparisons are made with the results obtained by methods of nuclear sexing.
BLOOD LEVELS OF D1AZEPAM IN INFANTS OF TWO MOTHERS GIVEN LARGE DOSES OF DIAZEPAM DURING LABOUR
Authors: McCarthy Gillian T. , O'Connell Bridget , Robinson Ann E.
Published: August 2005

Two babies are described whose mothers were given large doses of diazepam during labour. One mother had eclampsia, and the other had severe pre‐eclampsia. Both babies were severely asphyxiated at birth, and one showed depressed respirations and reflexes for four days. The blood levels of diazepam in both babies rose for 40 hours after birth and then fell suddenly but remained detectable until the seventh day of life. The metabolism of the drug in the perinatal period is discussed.
THE EFFECT OF THE STATEMENT BY THE COMMITTEE ON SAFETY OF DRUGS CONCERNING ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES CONTAINING OESTROGENS ON THE CONTRACEPTIVE PRACTICES OF WOMEN ATTENDING TWO FAMILY PLANNING CLINICS
Authors: Badaracco Mary , Vessey Martin P. , Wiggins Peter
Published: August 2005

Following the statement concerning oral contraceptives containing oestrogens by the Committee on Safety of Drugs in December 1969, many women in England and Wales stopped taking oral contraceptives and it seems highly probable that thousands of unintended pregnancies occurred. By contrast, among 1328 women attending family planning clinics at Norwich and High Wycombe, no more than a handful of women discontinued oral contraception, and no accidental pregnancies occurred which could be attributed to the events occurring in December 1969.
SHORT‐TERM HIGH‐DOSE METRONIDAZOLE FOR VAGINAL TRICHOMONIASIS
Authors: Davidson F.
Published: August 2005

One hundred and twenty women with trichomoniasis were treated with 4 g. of metronidazole given over a period of two days in dosage of two 400 mg. tablets in the morning and three 400 mg. tablets at night. Thirty‐eight consorts were similarly treated simultaneously. Of 77 patients who fulfilled the criteria for admission to the trial four were not cured but three of them were almost certainly reinfected. Side effects were limited to nausea in nine patients, and vomiting in two others.
CONTINUOUS EXTRA‐AMNIOTIC PROSTAGLANDIN E2 FOR THERAPEUTIC TERMINATION AND THE EFFECTIVENESS O VARIOUS INFUSION RATES AND DOSAGES
Authors: Midwinter Audrey , Shepherd Angela , Bowen Michael
Published: August 2005

Continuous extra‐amniotic prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was given to 91 healthy women to terminate pregnancies of from 10–20 weeks gestation. One patient failed to abort. Of 68 patients given doses of 66–5 to 133–5μg. of PGE2 per hour, 61 aborted within 36 hours. Using 46.5μg. of PGE2 per hour the mean induction‐abortion interval was increased and only 13 of 20 patients aborted within 36 hours. Persistent side‐effects limited treatment with doses of 333.5μg. of PGE2 per hour. Less PGE2 was used and there were practical advantages in giving 66.5μg. per hour.
OXYTOCIN‐INDUCED RUPTURE OF THE PRIMIGRAVID UTERUS
Authors: Daw E.
Published: August 2005

Rupture of the uterus in a primigravida is described. This was apparently caused by an infusion of oxytocin and was masked for over 24 hours by epidural analgesia.
TUBO‐INTESTINAL FISTULA
Authors: Rohatgi M. , Mukherjee A. K.
Published: August 2005

A tubo‐colic fistula is described. The literature on tubo‐intestinal fistula is reviewed.
THE LIMITATIONS OF ULTRASONIC FETAL CEPHALOMETRY
Authors: DAVISON J. M. , LIND T. , Farr V. , Whittingham T. A.
Published: August 2005

The sources of error inherent in many commonly used measuring instruments are well understood and documented. This is not the case for ultrasound equipment when used to assess the rate of growth of the fetal skull in utero. This paper describes various sources of error which can affect the measurement of the fetal biparietal diameter; it also describes a method by which an operator might assess his own degree of competence. We conclude that these sources of error have been insufficiently appreciated in the past and while it is possible to determine the growth rate of the fetal skull the time interval necessary to measure this with a clinically realistic degree of confidence is not less than three weeks. If ultrasound methods of measurement are to find a place in clinical practice the techniques need to be more stringently appraised.
A STUDY ON THE MONITORING OF GONADOTROPHIN THERAPY BY THE ASSAY OF PLASMA OESTRADIOL AND PROGESTERONE
Authors: Shaaban Mamdouh M. , Klopper Arnold
Published: August 2005

Plasma oestradiol and plasma progesterone were measured daily during 19 courses of human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) given to ten infertile women. The response to HMG was judged by the concentration of plasma oestradiol and an adequate response was taken as an oestradiol level within, or just above, the range of values found in a group of ten normal women during the pre‐ovulatory peak of oestradiol concentration.

Ovulation was induced in ten courses and three women became pregnant. On five occasions there were high oestradiol levels but symptoms of overstimulation occurred only once. The height of the pre‐ovulatory oestradiol peak and the hormone levels in the subsequent luteal phase were correlated. Parallel measurements of urinary oestrone excretion showed that the urine values lagged by 24 hours behind the changes in plasma oestradiol. The use of plasma estimations made it possible to administer HCG at an earlier stage thus diminishing the risk of overstimulation.
URINARY EXCRETION OF NON‐CONJUGATED OESTROGENS DURING THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Authors: Oakey R. E.
Published: August 2005

The daily excretion of non‐conjugated oestrogens was measured by a simple radioimmunoassay in samples collected throughout a single menstrual cycle by each of four women. Excretion of non‐conjugated oestrogens was low (50 to 200 ng./24 hours) during the first seven days of the cycle and increased abruptly to give maximum excretion (200 to 600 ng./24 hours) between days nine and thirteen. More oestrogen was excreted during the luteal phase than in the early follicular phase of the cycle. Measurement of urinary non‐conjugated oestrogen may therefore provide a convenient and reliable means of assessing ovarian function in women receiving gonadotrophin therapy for infertility.
THE INHIBITION OF LACTATION BY CLOMIPHENE
Authors: Zuckerman H. , Carmel S.
Published: August 2005

A total of 177 puerperal women who did not want to breast feed their babies were divided into four groups and treated either by clomiphene in two different dosage schedules or placebo in two different dosage schedules. The drugs were administered in a double‐blind controlled method. The most effective in inhibiting lactation as well as relieving engorgement, tenderness and discomfort of breasts was 100 mg. clomiphene given daily for five days. This regime was successful in 98.2 per cent of patients and there were no side effects.
PHAEOCHROMOCYTOMA AND PREGNANCY
Authors: Smith Alan M.
Published: August 2005

Three patients with a phaeochromocytoma in pregnancy are reported. In the first patient a favourable result was obtained by Caesarean section and simultaneous removal of the phaeochromocytoma. In the second patient, pregnancy continued after excision of the tumour at 25 weeks, and ended at 37 weeks in the delivery by Caesarean section of a dysmature infant which died after three days. The third patient had an undiagnosed tumour and died during a Caesarean section for relative disproportion. General principles concerning the diagnosis and management of a phaeochromocytoma during pregnancy are discussed.
SPONTANEOUS SUBCAPSULAR HAEMATOMA AND RUPTURE OF THE LIVER DURING PREGNANCY
Authors: Owen Alan , Kandalaft F.
Published: August 2005

A case is described of spontaneous rupture of the liver in a 35‐year‐old multigravida who in the last trimester of pregnancy suffered abdominal pain, associated with hypertension and albuminuria.
PERFORATION OF THE LARGE BOWEL BY A LIPPES LOOP
Authors: Tushuizen P. B. th. , Ubachs J. M. H.
Published: August 2005

A case is described in which the insertion of a Lippes loop was followed by an uneventful pregnancy and, one year later, the extrusion of the loop per rectum.
METASTASIZING FIBROMYOMA
Authors: Blaikley J. B.
Published: August 2005

A case of metastasizing fibromyoma with deposits in the lungs and in voluntary muscle is presented.
HAEMATOCERVIX FOLLOWING CONE BIOPSY OF THE CERVIX
Authors: Clark Alexander , McKAY Hart David , McCune Graham , Cordiner James
Published: August 2005

Haematocervix is an uncommon condition in which the endocervical canal is dilated and filled with blood. A case of haematocervix in a 15‐year‐old girl with vaginal atresia described by Jeffcoate (1967) is the only one reported in the literature in the last ten years. Recently two cases following cone biopsy have been seen in our hospital.
BACTERIURIA IN PREGNANCY
Authors: McFarkinson I. R. , Eykyn S. J. , Gardner N. H. N. , Vanier T. M. , Bennett A. E. , Mayo M. E. , Lloyd‐Davies R. W.
Published: August 2005

Bacteriuria (defined as the presence of organisms on culture in a specimen of urine obtained by suprapubic bladder aspiration) was found in 132 (6.6 per cent) out of 2000 pregnant women attending an antenatal clinic. Bacteriuria was more frequent in the lower than the upper social classes, but was not related to the patient's age, parity or ethnic group. In 5 out of 18 patients with bacterial counts of lo4 or less per ml., spontaneous clearance of bacteriuria occurred. Of 186 patients who had further samples of urine examined during pregnancy after having a sterile urine on booking, only one developed a persistent infection de novo. Seventy‐nine of the original 2000 patients were seen in a second pregnancy. Twelve of these patients were infected (and treated) in the first pregnancy and 5 of them had bacteriuria in the second pregnancy; the other 67 patients had sterile urine in the first pregnancy and one of these had bacteriuria in a second pregnancy. Thirty per cent of the patients with bacteriuria had symptoms which were usually associated with urinary infection when they were first seen, but so did 25 per cent of the uninfected control patients. Neither bacteriuria nor recurrence of infection after treatment could be diagnosed by symptoms. Only 34 per cent of patients with symptoms after treatment had recurrent infection, and of those who did have recurrent infection 27 per cent had symptoms.
A COMPARISON BETWEEN THE LECITHIN‐SPHINGOMYELIN RATIO AND THE “SHAKE TEST” FOR THE ESTIMATION OF SURFACTANT IN AMNIOTIC FLUID
Authors: Wagstaff T. I. , Bromham D. R.
Published: August 2005

One hundred and ninety samples of amniotic fluid were analyzed for their surfactant content by measuring the lecithin‐sphingomyelin ratio and performing the simple “shake test”. The value of these tests in predicting the respiratory performance of the baby at delivery is discussed and the limitations of the tests is evaluated. It was concluded that the shake test is valuable only as a screening procedure for deter‐mining fetal lung maturity.
CHANGES IN FETAL HEART RATE DURING INTRAUTERINE TRANSFUSION
Authors: Boyd I. E. , Holt E. M.
Published: August 2005

The fetal heart rate was continuously recorded during 38 intrauterine fetal transfusions on 18 patients. The normal rise in heart rate in response to needle insertion and blood transfusion was reduced in the fetuses which succumbed, but was not of prognostic value. Varying the rate of infusion did not affect the heart rate or fetal survival.
INDUCTION OF LABOUR WlTH ORAL PROSTAGLANDIN E2
Authors: Yip S. K. , Ma H. K. , Ng K. H.
Published: August 2005

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was administered orally to 57 pregnant women who required induction of labour. Labour was successfully induced in 46 patients (80 per cent). No serious fetal or maternal complications resulted.
LOW DOSES OF SUBCUTANEOUS HEPARIN IN THE PREVENTION OF DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS AFTER GYNAECOLOGICAL SURGERY
Authors: Ballard R. M. , Bradley‐Watson P. J. , Johnstone F. D. , Kenney A. , McCarthy T. G. , Campbell Stuart , Weston Jeanne
Published: August 2005

The prophylactic effect of low doses of subcutaneous heparin in the prevention of deep vein thrombosis after major gynaecological surgery was investigated in a clinical trial involving 110 patients. Evidence of thrombosis was detected by the 1251‐labelled fibrinogen test in 16 out of 55 patients (29 per cent) in the control group, and in 2 out of 55 patients (3.6 per cent) in the heparin‐treated group. Only longevity had a significant association with the development of deep vein thrombosis.
THERAPEUTIC ABORTION EMPLOYING THE SYNERGISTIC ACTION OF EXTRA‐AMNIOTIC PROSTAGLANDIN E2 AND AN INTRAVENOUS INFUSION OF OXYTOCIN
Authors: Morewood Geoffrey A.
Published: August 2005

Termination of pregnancy was performed in 38 patients, by the extra‐amniotic administration of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and the intravenous administration of oxytocin. All patients aborted within 32 hours with a mean induction‐abortion interval of 13 . 7 hours.
HAEMATOLOGICAL CHANGES IN PREGNANCY FOLLOWING OVULATION‐INDUCTION THERAPY
Authors: Good W. , Macdonald H. N. , Hancock K. W. , Wood J. E.
Published: August 2005

An examination has been made of the changes in the major haematological indices that occurred in five women who became pregnant after ovulation‐induction therapy. It would appear that, given successful ovulation‐induction, the ensuing pregnancy presents an essentially normal haematological picture.
DIAGNOSIS OF INTRAUTERINE FETAL GROWTH RETARDATION BY SERIAL SERUM OXYTOCINASE, URINARY OESTROGEN AND SERUM HEAT STABLE ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE (HSAP) ESTIMATIONS IN UNCOMPLICATED AND HYPERTENSIVE PREGNANCIES
Authors: Petrucco O. M. , Cellier K. , Fishtall A.
Published: August 2005

Serial estimations of serum oxytocinase, urinary oestrogen and serum heat stable alkaline phosphatase (HSAP) were performed during pregnancy in normotensive and hypertensive patients.

Patients delivered of growth retarded infants whether hypertensive or not, failed to show the progressive increase in serum oxytocinase. urinary oestrogen and serum HSAP seen in the group of patients delivered of normal infants. By using the regression coefficient (x1) of log10 enzyme or hormone concentration on time of gestation and the mean value (x1) for each patient, linear discriminant functions of the form Z = a1 x1+a2x2+C were derived and satisfactory prediction of intrauterine fetal growth retardation was achieved over two time intervals, namely 28 to 35.5 weeks and 34 to 40 weeks gestation.

Serum oxytocinase was found to be superior to urinary oestrogen assays for the prediction of intrauterine fetal growth retardation. Serum HSAP estimations carried out on a smaller number of patients were less useful for this purpose. By combining the urinary oestrogen and serum oxytocinase results into a single discriminant function, normal fetal growth was predicted in 33 out of 37 patients and intrauterine fetal growth retardation in 21 out of 22 patients studied between 34 to 40 weeks gestation.
A COMPARISON OF THE EARLY AND LATE EFFECTS OF SUBCUTANEOUS SYMPHYSIOTOMY AND OF LOWER SEGMENT CAESAREAN SECTION
Authors: Hartfield V. J.
Published: August 2005

One hundred and five women who had a subcutaneous symphysiotomy were compared with 105 women who had a first lower segment Caesarean section. All operations were performed for cephalopelvic disproportion during the years 1961 to 1969. The perinatal mortality for both operations was the same when they were performed for similar indications. There were two maternal deaths after Caesarean section and one after symphysiotomy. In 1971, 109 of the 207 survivors were interviewed and 29 other women were known to be alive. No difference was noted between non‐pregnant women who had had a properly performed symphysiotomy and those who had had a lower segment Caesarean section. Subsequent fertility was similar, but delivery was more often associated with problems in the Caesarean section group. In the economic and social conditions prevailing in some developing countries it would be beneficial if subcutaneous symphysiotomy were to replace lower segment Caesarean section in cases of moderate cephalopelvic disproportion.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF DIAMINE OXIDASE IN AMNIOTIC FLUID AND SERUM IN NORMAL PREGNANCY AND IN PREGNANCY COMPLICATED BY RHESUS ISO‐IMMUNIZATION
Authors: Ward Humphry , Whyley G. A. , Millar M. D.
Published: August 2005

Diamine oxidase (DAO) was estimated in the amniotic fluid and serum of 65 women, 28 of whom had rhesus iso‐immunization. There was a wide scatter of values throughout normal pregnancy. Initially, DAO values in amniotic fluid were lower than in serum, but later in pregnancy the pattern was reversed. The DAO level in amniotic fluid did not correlate with the severity of the rhesus iso‐immunization but the mean level in severe disease when the baby survived was significantly higher than that found in patients with unaffected pregnancies. Fetal outcome also made a significant difference to amniotic fluid DAO levels. The amniotic fluid/serum DAO ratio showed a significantly higher value in the severely affected pregnancies than in those unaffected by rhesus iso‐immunization. A correlation existed between the ratio and the optical density difference (A) at 450 mp. It is suggested that the amniotic fluid/serum DAO ratio taken in conjunction with the A 450 mp peak might provide a guide to the ultimate outcome for the fetus.
HUMAN UTERINE FLUlD POTASSIUM AND THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Authors: Clemetson C. A. B. , Kim J. K. , De Jesus T. P. S. , Mallikarjuneswara V. R. , Wilds J. H.
Published: August 2005

Human uterine fluid was obtained from women at laparotomy by a new technique which avoids contamination by cervical and tuba1 fluids.

The potassium (K+) concentration of the uterine fluid rose from 17.9 mEq./l. in the follicular phase to 33.7 mEq./l. in the luteal phase (p<0.00l). However, there was a decreased uterine fluid volume in the luteal phase and the total potassium content of the fluid was not increased, suggesting reabsorption of sodium and water rather than the secretion of more potassium.

The high uterine fluid K+ concentration, which may reach 39 mEq./l. in the mid‐luteal phase, presumably provides a suitable medium for the blastocyst; there are also reasons for believing that the high K+ concentration of the luminal fluid will reduce the membrane potential of the endometrium, that this will facilitate blastocyst‐endometrial contact and may be essential for blastocyst‐endometrial adhesion.
SPECULATIONS ABOUT MORTALITY TRENDS FROM VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLIC DISEASE IN ENGLAND AND WALES AND THEIR RELATION TO THE PATTERN OF ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE USAGE
Authors: Vessey Martin P. , Inman W. H. W.
Published: August 2005

The mortality trends from venous thromboembolic disease in England and Wales for the years 1953 to 1971 have been reviewed in the light of the results of epidemiological studies of the relationship between oral contraceptives and fatal venous thromboembolism, and the pattern of use of oral contraceptives. It is concluded that the mortality trends are compatible with the findings in the epidemiological studies, but that confirmation of a reduction in risk following the implementation of the recommendation by the Committee on Safety of Drugs in December I969 concerning oral contraceptives containing oestrogens must depend on other studies currently in progress.
EPIDURAL ANALGESIA FOR LAPAROSCOPY
Authors: Aribarg Anek
Published: August 2005

Laparoscopies were performed under epidural analgesia on 125 patients and without serious complications. The technique was safe, provided adequate analgesia, and was well tolerated.
THE INFLUENCE OF REMOVAL OF THE FETAL RAT BRAlN UPON INTRAUTERINE GROWTH OF THE FETUS AND THE PLACENTA AND ON GESTATION LENGTH
Authors: Swaab D. F. , Honnebier W. J.
Published: August 2005

In order to study the influence of the fetal rat brain on the intrauterine growth of fetus and placenta, fetal and placental weights were first determined in control rats from day 17 up to day 21 of pregnancy; fetal weight appeared to increase in nearly linear fashion between days 17 and 21. Although placental weight increased steadily up to day 21, this increase was very small during the last days of pregnancy. Subsequently a simple technique was developed to aspirate the fetal rat brain in utero.

A remarkable reduction of fetal growth was found on day 21 after fetal brain aspiration on day 18 or 19 of pregnancy. Placental weight appeared to remain static or even decreased after fetal brain aspiration on day 18 or day 19. The placental index increased after fetal brain aspiration. These effects, which appeared not to be caused by fetal blood loss, were similar to findings in pregnancies complicated by an anencephalic infant.

Gestation length was not prolonged in rats treated by fetal brain aspiration, and the contraction phase started even earlier in rats who had fetal brain aspiration on day 19. Expulsion of the first fetus took place after the same gestation length in unaffected controls, sham‐operated rats and rats who had fetal brain aspiration.
PROSTAGLANDIN F2α LEVELS IN THE MATERNAL AND FETAL CIRCULATIONS IN LATE PREGNANCY
Authors: Craft I. L. , Scrivener R. , Dewhurst C. J.
Published: August 2005

Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) levels were determined in the maternal and fetal circulation in late pregnancy. PGF2α was significantly higher in the umbilical artery and vein than in maternal peripheral venous blood at normal delivery and elective Caesarean section. There was no significant arterio‐venous difference in the umbilical blood. Although the findings suggest PGF2α production in the fetoplacental unit, they do not indicate this source contributes to the initiation or maintenance of labour.
THE EFFECT OF METALLIC COPPER ON HUMAN ENDOMETRIAL ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE ACTJVITY
Authors: Wilson E. W.
Published: August 2005

Homogenates of human endometrium from different stages of the menstrual cycle were incubated with strips of copper foil and with cupric ions. The alkaline photophatase activity in homogenates exposed to metallic copper was reduced only during the secretory phase of the cycle; dissolution of the metallic copper was greater in the secretory phase than in the proliferative phase. Cupric ions inhibited alkaline phosphatase activity at all phases of the cycle.
A STUDY OF PATIENTS PREVIOUSLY TREATED FOR IN SITU CARCINOMA OF THE CERVIX
Authors: Davidson Christine , Taylor Claud W.
Published: August 2005

A histological diagnosis of in situ carcinoma of the cervix had been made in 53 women whose initial surgery had varied in extent and whose follow‐up had been inadequate. From two to twelve years after surgery there was no evidence of carcinoma of the cervix in 46 patients who had a hysterectomy or amputation of the cervix but in 7 patients who had limited surgery, carcinoma was again found in the cervix. In three the carcinoma remained intra‐epithelial, in three there was occult invasive carcinoma and in one there was clinically invasive carcinoma which proved fatal.

In 70 more recent cases with adequate follow‐up, carcinoma of the cervix was detected in seven patients within a few months of the initial surgery. In each case the carcinoma was still intra‐epithelial and the operation had been a cone biopsy of the cervix. No carcinoma was detected in the women who had had a hysterectomy or amputation of the cervix.
INDUCTION OF HEPATIC ENZYMES DURING NORMAL HUMAN PREGNANCY
Authors: Davis M. , Simmons C. J. , Dordoni B. , Maxwell J. D. , Williams Roger
Published: August 2005

Stimulation of hepatic microsomal enzyme activity, a process known as enzyme induction, occurs in response to high levels of progesterones in animals. The urinary output of D‐glucaric acid, which is an indirect measure of hepatic microsomal enzyme activity, has been measured in 142 healthy women at different stages of pregnancy. Urinary D‐glucaric acid output rose progressively from the 12th week until delivery, with a gradual fall to normal levels by the 6th week post partum. Twenty‐five women who had been taking oral contraceptives for at least a year had normal outputs of D‐glucaric acid. The possible significance of enzyme induction in pregnancy is discussed.