bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rhesus Incompatibility – An Assessment of the Hazards of Amniocentesis, and the Effect of Liquor Volumes on Amniocentesis Prediction
Authors: Free Keith , McDonnell Brian 
Published: February 2008

SummaryThe complications of 185 amniocenteses have been analysed. The failure rate of the procedure was 11.3%. Spontaneous rupture of the membranes and premature labour occurred in 2.2%. In 33% of patients fetal cells were found in the liquor and feto‐maternal haemorrhage occurred in 38%.The presence of fetal cells in the maternal circulation was followed by an increase in maternal sensitisation in 4 of 16 patients. Intra‐uterine fetal death can occur from feto‐maternal haemorrhage.A suprapubic approach for amniocentesis decreases the incidence of feto‐maternal transfusion. Placental localization is essential to avoid feto‐maternal transfusion. In 25 patients differences in liquor volume had no effect on the accuracy of amniocentesis prediction.
Haematological Data and Milk Iron in Malaysian Women
Authors: Loh T. T. , Sinnathuray T. A. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryBreast milk iron concentrations from Malaysian women taken on the second postpartum day were comparable with those reported from Finland. The present study did not find any correlation between the total iron‐binding capacity (TIBC) of milk whey, presumed to be rich in lactoferrin, and the whole milk iron concentrations. On the average, about 30% of the whey iron‐binding proteins were saturated with iron. Again, the correlation between the milk iron values and plasma iron or plasma TIBC is not statistically proven. There were no significant differences in the haemoglobin, haematocrit, reticulocyte count, plasma iron and whey TIBC obtained from Malaysian parturient women of the 3 major ethnic groups, viz. Chinese, Malays and Indians. However, the plasma TIBC was significantly lower in Malay women and the milk iron content lower in Chinese women.
The Value of the Amniotic Fluid Lecithin: Sphingomyelin Ratio in the Management of High Risk Pregnancy
Authors: Yared L. E. , McGeary H. M. , Gaffney T. J. 
Published: February 2008

Summary: The amniotic fluid lecithin: sphingomyelin ratio was used to assess fetal maturity in the management of 62 high risk pregnancies. Correlation between the ratio and the onset of respiratory distress syndrome was good in 58 of the 62 cases (93%). In 7 patients delivered with an immature‐type ratio, one baby died in utero, 4 babies developed respiratory distress syndrome and of these 2 died from hyaline membrane disease.The value of the test in the management of high risk pregnancies is discussed.
Immunological Aspects of Female Infertility
Authors: Jones W. R. 
Published: February 2008

Summary: Results in 377 couples indicate that the sperm immobilization test provides a reliable means of detecting significant humoral anti‐sperm activity in infertile patients. Occlusion therapy in patients with sperm antibodies has proved disappointing when compared with the natural reproductive pattern in untreated patients.A continuing prospective study indicates a lower subsequent fertility rate, and a markedly higher abortion rate, in women with sperm antibodies compared with those without them. Notwithstanding this, patients with infertility of 3 or more years' duration achieved a subsequent pregnancy rate of 27%, even in the presence of sperm antibodies. The nature and significance of sperm iso‐immuniza‐tion requires much further elucidation.
Comparison Between Plasma and Urinary Oestrogen Measurements in Predicting Fetal Risk
Authors: Aickin D. R. , Smith M. A. , Brown J. B. 
Published: February 2008

Summary: A fluorimetric method for measuring total oestrogens in late pregnancy plasma is described and data on its precision, sensitivity, accuracy and specificity is presented. One worker can complete 24 analyses in a day.A total of 311 parallel estimations of total oestrogens in plasma and urine were performed in 119 initially normal pregnancies to define the normal ranges. A further 454 parallel estimations were performed in 166 patients with pregnancy abnormalities likely to be associated with increased fetal risk. The incidences of low oestrogen values in the initially normal group of patients were 21% for plasma and 17% for urine; the corresponding incidences in the abnormal group were 42% for plasma and 28% for urine. The correlation coefficient between the plasma and urine values was 0.71 in the ‘normal’ group and 0.58 in the abnormal group. These correlations were highly significant but did not allow one value to be calculated from the other with any accuracy. Throughout the study, plasma and urine oestrogen assays did not give synonymous information and it was concluded that it would be dangerous to establish plasma oestrogen measurements as a test of fetal welfare merely on the basis that urine measurements were useful.Plasma oestrogen assays gave the same assessment of fetal risk in 226 pregnancies and opposite assessments in 59. In the 59 pregnancies, the plasma values were correct in predicting fetal risk as often as the urine values. In the total 285 pregnancies, all indices of fetal risk except the passage of meconium during labour were increased when the plasma or urine values were low and the levels of significance of these correlations were the same for plasma as for urine. There was no evidence that one assay was superior to the other in any pregnancy complication including renal disease, or that changes in plasma values gave a more immediate indication of a rapidly deteriorating fetal environment than urine. It was concluded that plasma and urine oestrogen assays give equally valid information in the assessment of fetal risk, that they could well be used as complementary tests and that because of ease of collection and avoidance of time delay, plasma assays could replace urine assays as soon as rapid fully automated assay methods are developed for plasma comparable to those now available for urine.
Amniotic Fluid Thromboplastic Activity as an Index of Fetal Maturity — Preliminary Report
Authors: Hastwell Gary B. 
Published: February 2008

Summary: Based on the thromboplastic activity of amniotic fluid, a bedside test has been evaluated, whereby an amniotic fluid sample is added to a sample of the patient's blood and the accelerated clotting time (ACT) observed.In 11 patients (27 samples) studied serially in the last trimester, there was a decrease in ACT and, hence, an increase in thromboplastic activity, with increase in maturity.In a random series of 94 samples from 74 patients, an ACT of greater than 110 seconds usually indicated that the fetus was premature.Although the number of infants with respiratory distress was small, the ACT gave useful confirmatory information to the lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio which was studied in parallel.
Utilization of A Mass Screening Programme for Cervical Cancer in N.S.W.
Authors: Pacey N. F. , Westgarth L. 
Published: February 2008

Summary: An analysis is made of the impact of the mass screening programme for cervical cancer conducted by the N.S.W. Department of Health in the 13‐year period 1962–1974.It is being used efficiently in the younger age groups. This reflects a good acceptance and understanding of the service by the participating doctors, satisfactory communication with their patients, and adequate opportunity to perform the test.The principal and continuing problem is the lack of adequate coverage in older age groups in whom the risk of invasive cancer and death from the disease is highest. It is suggested that this problem be approached by increasing the opportunity for such women to have a smear under circumstances that similar women have found acceptable elsewhere, rather than trying to achieve a similar result by public education programmes within the existing pattern of medical care.
Ovulation Induction With Bromocriptine (CB154) in Patients With Hyperprolactinaemia
Authors: Pepperell R. J. , McBain J. C. , Healy D. L. 
Published: February 2008

Summary: Bromocriptine was effective in inducing ovulation in 95% of 44 anovulatory subjects with hyperprolactinaemia and 73% conceived. Most subjects ovulated during treatment with bromocriptine in a dose of 5 mg/day, however 8 required 10 mg/day, 3 required 15 mg/day and 2 required 40 mg/day. Half of the subjects showed follicular maturation only or deficient corpus luteum function as their initial ovarian response. Increase in the dose of bromocriptine administered was not always necessary to improve this response to that of normal ovulation. At the time of conception the serum prolactin level had been suppressed to normal in all but one subject and in the majority was less than 10 ng/ml.Three subjects who did not conceive during treatment with bromocriptine alone were also treated with thyroxine, although their thyroid function was normal. Two of these subjects conceived and the third had cycles of ovarian response of follicular maturation only or ovulation with deficient corpus luteum function having previously had no ovarian response when treated with bromocriptine alone.
A Case of Premature Labour Due to Campylobacter jejuni Infection
Authors: Miller R. C. , Guard R. W. 
Published: February 2008

Summary: A case history is described in which premature labour was thought to have been caused by chorioamnionitis secondary to infection with Campylobacter jejuni. The pathogenicity of this organism in the perinatal period and in pregnancy is discussed. Campylobacter species are known to cause abortion and stillbirth in cattle and sheep. The present case report supports previous evidence that Campylobacter jejuni can cause infection in utero and perinatally in man, leading to abortion and preterm labour. Sporadic accounts of case histories similar to the present have appeared in the literature, but the incidence and epidemiology of this infection in obstetric patients is still unclear.
The Utilization of Prenatal Cytogenetic Diagnosis in Western Australia
Authors: Mulcahy Marie T. , Michael C. A. 
Published: February 2008

Summary:Prenatal cytogenetic diagnostic services for the whole of Western Australia are undertaken by 1 central department in Perth. The records of this unit have been used to calculate the utilization rates of amniocentesis by women aged 35 years or older at the estimated date of confinement for the 5‐year period 1977–1981. During this time there were 5076 livebirths to mothers aged 35 years or more and 1,408 pregnancies in this age group were cytogenetically monitored, giving an overall utilization rate of 28%. This rate is comparable to similar rates in other developed countries. Possible directions for future expansion of the service are suggested.Prenatal cytogenetic diagnosis requires close cooperation between clinical and laboratory personnel and access to fairly sophisticated equipment (ultrasound and tissue culture facilities). These factors, together with the degree of public awareness and acceptance of the test and its implications, all affect the utilization rates of prenatal cytogenetic diagnosis. The procedure is costly in time and expertise and is most cost effective when used in a high risk target population.
The Management of Antepartum Haemorrhage (Excluding Placenta Praevia)
Authors: Pagano Ross , Adey F. Douglas , Butterfield Louis J. H. 
Published: February 2008

Summary:A 3‐year retrospective survey of patients presenting with an antepartum haemorrhage (APH) to The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, was undertaken. Cases of placenta praevia were excluded from the series. The overall perinatal mortality (PNM) was 14.5%. There were 98 patients with accidental haemorrhage (PNM 23.4%) and 101 patients with an APH of unknown aetiology (PNM 6%). Generalized uterine tenderness and tenseness were the most consistent features associated with imminent fetal compromise and it is in this group that an early resort to Caesarean section may be beneficial. The routine use of a clotting profile was found to be of little value, especially in patients with a mild haemorrhage.
Cystyl Aminopeptidase in Maternal Serum for the Antenatal Recognition of Fetal Growth Retardation
Authors: Gopalaswamy Geetha , Balasubramaniam N. , Kanagasabapathy A. S. 
Published: February 2008

Summary:An appraisal has been made of the usefulness of cystyl aminopeptidase (CAS, E.C. 3.4.11.3) activity patterns in the in utero detection of fetal growth retardation; 196 pregnancies at risk from placental insufficiency, classified into 9 aetiologic groups were considered. Absolute levels and trend of enzyme activity were studied in all cases and compared with the reference range of CAS activity established in 267 healthy pregnant subjects. Excluding multiple pregnancies, overall predictive value of CAS in defining fetal outcome in 186 ‘at risk’ pregnancies was 72%, overall sensitivity and specificity being 82% and 71% respectively; 48% of the ‘at risk’ population delivered growth retarded infants, whereas the prevalence of growth retardation as diagnosed by CAS was 54%. Out of the 89 patients who delivered growth retarded infants, 73 exhibited abnormal CAS activity patterns. In twin pregnancies, values of CAS in 73% of the total number of assays were above mean plus 2 standard deviations for the respective gestational period. CAS in maternal serum is advocated as a simple and reliable antepartum indicator of fetal growth retardation and is suitable for the detection of twin pregnancy as early as the second trimester.
The Effect of Maternal Height on the Fetal Growth of New Zealand European Singleton Infants: 35–42 weeks' Gestation
Authors: Buckfield Patricia M. , Clarkson John E. , Herbison G. Peter 
Published: February 2008

Summary:Using a population of approximately 9,000 singleton deliveries collected over a 10‐year period from a defined geographical area, the effect of maternal height on birthweight, length and head circumference was examined. Each 5 cm increase in maternal height accounted for an increase of 85g, 4.1 mm, and 1.5 mm respectively in these measurements in males; and 25g, 1.1 mm and 0.5 mm in females. When maternal height adjustments were used in conjunction with birth centile charts in the diagnosis of small‐for‐gestational‐age infants, this condition was diagnosed less frequently where the mother was small, and more frequently when the mother was tall, than when the adjustment was not made. However, allowing for maternal height made no difference to the incidence of mortality or morbidity in small‐for‐gestational‐age babies.
Ultrasonic Diagnosis of Hydrops Fetalis in the Early Second Trimester
Authors: Ghosh A. , Woo J. S. K. , Liang S. T. , Ho H. C. , Wong V. 
Published: February 2008

Summary:A case of fetal ascites diagnosed by ultrasonography at a gestational maturity of 16 weeks is described. Associated congenital abnormalities included asplenia, situs inversus, aneurysmal dilatation of the aorta, and fetal bradycardia. The pregnancy was terminated at 18 weeks.
Management of Fetal Complete Atrioventricular Block
Authors: Yamada Motohiro , Sakakibara Shigeki , Utsu Masaji , Chiba Yoshihide 
Published: February 2008

Summary:Congenital atrioventricular block was diagnosed with B‐mode and M‐mode ultrasonography at the 30th week of gestation in a bradycardic fetus. Major anomalies were excluded and prenatal fetal well‐being was monitored with daily B‐mode and maternal perception of fetal movement to detect circulatory derangement at an early stage. Because of the sudden onset of circulatory failure, emergency Caesarean section was performed to save the otherwise normal fetus. Two days later, the infant developed ventricular fibrillation, for which surgical intervention was indicated. Pacemaking was effective in reestablishing the neonatal circulation.
The Problem Of Antenatal Diagnosis Of Microcephaly By Ultrasonography In Twin Pregnancy
Authors: Chadwick John M. , Gilmore David W. , Herbert Warwick W. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryA case report is presented in which microcephaly was suspected by serial scanning in a first pregnancy and was subsequently proven. However, a diagnosis of apparent microcephaly in one of a pair of dizygotic twins in the patient's second pregnancy proved incorrect and illustrates that there are problems with genetic counselling in this condition.
Vesicovaginal Fistula and its Complications Due to Prolonged Use of Vaginal Diaphragm
Authors: Kwa Daniel M. , Malloy Terrence R. 
Published: February 2008

EDITORIAL COMMENT: What a terrible penalty for neglect!Summary: The vaginal diaphragm is currently less popular than other contraceptive methods, such as the pill, IUDs or surgical sterilization. It is however, regarded as one of the safest methods of contraception available and complications of diaphragm use are rare. This report describes a case in which a vesicovaginal fistula and genitourinary tract infections complicated the use of this contraceptive method.
Fetal Responses to Vibrotactile Stimulation, A Possible Predictor of Fetal and Neonatal Outcome
Authors: Leader Leo R. , Baillie Peter , Martin Bahia , Molteno Chris , Wynchank Sinclair 
Published: February 2008

Summary: This study measured the antenatal fetal heart rate changes in response to a single vibrotactile stimulus. In a group of 11 normal patients, this resulted in a significant change in the fetal heart rate (P < 0.001). Sixty‐eight high risk patients were also tested. In the group of 25 patients whose fetuses showed no response to the stimulus, there were 4 stillbirths and 4 neonatal deaths; 23 of these 25 infants were small for gestational age (SGA) compared to only 15 of the 43 that showed a response to the stimulus.Fetal habituation to a repeated vibrotactile stimulus was measured in a control group of 40 patients who had a normal antepartum and intrapartum course and delivered infants in an optimal condition. The same was done in a study group of 48 patients who delivered infants that were SGA. These infants were assessed at 1 year of age by the Griffiths Mental Developmental Scale (GMDS). Infants that were SGA did not differ significantly from the control group. However, infants who had a normal antenatal habituation pattern had a significantly better performance (P < 0.01) compared to infants who had an abnormal antenatal habituation pattern.
The Incidence of Cytomegalic Inclusion Disease (CID) in an Obstetric Teaching Hospital, 1975–1984
Authors: Hatherley Lawrence I. 
Published: February 2008

Summary: A low incidence (1 in 4,000) of neonatal CID was found in 47,320 consecutive live births at an obstetric hospital over a decade. The mortality was high, 5 of 16 neonates died in hospital and, of those discharged, 7 were left with severe cerebral and/or ophthalmic handicaps. Minor, remediable conditions were also found in 7 infants. Previous studies have indicated that CMV infection occurs in 1–2% of all pregnancies and 10% of the infected neonates have signs of CID at birth.A highly significant increase in the incidence of antenatal complications was found in mothers delivered of cytomegalovirus (CMV)‐infected infants which may have compounded the effects of the viral disease on the fetus. A CMV‐specific defect in the maternal and neonatal immune systems is discussed.
Genital Chlamydial Infection—Our Commonest Sexually Transmissible disease
Authors: Bradford David L. 
Published: February 2008

Editorial Comment: This review contains 4 important take away messages about chlamydial infection of the female genital tract that warrant emphasis:

The infection is more common than gonorrhoea and often coexists with it.
It can cause a frothy vaginal discharge easily mistaken for trichomonal infection, but more often is asymptomatic at first.
It can cause tubal damage, chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, pain and sterility.
Adequate treatment requires a 10‐day course of tetracycline or erythromycin.
Gestational Diabetes—Infant Malformations and Subsequent Maternal Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Farrell Jan , Forrest Jill M. , Storey G. N. Bruce , Yue D. K. , Shearman R. P. , Turtle J. R. 
Published: February 2008

Summary: The frequency of abnormal glucose tolerance in the first 12 months after gestational diabetes was found to be 33.3%, which is much higher than previously accepted. Women with gestational diabetes (Group 1 = 54 requiring insulin, Group 2 = 32 treated with diet alone) attending a metropolitan teaching hospital over a 3 1/2 year period were followed‐up after delivery to determine their subsequent glucose tolerance. Of 86 seen 3 months after delivery, 2 had developed insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and 2 noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), diagnosed by glucose tolerance testing. Another 38 returned for follow‐up glucose tolerance testing at 12 months; of these 3 had impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), 7 had NIDDM, and one who had had NIDDM at 3 months now showed IGT after 9 months dietary treatment. Thus, 12 months after delivery, the cumulative prevalence of abnormal glucose tolerance was 14/42 (33.3%), 10 of the 42 being frankly diabetic (26%). Of the remaining 44 patients, 21 have not yet reached 12 months or were pregnant again, and 23 did not attend for glucose tolerance testing.Although the trend was for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) to recur earlier and more severely in subsequent pregnancies, in 3 instances the diabetes did not recur.Major congenital malformations occurred in 4 of the 86 babies (4.7%); minor malformations were found in a further 13 (15%) with no difference in frequency between Group 1 and Group 2.
Birth‐weight Patterns in Aboriginal and Non‐Aboriginal Singleton Adolescent Births in Western Australia, 1979–83
Authors: Stanley Fiona J. , Maug Sue 
Published: February 2008

Summary: Births to Aborigines and teenagers are known to be at a higher risk of low birth‐weight (LBW) than those to non‐Aboriginal and older women. Data on singleton birth‐weight and gestational age by maternal age and race were analysed from the West Australian Midwives Notification of Birth system for 1979–1983. The main aim of the analysis was to describe the patterns of preterm birth (PTB) and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) in these births.Aboriginal teenage fertility was much higher than that for non‐Aborigines and seemed to be rising. Many more young teenagers giving birth were Aboriginal than Caucasian. Contrary to expectation, the majority of the LBW births in both racial groups were due to PTB not IUGR. There was an increasing trend to PTB with decreasing maternal age in both Aborigines and non‐Aborigines.These data should be considered preliminary due to the difficulties of estimating gestational age and in categorizing IUGR. They may have implications in terms of further research into the aetiological pathways and prevention of LBW in Australia.
Chorionic Villus Sampling: Cytogenetic Experience in Preliminary Investigations and in 50 Diagnostic Cases
Authors: Stewart Lesley A. , Purvis‐Smith Stuart G. , Wass Debbie M. 
Published: February 2008

Michael J. Bennett,4,8Summary: The results of preliminary cytogenetic investigations of chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and its diagnostic application in 50 cases are reported. Preliminary investigations included the effect of short delays between biopsy and processing, levels of mitotic activity related to variations in processing, the incidence of tetraploidy, correlation of the karyotype of the chorionic villi with that of the fetus, and the results of banding studies. A protocol was then designed for application to diagnostic CVS.The 50 diagnostic cases included 4 with male karyotypes which were terminated due to a family history of an X‐linked disorder, 1 trisomy 21, 1 trisomy 18, the finding of 1 aberrant cell out of 50 in an otherwise normal analysis, a 45, XY, t (13;21) karyotype, 2 fragile X negative karyotypes and in one case the presence of mosaicism was detected in chorionic villi and subsequently not confirmed at am‐niocentesis. The karyotype on the chorionic villi was 46XY/47XY + 3.