Serum Markers in the Diagnosis of Tubal Pregnancy

The introduction of highly sensitive methods, such as transvaginal sonography and measurement of serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin, has dramatically improved ectopic pregnancy diagnosis in recent years. Early diagnosis is the key to successful and conservative management of women with ectopic pregnancy; however, approximately 50 percent of such women are initially misdiagnosed, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. In order to improve diagnosis, several serum markers are being investigated including progesterone, CA 125, pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A, vascular endothelial growth factor, and maternal creatine kinase. Measurement of serum vascular endothelial growth factor, alone or together with other markers, could be a promising method for earlier and more accurate differential diagnosis. However, the clinical applicability of these findings remains to be evaluated in larger prospective studies

Mother’s freedom of choice and the rights of an unborn child: a comparison between the views of freshmen and senior medical school students

OBJECTIVES: To compare the views of freshman students with senior students of the Faculty of Medicine- University of São Paulo concerning the respect for the mother’s freedom of choice, the need to protect the unborn child, the proportionality between the mother’s freedom of choice and the protection of the unborn child, and issues related to legal abortion. To determine whether the medical knowledge acquired throughout the academic years can influence the views of medical students on these issues. METHODS: First- and sixth-year students of the Faculty of Medicine - University of São Paulo answered a questionnaire; the inclusion criteria were as follows: a first- or sixth-year student of the medical school and a signature on the free informed consent form. To compare the proportions, a chi-square or Fisher’s exact test was used. The significance level was set to 5%. RESULTS: Regarding the mother’s freedom of choice, in the case when a pregnant woman undergoes a cesarean section by means of a court order despite her intention to not have a cesarean, 55.7% of the first-year students have answered that the mother’s choice should be respected. Among the sixth-year students, only 28.9% believe that the mother’s intention should be considered (

Study of trophoblastic invasion into the tubal wall in ampular pregnancies: associated parameters and its prediction

INTRODUÇÃO: A definição de fatores preditivos de lesão morfológica e funcional da tuba uterina poderia colaborar na escolha do tratamento de pacientes com gestação ectópica. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar o comportamento do tecido trofoblástico em relação à sua penetração na parede da tuba uterina em gestações ampulares, relacionar a profundidade dessa penetração com idade gestacional, concentração de beta-hCG, tipo de imagem ultra-sonográfica e dimensão da massa ectópica à ultra-sonografia e avaliar a possibilidade de predição dessa invasão pelos parâmetros estudados. MÉTODOS: realizou-se estudo retrospectivo, entre 1° de janeiro de 2000 a 31 de março de 2004, com 105 pacientes com gestação tubária ampular submetidas à salpingectomia. As imagens ectópicas foram classificadas pelo aspecto ultra-sonográfico em anel tubário, massa complexa e embrião com atividade cardíaca e sua dimensão foi obtida pela medida do maior eixo. Histologicamente a invasão trofoblástica na parede tubária foi classificada em grau I: quando limitada à mucosa da tuba uterina; grau II: até a camada muscular; grau III: invasão de toda a espessura da tuba uterina. RESULTADOS: 29 pacientes tiveram infiltração tubária grau I, 30 pacientes infiltração grau II e 46 pacientes infiltração grau III. Os graus de invasão trofoblástica não estiveram associados à idade gestacional (p = 0,53) nem ao maior diâmetro da imagem à ultra-sonografia (p = 0,43). Os diferentes graus de invasão trofoblástica apresentaram diferença significativa da beta-hCG (p < 0,001). O grau I apresentou valores menores que os graus II e III (p < 0,05) e o grau II valores menores que o grau III (p < 0,05). Houve associação entre o grau de invasão trofoblástica e a descrição do tipo de imagem identificada à ultra-sonografia (p = 0,001). Embrião com atividade cardíaca foi mais prevalente nos casos de invasão grau III. O valor de 2 400 mUI/ml apresentou sensibilidade de 82,8%, especificidade de 85,5%, valor preditivo positivo de 68,6% e valor preditivo negativo de 92,7% (acurácia de 84,8%) para determinar invasão trofoblástica grau I. beta-hCG de 5 990 mUI/ml foi o melhor ponto de corte para predição de invasão trofoblástica grau III: sensibilidade de 82,6%, especificidade de 74,6%, valor preditivo positivo de 71,7% e valor preditivo negativo de 84,6% (acurácia de 78,1%). CONCLUSÕES: Em gestações ampulares, o tecido trofoblástico se desenvolve a partir de sua penetração na parede tubária, a profundidade da penetração do trofoblasto na tuba uterina relaciona-se às concentrações séricas de beta-hCG e ao tipo de imagem ultra-sonográfica, sendo que a concentração sérica da beta-hCG é a melhor preditora da profundidade da invasão na tuba uterina.INTRODUCTION: The definition of predictive factors of morphologic and functional damage to the Fallopian tube may help in the choice of treatment for patients with ectopic pregnancy. The objective of the present study was to verify the presence of trophoblastic invasion into the tubal wall in ampular pregnancies, correlate the depth of penetration of trophoblastic tissue into the tubal wall with gestational age, beta-hCG concentration, type of ultrasonographic image and dimension of the ectopic mass upon ultrasound, and to evaluate the possible prediction of this invasion based on the parameters studied. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 105 patients with ampular pregnancy submitted to salpingectomy between January 1, 2000 and March 31, 2004. Ectopic images were classified based on ultrasonographic findings in tubal ring, complex mass and embryonic heart activity. The dimension of the mass was determined by measuring the major axis. Histologically, trophoblastic invasion into the tubal wall was classified as grade I when limited to the tubal mucosa, grade II when reaching the muscle layer, and grade III when comprising the full thickness of the Fallopian tube. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients had tubal infiltration grade I, 30 had grade II and 46 had grade III. The level of trophoblastic invasion was associated neither with gestational age (p = 0.53) nor with a greater diameter of the ultrasound image (p = 0.43). The different levels of trophoblastic invasion were significantly associated with beta-hCG concentration (p < 0.001), with lower concentrations being observed for grade I compared to grades II and III (p < 0.05) and for grade II compared to grade III (p < 0.05). There was an association between the level of trophoblastic invasion and the type of ultrasonographic image (p = 0.001). Embryos with heart activity were more prevalent in cases of grade III invasion. beta-hCG levels of 2 400 mIU/ml showed 82.8% sensitivity, 85.5% specificity, a positive predictive value of 68.6% and a negative predictive value of 92.7% (84.8% accuracy) for the diagnosis of grade I trophoblastic invasion. A beta-hCG titer of 5990 mIU/ml was the best cut-off for the prediction of grade III trophoblastic invasion: 82.6% sensitivity, 74.6% specificity, positive predictive value of 71.7% and negative predictive value of 84.6% (78.1% accuracy). CONCLUSIONS: trophoblastic tissue penetrate tubal wall in ampular pregnancies, the depth of penetration of trophoblastic tissue is correlated with beta-hCG concentration and type of ultrasonographic image and beta-hCG titer is the best predictor of the depth of penetration into tubal wall

Mother’s freedom of choice and the rights of an unborn child: a comparison between the views of freshmen and senior medical school students

OBJECTIVES: To compare the views of freshman students with senior students of the Faculty of Medicine- University of São Paulo concerning the respect for the mother’s freedom of choice, the need to protect the unborn child, the proportionality between the mother’s freedom of choice and the protection of the unborn child, and issues related to legal abortion. To determine whether the medical knowledge acquired throughout the academic years can influence the views of medical students on these issues. METHODS: First- and sixth-year students of the Faculty of Medicine - University of São Paulo answered a questionnaire; the inclusion criteria were as follows: a first- or sixth-year student of the medical school and a signature on the free informed consent form. To compare the proportions, a chi-square or Fisher’s exact test was used. The significance level was set to 5%. RESULTS: Regarding the mother’s freedom of choice, in the case when a pregnant woman undergoes a cesarean section by means of a court order despite her intention to not have a cesarean, 55.7% of the first-year students have answered that the mother’s choice should be respected. Among the sixth-year students, only 28.9% believe that the mother’s intention should be considered (p<0.0001). With reference to the mother’s choice in connection with antiretroviral medication, 38.1% of the first-year students agreed that the mother’s intention should be respected, whereas 33% of sixth-year students believed that the mother’s intention should be respected (p=0.453). CONCLUSION: There was a tendency to consider the unborn child’s rights over the mother’s choice as students spent more time in medical school

Cardiac troponin T as a biochemical marker of cardiac dysfunction and ductus venosus Doppler velocimetry

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between ductus venosus (DV) Doppler velocimetry and fetal cardiac troponin T (cTnT). Study design: Between March 2007 and March 2008, 89 high-risk pregnancies were prospectively studied. All patients delivered by cesarean section and the Doppler exams were performed on the same day. Multiple regression included the following variables: maternial age, parity, hypertension, diabetes, gestational age at delivery, umbilical artery (UA) S/D ratio, diagnosis of absent or reversed end-diastolic flow velocity (AREDV) in the UA, middle cerebral artery (MCA) pulsatility index (131), and DV pulsatility index for veins (PIV). Immediately after delivery, UA blood samples were obtained for the measurement of pH and cTnT levels. Statistical analysis included the Kruskal-Wallis test and multiple regressions. Results: The results showed a cTnT concentration at birth >0.05 ng/ml in nine (81.8%) of AREDV cases, a proportion significantly higher than that observed in normal UA S/D ratio and UA S/D ratio >p95 with positive diastolic blood flow (7.7 and 23.1%, respectively, p < 0.001). A positive correlation Was found between abnormal DV-PIV and elevated cTnT levels in the UA. Multiple regression identified DV-PIV and a diagnosis of AREDV as independent factors associated with abnormal fetal cTnT levels (p < 0.0001, F(2.86) = 63.5, R = 0.7722). Conclusion: DV-PIV was significantly correlated with fetal cTnT concentrations at delivery. AREDV and abnormal DV flow represent severe cardiac compromise, with increased systemic venous pressure, and a rise in right ventricular afterload, demonstrated by myocardial damage and elevated fetal cTnT. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved

Vascular endothelial growth factor and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin are associated with trophoblastic invasion into the tubal wall in ectopic pregnancy

Objective: To assess the association between the depth of trophoblastic penetration into the tubal wall with serum concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and beta-hCG and to assess its predictive value. Design: Prospective study. Setting: Tertiary care university hospital. Patient(s): Thirty patients with ampullary pregnancy undergoing salpingectomy were analyzed. Intervention(s): Trophoblastic invasion was histologically classified as stage I when limited to the tubal mucosa, stage II when extending to the muscle layer, and stage III in the case of complete tubal wall infiltration. Main Outcome Measure(s): The relation between depth of trophoblastic infiltration into the tubal wall with VEGF and beta-hCG serum concentrations on the day of surgery. Result(s): An association between the depth of trophoblastic invasion and maternal serum concentrations of VEGF and beta-hCG was observed. VEGF levels of 297.2 pg/mL showed 100.0% sensitivity and 90.0% specificity for stage I, and levels of 440.1 pg/mL showed 81.8% sensitivity and 88.8% specificity for stage III. Beta-hCG levels of 2590.0 mIU/mL showed 88.9% sensitivity and 80.0% specificity for stage I, and levels of 10,827.0 mUI/mL showed 72.7% sensitivity and 88.9% specificity for stage III. Conclusion(s): Maternal serum VEGF and beta-hCG concentrations are associated with depth of trophoblastic penetration into the tubal wall. (Fertil Steril (R) 2010;94:1595-600. (C) 2010 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

Fatores maternos e resultados perinatais no descolamento prematuro da placenta: comparação entre dois períodos Maternal factors and perinatal results in placental abruption: a comparative study of two periods

OBJETIVOS: comparar o perfil dos fatores maternos, aspectos clínicos e os resultados perinatais no descolamento prematuro da placenta (DPP), em dois períodos. MÉTODOS: avaliação retrospectiva dos casos de DPP ocorridos entre 01 de janeiro de 1994 e 31 de dezembro de 1997 (período 94-97), e entre 1 de abril de 2001 e 31 de março de 2005 (período 01-05), em gestações únicas com peso do recém-nascido superior a 500 g e idade gestacional acima da 20ª semana. Foram analisados os fatores: idade materna, cor, antecedentes obstétricos, pré-natal, rotura prematura de membranas, intercorrências clínicas e/ou obstétricas, sangramento, tônus uterino, malformação fetal, tipo de parto, hemoâmnio e complicações maternas (histerectomia, atonia uterina, CIVD, insuficiência renal aguda e morte materna), e os resultados perinatais. RESULTADOS: no período 94-97, foram realizados 7692 partos e o DPP ocorreu em 0,78% (60 casos), e, no período 01-05, foram 8644 partos com 0,59% (51 casos) de DPP (sem diferença significativa). Observou-se diferença significativa entre os períodos 94-97 e 01-05 em relação à média do número de gestações (3,5&plusmn;2,4 e 2,6&plusmn;1,8; p=0,04), não realização de pré-natal (13,3 e 2,0%; p=0,03) e intercorrências maternas (38,3 e 64,7%; p=0,01). Não foram observadas diferenças significativas quanto ao sangramento, à alteração no tônus e aos resultados perinatais, entre os períodos, verificando-se apenas maior proporção de hemoâmnio no período 94-97 que no 01-05 (28,3 e 11,8%, p=0,03). CONCLUSÕES: apesar dos avanços da obstetrícia, as complicações maternas e os resultados perinatais foram semelhantes nos períodos analisados. A gravidade e a imprevisibilidade do fenômeno alertam para a prevenção e controle adequados diante dos fatores associados ao DPP, na abordagem desta doença.PURPOSE: to compare the maternal factors, clinical aspects and perinatal results in placental abruption during two periods. METHODS: retrospective analysis of placental abruption cases that occurred from January 1, 1994 through December 31, 1997 (period 94-97), and from April 4, 2001 through March 3, 2005 (period 01-05), in singleton delivery with birthweight higher than 500 g and after 20 weeks of gestation. The following factors were analyzed: maternal age, previous obstetric history, prenatal care, premature rupture of membranes, obstetric and/or clinical intercurrent events, vaginal bleeding, uterine tonus, fetal anomaly, mode of delivery, hemoamnion and maternal complication (hysterectomy, uterine atony, disseminated intravascular coagulation, acute renal failure, and maternal death), and the perinatal results. RESULTS: the rate of placental abruption was 0.78% (60 cases) in the period 94-97 (n=7692 deliveries), and 0.59% (51 cases) in the period 01-05 (n=8644 deliveries), without significant difference. A significant difference was observed between the periods 94-97 and 01-05 regarding mean number of previous gestations (3.5&plusmn;2.4 and 2.6&plusmn;1.8, p=0.04), patients without prenatal care (13.3 and 2.0%, p=0.03) and maternal intercurrences (38.3 and 64.7%, p=0.01). No significant difference was observed related to vaginal bleeding, tonus abnormalities and perinatal results, between the periods, but a higher proportion of hemoamnion in 94-97 was found when compared to 01-05 (28.3 and 11.8%, p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: in spite of obstetrical advances, maternal complications and perinatal results were similar in the analyzed periods. The severity and the unexpected results emphasize the importance of prevention and adequate control of associated factors, when this pathology is approached