ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine whether unexplained elevation in maternal serum human chorionic gonadotropin without abnormal elevation in matemal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) in the second trimester may be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: Between January 1997 and December 1997, we evaluated 906 pregnant women undergoing second trimester triple marker screening tests who delivered at our hospital. Multiple pregnancy, fetal anomaly, intrauterine fetal death before 20 completed weeks of gestational age, insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein level greater than 2.0 multiple of the median (MoM) were excluded fiom the study. Seventy-two women with hCG level greater than 2.0 MoM were included in the study group while 809 women with hCG level less than 2.0 MoM served as the control group. Adverse pregnancy outcomes were obtained from hospital delivery records and neonatal records. Statistical analysis were performed by students t-test and chi square test. RESULTS: Women with unexplained elevation of human chorionic gonadotropin level showed increased risks for intrauterine growth retardation (P<0.01) and pregnancy induced hypertension (P<0.05). There were no significant differences between study and control groups with respect to preterm delivery, placental abruption, fetal anomaly and intrauterine fetal death. CONCLUSION: Unexplained elevation of human chorionic gonadotropin in the second trimester was associated with intrauterine growth retardation and pregnancy induced hypertension.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Humans , Pregnancy , Abruptio Placentae , alpha-Fetoproteins , Chorionic Gonadotropin , Diabetes Mellitus , Fetal Death , Fetal Growth Retardation , Gestational Age , Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced , Insulin , Mass Screening , Pregnancy Outcome , Pregnancy Trimester, Second , Pregnancy, Multiple , Pregnant WomenABSTRACT
Chylous ascites in neonates is an unusual and etiologically poor understood entity. We report a male newborn who suffered from abdominal distension and respiratory distress after birth. Paracentesis was performed and ascitic fluid was obstained. Analysis of the fluid revealed cell count (RBC 10,000/mm3, WBC 800/mm3: segmented form-72%, lymphocyte form- 28%), protein 4,100 mg/dl, glucose 57 mg/dl, cholesterol 53 mg/dl, triglyceride 28 mg/dl. Culture of ascitic fluid grew no bacteria. A plain film of abdomen and abdominal sonogram showed massive ascites. On the 4th hospital day, gastrografin enema showed microcolon and ileal atresia. On the 6th hospital day, ileocolostomy has been performed and operative findings sho- wed blind pouch in terminal ileum, massive inflammation and extensive adhesion on peritoneum. After operation, he gained weight by continuous gavage feeding. He discharged on the 36th hospital day.