Decreased Renal Function Is a Risk Factor for Subclinical Coronary Atherosclerosis in Korean Postmenopausal Women

OBJECTIVES: Decreased renal function is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Our study was planned to verify the association of decreased renal function and subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 251 Korean postmenopausal women who visited the health promotion center for a routine health checkup. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was used to show renal function, which was estimated by calculated using the Cockcroft-Gault (CG) and the modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) formulas. Coronary atherosclerosis was assessed by 64-row multidetector computed tomography. RESULTS: Women with reduced eGFR (< 60 mL/minute/1.73 m²) had significantly higher brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) than women with normal eGFR (≥ 60 mL/minute/1.73 m²). The eGFR was negatively correlated with baPWV (r = -0.352, P < 0.001), significantly. The eGFR was lower in women with coronary atherosclerosis than in normal control women, markedly. Reduced eGFR was significantly associated with the presence of coronary atherosclerosis (odds ratio [OR] = 7.528, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.728-20.772, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Decreased eGFR was closely associated with increased arterial stiffness and coronary atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women. Evaluating subclinical atherosclerosis by screening the renal function in postmenopausal women may be helpful screening high risk group and considering starting menopausal hormone therapy before atherosclerosis development.

Guideline for management of heavy menstrual bleeding / 대한산부인과학회지

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is a common problem in primary care clinic of gynecology. HMB could cause adverse effect on the quality of life of many women. This guideline will provide evidence based information concerning diagnosis and management of HMB. Constructive dialogue should allow patients to be able to trust the advice given by their practitioner as they will be confident that they have and will be able to use it to inform this decision-making process. This guideline has been developed with the aim of providing guidance on HMB. The effectiveness of the various treatments as well as their risks and benefits are discussed in relation to their use in the treatment of HMB. We wish the information contained in this guideline will help clinicians reach a reasonable and beneficial decision with the latest information.

Perinatal mortality at Yongdong Severance Hospital, 1998~2003 / 대한주산의학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the perinatal mortality rate (PMR) and to evaluate the risk factors of perinatal deaths such as birth weight, gestational age, maternal age, fetal sex, number of antenatal visits, and cause of deaths. METHODS: Review of electronic medical records of 4,910 cases of singleton deliveries from 1998 to 2003 at Yongdong Severance Hospital was done. The perinatal period was defined according to the WHO definition and the cause of mortality was determined according to Aberdeen Classification. RESULTS: Crude (corrected) PMR was 22.8 (13.4). Among 4862 deliveries excluding termination of pregnancy and severe congenital anomalies, (1) stillbirths accounted for 78% (51/65) of perinatal deaths. (2) Distribution of neonatal birth weights less than 1,000 g, 1,000~1,499 g, 1,500 g~2,499 g were 0.3%, 0.7%, 5.6% with survival rates of 73.7%, 86.1%, and 99.6% respectively. (3) Deaths of preterm births accounted for 86% (12/14) of total neonatal deaths. (4) PMR of 494 cases of advanced maternal age was higher (20.2) than those of other age groups without statistical significance (p=0.273). (5) PMR of male-to-female ratio was 173:100 with statistical significance (p= 0.031). (6) PMR of infants with less than 2 antenatal visits was 152.0, in comparison with the rate (7.3) of infants with more than 2 antenatal visits (p<0.001). Among 112 cases of crude perinatal deaths, the leading causes were congenital anomalies (31.3%), prematurity cause unknown (28.6%), and maternal disease (10.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The number of births is decreasing, but no significant decrease of PMR was observed. Therefore, intensive care of preterm infants and congenital anomalous babies should be improved.

Black Cohosh and St. John's Wort (GYNO-Plus(R)) for Climacteric Symptoms

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) and St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) in women with climacteric symptoms, and to assess their effects on vaginal atrophy, hormone levels, and lipid profiles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter study, 89 peri- or postmenopausal women experiencing climacteric symptoms were treated with St. John's wort and black cohosh extract (Gynoplus

Transabdominal Embryofetoscopy for the Detection of Short Rib-polydactyly Syndrome, Type II(Majewski), in the First Trimester

Our aim was to demonstrate the potential of first-trimester embryofetoscopy for prenatal diagnosis in a continuing pregnancy. A patient at risk for giving birth to an infant with short rib-polydactyly syndrome, type II (Majewski), presented for prenatal diagnosis at 9 weeks of gestation. A 1 mm semirigid fiberoptic endoscope with an 18 gauge examination sheath and a single-chip digital camera were used for transabdominal embryofetoscopy. Transabdominal embryofetoscopy was performed at 13 weeks of gestation. Direct visualization of the fetus was achieved and no gross limb or facial abnormalities were seen. This case shows that embryofetoscopy is a useful tool for early diagnosis in high-risk patients in the first trimester for continuing pregnancies.

Laparoscopic management of asymptomatic ovarian steroid cell tumors, not otherwise specified: A case report and literature review / 대한산부인과학회지

The steroid cell tumor, not otherwise specified, constitutes only 0.1% of ovarian malignancies and was asymptomatic in 3.3-25% In Korea, three reported cases of steroid cell tumors were endocrinologically symptomatic and were managed with laparotomy. However, there was no reports of such case without any endocrinologically symptoms. We present a 17 years old patient with huge pelvic mass that were managed with combined ultrasonographically guided drainage and laparoscopically excision and proven to be an asymptomatic steroid cell tumor of ovary, with brief review of literature.

One Case of Placenta Accreta Treated with Selective Uterine Artery Embolization Followed by Methotrexate / 대한산부인과학회잡지

Placenta accreta is a rare but potentially lethal obstetric emergency due to massive hemorrhage, uterine perforation, and infection. Traditionally, hysterectomy was performed in the occurrence of serious hemorrhage. Currently, several conservative treatments including the use of uterine packing, leaving the placenta in situ, argon-beam coagulation, uterine artery ligation, administration of methotrexate, and uterine artery embolizations are introduced to preserve future reproductive potential. We present a patient with placenta accreta treated successfully with selective uterine artery embolization followed by methotrexate with brief review of literature.

Transabdominal embryofetoscopy in 6 cases of first trimester prenatal diagnosis for congenital anomalies / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the efficacy of first trimester embryofetoscopy for prenatal diagnosis of congenital anomalies in continuing pregnancies. METHODS: Under ultrasound guidance, six patients at 12+6-14+6 weeks of gestation underwent endoscopic procedures. Indications included history of 2 recurrent major genetic syndromes, history of cleft lip/palate in 2 cases, each one of the patient itself and the previous fetus and each family history of syndactyly and polydactyly. A 1 mm semirigid fiberoptic endoscope with a 18 gauge examination sheath and a single-chip digital camera were used for transabdominal embryofetoscopy. RESULTS: Excellent visualization of the external fetal anatomy was obtained in 83% of cases (5/6) with the duration of procedures ranging 15 to 40 minutes. A diagnosis of Meckel-Gruber syndrome was made at 13+1 weeks of gestation by visualizing postaxial polydactyly and an occipital encephalocele. Subsequently the pregnancy was terminated. Three full-term infants were delivered with no gross limb or facial abnormalities. Amniotic fluid leakage after the procedure occurred in 2 cases resulting in termination of pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Our experiences confirm the efficacy of embryofetoscopy for early diagnosis in the first trimester of pregnancy. Procedure-related risks are to be established by multicenter studies.

Two Cases of Ectopic Pregnancy Implanted in the Previous Cesarean Section Scar Treated with Dilatation and Evacuation after Vaginal Misoprostol / 대한산부인과학회잡지

Implantation of a pregnancy within the scar of previous cesarean section is the rarest form of ectopic pregnancy. If diagnosed early, treatment options are capable of preserving the uterus and subsequent fertility. However, delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to uterine rupture, hemorrhage and maternal morbidity. We present two cases of ectopic pregnancy developing in the previous cesarean section scar in which successfully treated with dilatation and evacuation after vaginal misoprostol.

A Case of Intramural Pregnancy / 대한산부인과학회잡지

Intramural pregnancy is among the rarest forms of ectopic pregnancy. Since it has been first reported by Doederlein in 1913, 37 cases were reported in worldwide literatures. The pathologic criteria required for intramural pregnancy is that the product of conception is completely surrounded by uterine musculature and is separated from the uterine cavity and the fallopian tube or round ligament. Because of the difficult early diagnosis of intramural pregnancy, most cases were found after the onset of complications such as uterine rupture, shock and hemoperitoneum. Early detection of intramural pregnancy with the use of transvaginal ultrasonogram is important, and MRI is a useful, noninvasive imaging modality. We report a case of successful conservative chemotherapy for a intramural pregnancy with brief review of literatures.

Nuchal Translucency Measurement in Normal Korean Fetuses at 10-14 Weeks of Gestation(II) / 대한산부인과학회잡지

The aim of the present cross-sectional study is to define the reference range for the nuchal translucency (NT) measurements in normal Korean fetuses between 10 and 14 weeks' gestation. The nuchal translucency was measured prospectively in 202 chromosomally normal singletons of women attending our antenatal clinic or prenatal diagnostic center by 177 transabdominal sonography (88%) and by 25 transvaginal sonography (12%) if difficulty was encountered with transabdominal sonography. The NT measurement was expressed as the median and 5th, 95th centiles according to crown-rump length (CRL) measurements by ultrasound. Mean multiple of median (MoM) and the 95th centile of MoM values of the NT measurements with CRL in 10 mm intervals were also calculated. NT measurements increased significantly with CRL[NT (mm)=0.481647+0.020142xCRL (mm)]. A NT measurement greater than 2.5 mm was found in 4% of normal fetuses, but this proportion increased form 0% at 10-11 weeks, to 3.8, 8.8, 11.5% at 12, 13, 14 weeks, respectively. The present study provides normative data on the fetal NT thickness in a Korean population, which may improve the performance of NT screening for chromosomal abnormalities in the first trimester.