Prophylactic oophorectomy of benign uterine disease in premenopausal women: 11 years review.

Between 1982 and 1992, 695 consecutive abdominal hysterectomies and prophylactic oophorectomies in premenopausal women for benign uterine diseases were performed in our department. The trend of prophylactic oophorectomy has declined since 1988 to a minimum in 1990. 60 per cent were 41-45 years of age, 28 per cent were more than 46 years, 12 per cent were 36-40 years. Uterine fibroid was the most frequent indication (77.7%), followed by adenomyosis (21.0%). Ovarian histologies revealed abnormalities only in 1.3 per cent of the removed ovaries, the remainder appeared to be normal.

Maternal and umbilical cord blood lead levels in Ramathibodi Hospital, 1993.

A prospective cross-sectional study of maternal and umbilical cord blood lead levels was conducted in a total of 500 deliveries at Ramathibodi Hospital. The mean concentrations of lead in maternal and cord blood were 6.2 +/- 2.0, 1.6 +/- 0.5 microgram/dl respectively. There was direct relationship between maternal and umbilical cord blood lead level. Maternal occupation and length of stay in Bangkok were related to maternal blood lead levels. There was no association between adverse pregnancy outcomes and maternal blood lead levels. A large scale study and periodic surveillance of blood lead levels in pregnancy is advocated.