Antepartum ultrasound examination done by clinicians

A total of 5,272 ultrasound examination done by clinicians at the Perinatal Center, Philippine Childrens Medical Center were reviewed. There were 4,545 patients seen during the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters Out of 23 babies with congenital anomalies delivered at the Perinatal Center, 21 were diagnosed antepartum or an identification rate of 91.3%. Fetal aging was corrected in 31% of cases, low biophysical score was detected in 12.2%, multiple pregnancies in 1.4%. Doppler flow studies was done in 268 cases, a new method of identifying compromised fetuses.

Residency training for pregnant physicians... is it an occupational hazard?

An investigation was undertaken to determine pregnancy outcome among pregnant resident physicians, the work factors which adversely affect their pregnancy and the recommended alterations or solutions for them Questionnaires, containing relevant data about work load in the different medical specialties, were sent to fifty (50) female resident physicians of Metro Manila who had their pregnancy during their training period. Information about their pregnancy and its outcome were also collected. Data gathered were subjected to statistical analysis The increased incidence of preterm labor and threatened abortion noted in this study among pregnant resident physicians is a proof that the work load, working hours, and work environment indeed have associated effects on our responders. Prescribed work leave and modification of working conditions or hours which may prevent preterm labor or delivery among our pregnant residents physicians were suggested.

A comparison of blood carbon monoxides levels of pregnant women and their neonates from rural and urban areas

Fifteen (15) pregnant women and 14 neonates from an urban community as well as 12 pregnant women and 6 of their neonates from a rural community were included in the study. All other factors being comparable such as maternal age and age of gestations, with the absence of smoking habits, pulmonary and cardiac diseases for both groups, blood carboxyhemoglobin levels were determined and compared. All blood specimens were brought to the same laboratory and examined by the same person for spectrophotometric analysis of carboxyhemoglobin from both rural and urban areas were significantly higher than their neonates. Maternal caboxyhemoglobin levels were higher in the urban area than in the rural area. Statistical analysis also show that carboxyhemoglobin levels of mothers from both rural and urban areas as well as neonates from urban area have significantly higher levels as compared to the normal acceptable level of 2% which is secondary to endogenous carbon monoxide production.

Those babies need not die nor be handicapped

Twenty-two (22) NICU graduates, born before 38 weeks age of gestation who were born between January 1989 to September 1992 at the Perinatal Center after maternal-transport due to various maternal risk factors arising during pregnancy or neonatal risk actors were included in the study. These private patients had uniform maternal and neonatal care as provided by the same perinatal obstetrician and neonatal intensivist Fourteen (14) boys (64%) and eight (8) girls (36%) with gestational ages (Ballards) ranging from 26 weeks to 38 weeks (32.5 + 5.5) and birth weights 820 grams to 2300 grams (1560 + 740) were studied. 53% of these babies were small for gestational age with median apgar score for 1st minute 6 (3-9) and at 5th minute 8.5 (7-10) Using the Lubchenco Percentile graphs for specific gestational age, 16 out of 22 (22 (73%) belong to zone D (second to worse zone), 2 out of 22 (18.2%) belong to zone c (better prognosis zone D). Most of our patients in zone D were heavier (1500-2000 grams) (8/16 or 50%) and more mature (32-36 weeks). Prematurity encountered over 90% of all patiens had the longest (28 days) hospital stay. Inspite of the multiple problems related to perinatal compromise, prematurity, small for date, invasive therapy and monitoring which they underwent. There were spread from severe chronic medical debilitation except one who developed bilateral corneal opacity and subsequent developmental abnormality. Gross motor, cognitive fine motor, language and personal social were appropriate in 86.95% of cases. More speech delays were reported than other aspects of development Some patients showed hyperactivity, strong personality and temperamental changes like hard-headedness and irritability. A few had minor sleeping and behavioral dependency and attention-getting attitudes. Less patients have adaptive than behavior and developmental habits. Compared to the data of Hush and McCormick in 1980-1981, our data showed less incidence of rehospitalization but similar increasing incidence with decreasing birth weights were noted.

If you get pregnant in the 90s what are the chances that you will have a normal pregnancy and a normal baby?

What are the chances of a pregnant woman having a normal pregnancy and a normal baby in the 90s. This is an assessment after regionalization of perinatal care was established in Quezon City in 1986 through the setting up of a Q.C. Perinatal Council. The Council is composed of the Perinatal Center, Philippine Childrens Medical Center, Quezon City General Hospital, Veterans Memorial Medical Center and Quirino Memorial Medical Center. One thousand consecutive, unselected pregnancies were followed up from the first trimester until delivery. Eight hundred sixty eight (86.8%) had a normal pregnancy and baby; one hundred seven (10.7%) had premature deliveries. There were 4 stillbirths, 9 neonatal deaths and 18 NICU admissions. The perinatal mortality rate was 13 per 1000 pregnancies. There were 32 who developed hypertensive complications of pregnancy. Chance of developing a normal pregnancy is 6 out of 10, an abnormal pregnancy is 2 out of 10 and ending in an abortion is 2 per 100.