Three cases of spina bifida, which was Antenatally Diagnosed by Ultrasonograghy / 대한산부인과학회잡지

"The prenatal diagnosis of spine bifida include the combined use of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) screening and fetal sonography. Sonographically, spina bifida is characterized by direct signs of the visualization of the spinal defect, and indirect signs of the cranial markers : the lemon sign, the banana sign, and ventriculomegaly. These ultrasonographic signs are more accurate in defining the cranial malformations associated with spina bifida than evaluation of the spine. Recently, three cases of spina bifida which was diagnosed as ""splaying"" of the posterior ossification centers, meningomyelocele sac at the lumbosacral area, lemon sign, banana sign and ventriculomegaly by ultrasonography at 21+2 gestational weeks in a 32 years old nullipara, at 21+2 gestational weeks in a 26 years old nullipara, at 23+6 gestational weeks in a 26 years old multipara were experienced at our department. We present this cases with a brief review of literatures"

A Clinical Experience in 16 Pregnancies with Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes, and Low Platelets (HELLP Syndrome) / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to describe the clinical progress and the maternal and fetal outcome in 16 pregnancies complicated by the HELLP(hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet). Material: We reviewed the maternal and neonatal charts from 16 consecutive pregnancies complicated by the HELLP syndrome among 302 pregnancies complicated by preeclamsia and eclamsia managed at our hospital during the period of 4 years from June 1994 through June 1998. The HELLP syndrome was defined by previously published laboratory criteria. We assessed the time of onset, presenting symptom, laboratory finding, mode of delivery, fetal and maternal complication in each case. We also reviewed the clinical finding in detail in the case resulted in maternal death. RESULTS: In regards to the time of onset, 15 cases (93.7%) occurred at antepartum period and only 1 case (6.2%) occurred at postpartum period. Among the 15 cases occurred at antepartum period, 13 cases (81.25%) developed at 27 to 36 weeks gestation and 2 cases (12.5%) developed at near term. In regards to the presenting symptom, twelve patients (75%) complained of right upper quardrant or epigastric pain. Of 16 patients, 12 patients (75%) experienced headache and 10 patients (62.5%) complained of nausea, or vomiting and 5 patients (31.2%) had visual disturbance. The laboratory finding of all 16 cases were as follow; the mean level of platelet: 68700/mm3 (range: 48000 to 91700), the mean level of serum asparate aminotransferase: 335 IU/L (range: 62 to 135), the mean level of lactic dehydrogenase: 910 IU/L (range: 558 to 5794), and the mean level of total bilirubin: 2.6 mg/dl (range: 0.7 to 10.4). To review the mode of delivery, cesarean sections were done on 10 patients (62.5%) including 7(43.7%) emergency and 3(18.7%) elective operations. However, 6 patients (37.5%) delivered vaginally. Maternal complications were as follow; abruptio placenta in 1 case (6.2%), DIC in 2 cases (12.5%), pulmonary edema in 3 cases (18.7%), pleural effusion in 4 cases (25%), renal failure in 4 cases (25%), and 1 case of death. Fetal and neonatal outcome was assessed; 9 cases of intrauterine growth retardation (56.2%), meconium stained in 3 cases (18.7%), 2 stillbirth (12.5%), and 2 neonatal death (12.5%). CONCLUSION: HELLP syndrome is associated with serious maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.