A 50-g glucose challenge test: is there any diagnostic cut-off?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of 50-g glucose challenge test for diagnosis of gestational diabetes. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective study was conducted by reviewing the medical records of pregnant women who had a 50-g glucose challenge test of 140 mg/dL or higher and followed by a 100-g glucose tolerance test. Results were categorized in 10 mg/dL increments. Gestational diabetes was diagnosed using National Diabetes Data Group criteria. RESULTS: The present study included 2,226 cases from universal screening of 11,084 pregnant women. The incidence of gestational diabetes was 3.2% (351/11,084). Only 1.6% (6/374) of patients with positive screening results of less than 145 mg/dL had gestational diabetes. All of the 6 women undiagnosed by this threshold were gestational diabetes class A1 and had at least one risk factor Of 1,875 women, seven cases (0.4%) would be over diagnosed as gestational diabetes if 100-g glucose tolerance test was not performed after a result of 50-g glucose challenge test of > or = 250 mg/dL (99.6% specificity, 85.8% negative predictive value, 12.3% sensitivity and 86.0% positive predictive value). CONCLUSION: A 50-g glucose challenge test may be used as a diagnostic test when the value is > or = 250 mg/dL. The present data suggested that the value of glucose screening of > or = 145 mg/dL can be used as a threshold for a positive test in the low risk women.

Superior vena cava diameters in normal Thai fetuses.

OBJECTIVE: Establish the normative data of fetal superior vena cava (SVC) diameters from 20 to 38 weeks' gestation in Thai fetuses. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Thai pregnant women with normal fetuses were enrolled for 2-dimensional echocardiographic measurements of SVC diameters. All women had good menstrual history and a confirmed gestational age with first or second trimester ultrasound. The SVC diameters were obtained in caval long-axis view in both systolic and diastolic periods. The measurements were plotted against gestational age. The best-fit regression equations were obtained. The 5th, 50th, and 95th percentile were then calculated for each gestational age. RESULTS: Three hundred three measurements were obtained. Regression analysis demonstrated a linear correlation between SVC diameter and gestational age in both early ventricular systolic and end ventricular diastolic periods. The best-fit equations were SVC maximum diameter (mm) = -1.379 + 0.183GA (week), r = 0.889 (p < 0.001), SVC minimum diameter (mm) = -1.194 + 0.134GA (week), r = 0.826 (p < 0.001) at early systolic and end diastolic periods respectively. The calculated values of the SVC diameters across gestational age were presented as 5th, 50th, and 95th percentile. CONCLUSION: SVC diameter increases linearly across gestational age in both ventricular systolic and diastolic periods. These could be a basis for assessment of fetuses with abnormal cardiovascular physiology such as hydrops fetalis and intrauterine growth restriction.

Excursion index of the septum primum in Thai fetuses of gestational diabetic mothers at 32 to 35 weeks' gestation.

OBJECTIVE: To compare excursion index of the septum primum (EISP) among Thai fetuses of gestational diabetic mothers (FGDMs) with and without septal hypertrophy (SH) and those of nondiabetic mothers from 32 to 35 weeks' gestation. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Fetuses of Thai pregnant women were recruited for prenatal 2-dimensional echocardiographic measurements of the EISP (the ratio between the linear displacement of the flap valve of septum primum and the left atrial diameter) at 32 to 35 weeks' gestation. All had confirmed gestational age and normal structural scanning. The EISP was compared among gestational age--matched 15 FGDMs with SH, 18 FGDMs with normal septal thickness, and 20 fetuses of nondiabetic mothers. The data were presented as mean and standard deviation (SD). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the EISP of the three groups. RESULTS: Fifty-three measurements were obtained. Comparison among the three groups showed that the mean and SD of the EISP were 0.27 +/- 0.04, 0.50 +/- 0.04 and 0.51 +/- 0.05 in FGDMs with SH, normal septal thickness and those of nondiabetic mothers, respectively. The analysis demonstrated that the EISP was significantly less than in FGDMs with SH when compared to the FGDMs with normal septal thickness and those of nondiabetic mothers (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the EISP of the FGDMs with normal septal thickness and those of nondiabetic mothers (p = 0.16). CONCLUSION: Mobility of the septum primum in FGDMs with septal hypertrophy is reduced. This may indicate a higher preload compared to FGDMs with normal septal thickness and those of nondiabetic mothers.

Normal offset of the tricuspid septal leaflet in Thai fetuses.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the correlation between gestational age and the normal distance between the insertion of the medial leaflets of the mitral valve and tricuspid valve in Thai fetuses. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A prospective study was constructed using an apical 4-chamber view at end diastole to measure the mitral valve-tricuspid valve distance (MTD) in 169 confirmed-dated singleton normal fetuses between 18 and 40 weeks of gestation at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital from August 2005 to July 2006. The recorded distances were plotted against gestational ages. The 5th, 50th, and 95th centile of MTD were calculated and the relationship between MTD and gestational age was determined with regression model. One hundred and forty-seven measurements were validated for analyses. RESULTS: Regression analysis demonstrated a linear correlation of MTD with gestational age with each increase of 1 week in gestational age, there was an increase of 0.12 mm of MTD (p <. 001). The linear regression curve that correlated MTD with gestational age showed a gradual slope (r = 0.84; p < 0.001). The MTD range from 1.3 to 5.1 mm (mean +/- SD = 2.6 +/- 0.9). A significant difference in MTD was noted on comparing to the data in Western study. Intra-observer reliability was 0.92. CONCLUSION: The present findings support the positive correlation between MTD and advancing gestational age. However, clinically significant differences of MTD between the presented population and Caucasian fetuses underline the need for employing a locally derived data on assigning the fetal cardiac abnormality.

Excursion index of the septum primum as a parameter for diastolic function assessment of Thai fetuses: at 32 to 35 weeks' gestation.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the normal value of fetal diastolic function by the measurement of the excursion index of the septum primum (EISP) from 32 to 35 weeks' gestation in Thai fetuses. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Fetuses of normal Thai pregnant women were recruited for 2-dimensional echocardiographic measurements of the EISP (the ratio between the linear displacement of the flap valve and the left atrial diameter) from 32 to 35 weeks' gestation. All had a confirmed gestational age, normal structural scanning, and negative diabetic screening at 24 to 28 weeks' gestation. The 5th, 50th and 95th percentile of the EISP were demonstrated The relationship between the EISP and gestational age were determined RESULTS: Three hundred twenty-seven measurements were obtained The normal values of the EISP according to gestational age were presented as 5th, 50th, and 95th percentile ranks. The correlation coefficients (r) between the EISP and gestational age were 0.03. The EISP were not statistically different with advancing gestation. The 5th, 50th, and 95th of the EISP were 0.32, 0.45, and 0.59 respectively. The intra-observer variability was 5.5%. CONCLUSION: The normal values of fetal EISP in the Thai population from 32 to 35 weeks' gestation were established This could serve as a baseline data in detection of the alteration of left ventricular diastolic function during fetal life.

Nasal bone hypoplasia in trisomy 21 at 15 to 24 weeks' gestation in A high risk Thai population.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the utility of nasal bone hypoplasia in the detection of fetuses with trisomy 21 in the second trimester in a high risk Thai population. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A prospective study involving pregnant women undergoing amniocentesis due to increased risk of aneuploidy from January 2005 to December 2005. Fetal biometry and nasal bone measurements were obtained at the time of amniocentesis. Linear regression model and diagnostic tests were analyzed using the SPSS computer program. RESULTS: A total of 407 fetuses were evaluated. In euploid fetuses, the Nasal Bone Length (NBL) increased linearly with advancing gestational age. Fetuses with Down syndrome had a significantly higher proportion of NBL below the 5th centile when compared with normal fetuses (p < 0.05). The optimal nasal bone threshold associated with trisomy 21 is a BiParietal Diameter/Nasal Bone Length (BPD/NBL) ratio of 10 or greater, yielded a sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 86% for detection of trisomy 21. CONCLUSION: Nasal bone hypoplasia is associated with an increased risk of Down syndrome in the presented population.

Interventricular septal thickness of Thai fetuses: at 32 to 35 weeks' gestation.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the normal value of fetal InterVentricular Septal Thickness (IVST) from 32 to 35 weeks' gestation in Thai fetuses. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Thai pregnant women with normal fetuses were recruited for prenatal 2-dimensional M-mode echocardiographic measurements of fetal IVST at 32 to 35 weeks' gestation. All had a confirmed gestational age, normal structural scanning and negative diabetic screening at 24 to 28 weeks 'gestation. The IVST was measured from the 4-chamber view during diastole and systole. The 5th, 50th and 95th percentile of the IVST during Diastole (IVSD) and the IVST during Systole (IVSS) were demonstrated The relationship between the IVSD and IVSS and gestational age were determined RESULTS: A total of 410 measurements were obtained. The normal values of the IVSD and IVSS according to gestational age were presented as 5th, 50th and 95th percentile ranks. The correlation coefficients (r) between the IVSD and IVSS and gestational age were 0.11 and 0.12, respectively. The IVSD and IVSS were not statistically different with advancing gestation. The 95th, percentile of the IVSD was 4.51 millimeters (mm) (range = 4.26 to 4.74 mm) and IVSS was 6.23 mm (range = 5.96 to 6.68 mm). The intraobserver variability was 7.6%. CONCLUSION: The normal values of fetal IVSD and IVSS in a Thai population from 32 to 35 weeks' gestation were established. This could be used as a baseline data in detecting the asymmetrical septal hypertrophy during fetal life.

Ethics and the comprehensive application of epistemology in medical practice.

Our simple definition of ethics is good thought, speak and action. Epistemology means the hypothesis of facts about thought, speech and action. Medical practice is all means of medicine. Medicine classifies people into normal and abnormal. The abnormal are the sick. They loose some organs or those normal looking organs are dysfunctional. They are social problems, some can be treated, and some do not get the appropriate care. The problems of society of normal people are overeating and obesity, abortion, drug abuse, promiscuity, torture, terrorism, disobeying rules and order, corruption, brain-washing and unethical advertisements, etc. On the other hand, the social problems of the abnormal are down, deafness, blindness, dumb, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus and cancer, etc. An example of the social-doctor problem is the mal distribution of doctors in rural areas. It was reported by the ministry of public health that the ratio of doctor to population to be 1:800 in Bangkok and 1:5, 700 in some rural areas in the north eastern part of Thailand. The doctors, themselves, are at a high grade of worker and intelligent quotient. They know all the problem and, at the same time, create problems, both, faster than the general population can do. It affects good and bad in the society. In the past, present and the foreseeable future the medical students get their studies in the western style. Their medical schools are situated in big cities. These schools are old and famous. They learn their medical procedure in a big hospital of more than 400 beds in the inpatient department wards. Their instructors and professors are highly qualified, are middle class people and well accepted in the society. Their families are lovely and warm. Their children study in the first class schools in town. The medical students feel very happy and appreciate seeing their professors in television routinely at prime time. In conclusion, their professors are an example of role model for them to follow. Everyone looks for security in her/his profession. Facts need no proof and reference. People with justice in mind should believe and understand the above mentioned. This leads to the problem of mal distribution of doctors in rural areas, why do doctors live in big cities or wish to be in the private sector? In fact, not many a number of doctors serve in the rural area. About 4-5 of them, their name will be announced yearly as the best rural doctor award. After the big ceremony, lasted not longer than a month, it is hard to remember their name. They are proud to be praised, it pushes them into stress intentionally with all the best of their intelligence and the total of their body strength to work harder in rural. Unfortunately their earning, the security of their profession, the increased chance of being sued, to get caught in the medical litigation, the expenses of their family social status and the study of their children cannot be compared to of those doctors in big city and/or in the private sector. Mal distribution of doctors in remote rural areas has been a persisting unresolved problem in many parts of the world, why not apply the principles of ethics and epistemology? They have been left, untouched forever.

Searching for medical ethics in Dharma conversation.

Our medical ethics team has a great opportunity to consider the terminology of"Moral Rights", "Good guys", "Understanding the real world" and the issues about "live salvation". What has been mentioned about these terms in Buddhism? In Buddhism, it has been cited that moral duty is the cause that leads to the moral rights as result. When we act the right as well as decent things, we are entitled to get the fair deals in return. We used to forget to consider that, isn't our moral duty or not?, to just either pay respect to the other people's rights or simply protect the other people's rights. Regarding to the Buddhism religion, there are a certain criteria to be "Good guys" i.e. firstly, not to make any sin at all such as not to exploit the others physically, verbally and mentally. Secondly, to make merits, such as helping out; showing the mercy and kindness to the underprivileged; donating money, land and properties, or even sharing the justified idea is also included. We also forgot to ask about tempting the others with a certain of hindrance i.e. assets, land and properties. Have you already made the sin with these temptations or dominating the idea of people? How the people will understand the fine line between the sin and meritorious deed? Buddhism kindly advises us to understand and consider the real world in two steps as well as in parallel way. Looking around us as surrounding of illusion. These illusion or fantasies will not be sustainable, only temporarily indeed. For example, human being has to go through aging process, illness and eventually death. What we need to consider in parallel is the matter about "Within us". What is the secret issue about "Within us"? Brain, spirit, heart or extremities, wherever we point at, will be just only human biological tissues or various elements. Last, but not least, practicing salvation when you still alive is perplexing. Live salvation is already existed within us, nowadays. No need to wait for the next life. Salvation can exist when we still alive. Salvation is to purify our spirit which require proper training to keep it clean in sustainable way.

The management of acardiac twins at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital: case series.

Acardiac twin is a rare event with high perinatal mortality rate and the management strategies remain controversial. The authors report 4 cases of twin pregnancies associated with one acardiac twin diagnosed at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital during the period 1993 to 2002. Two cases were expectantly managed and intrauterine interventions were performed in order to occlude umbilical artery of the acardiac twin in 2 cases, by using Guglielmi detachable coil (GDC) embolization and absolute alcohol injection. Overall, the perinatal mortality rate for the pump twin was 50% and the survival rate of expectant management in the present series was 100%. GDC embolization was judged to be technically successful since it completely occluded the circulation to the acardiac twin. However, the pump twin was dead which might have resulted from the compromised state due to cardiac failure. At present, it seems that conservative management with close antenatal surveillance is the treatment of choice when the twin-weight ratios are substantially less than 70%. Invasive techniques should be considered when there is ultrasound evidence of hydramnios or congestive heart failure of the pump twin at a previable gestational age.

First trimester umbilical cord and vessel diameters of Thai fetuses.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the reference ranges for first trimester umbilical cord and vessel diameters of Thai fetuses. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A prospective study was performed on normal pregnant women between 10(+0) and 13(+6) weeks of gestation who underwent ultrasound examination. The diameter measurements were obtained by a 7.5 MHz vaginal--or a 3.75 MHz abdominal transducer. Statistics were analyzed using SPSS computer program. RESULTS: Records of 184 pregnancies were analyzed and the outcome demonstrated a strong correlation between umbilical cord diameter and gestational age (r = 0.90; p < 0.001). Umbilical vessel diameters were also correlated with gestational age. CONCLUSION: First trimester umbilical cord and vessel diameters of Thai fetuses are related to gestational age. The presented reference ranges might be useful for further studies, such as prediction of adverse pregnancy outcome or combination with biochemical or other ultrasound markers for fetal aneuploidy screening.