Clinical correlation between adenosine deaminase activity and pre-eclampsia severity.

This study evaluated the relationship between the activity of the inflammatory indicator adenosine deaminase (ADA) in placental tissue and maternal and fetal (umbilical cord) plasma and the severity of pre-eclampsia. Maternal and umbilical vein whole blood and placental tissue samples were collected from women with normal pregnancies (n = 33) and patients with mild (n = 12) or severe (n = 17) preeclampsia. ADA activity was measured spectrophotometrically. Significantly increased ADA activity was detected in maternal and fetal plasma, and placental tissue in patients with mild and severe pre-eclampsia compared with normal pregnancies; there were no significant differences between the mild and severe cases. The presence of increased ADA activity in pre-eclampsia is consistent with activation of the inflammatory system in this condition. The increased ADA activity was related to the presence of the disease but not the severity of clinical symptoms. Neonatal outcome did not significantly correlate with observed ADA activity.

Changes in serum CA-125 levels after laparotomy?

There is no adequate data in the medical literature defining serum CA-125 levels after laparotomy. Therefore we designed this prospective study to evaluate the effects of laparotomy for hysterectomy on serum CA-125 levels. Ninety-four women (mean age 44.6 +/- 6.9 years) were included in the study between January, 2001 and April, 2003. Hysterectomies were performed in patients with chronic pelvic pain, dysfunctional uterine bleeding and myoma uteri. Mean serum CA-125 levels of the patients before and after laparotomy were 16.29 +/- 8.11 U/ml and 16.37 +/- 8.05 U/ml, respectively. The change in serum CA-125 levels prior to the operation was statistically insignificant when compared with the levels obtained at 24 hours after laparotomy (p > 0.05). We found that laparotomy for hysterectomy did not change the levels of CA-125 at the 24th hour after the operation, indicating either serum CA-125 levels are not correlated, at least within 24 hours, with peritoneal irritation or peritoneal irritation was minimal or absent in our operations.

Is there a change in serum CA-125 levels after laparoscopy?

There is no adequate data in the medical literature defining serum CA-125 levels after laparoscopy. Therefore we designed this prospective study to evaluate the effects of laparoscopy on serum CA-125 levels. Eighty-two women (mean age 34.2 +/- 12.30 years) were included in the study between January, 2001 and April, 2003. Laparoscopies were performed in patients with chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, infertility, ovarian cysts and for tubal ligation. Mean serum CA-125 levels of the patients before and after the laparoscopic procedures were 13.96 +/- 4.86 U/ml and 14.02 +/- 4.96 U/ml, respectively. The change in serum CA-125 levels prior to laparoscopy was statistically insignificant when compared with the levels obtained at 24 hours after laparoscopic procedure (p > 0.05). We found that diagnostic laparoscopy or laparoscopic surgical procedures did not change the levels of CA-125 at the 24th hour after laparoscopy indicating either serum CA-125 levels are not correlated, at least within 24 hours, with peritoneal irritation or peritoneal irritation is minimal or absent in our operations.

Labor induction post-term with 25 micrograms vs. 50 micrograms of intravaginal misoprostol.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effectiveness of 25 microg vs. 50 microg of intravaginal misoprostol for cervical ripening and labor induction beyond 41 weeks' gestation. METHODS: The study population consisted of 120 women not in active labor with a gestational age >41 weeks, singleton pregnancy with vertex presentation, reactive fetal heart rate tracing, amniotic fluid index >/=5, and Bishop score <5. Women were randomized to receive either 25 microg (n=60) or 50 microg (n=60) of intravaginal misoprostol. The dose was repeated every 4 h (maximum number of doses limited to six) until the patient exhibited three contractions in 10 min. The main outcome measure was the induction-vaginal delivery interval. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to the induction-vaginal delivery interval (685+/-201 min in the 25 microg group vs. 627+/-177 min in the 50 microg group, P=0.09). The proportion of women delivering vaginally with one dose of vaginal misoprostol was significantly greater in the 50 microg group (0/49 vs. 41/47, P<0.001). There were no differences in the rates of cesarean and operative vaginal delivery rates, or in the incidences of tachysystole and hyperstimulation syndrome in the two treatment groups. Neonatal outcomes were also similar. CONCLUSIONS: Intravaginal administration of 25 microg of misoprostol appears to be as effective as 50 microg for cervical ripening and labor induction beyond 41 weeks' gestation.

Normal pregnancy outcome after inadvertent exposure to long-acting gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist in early pregnancy.

Five infertile women exposed to long-acting gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) during early pregnancy were studied to assess the risks of embryotoxicity on the outcome of their pregnancies. All the patients were diagnosed as stage 3-4 endometriosis following laparoscopy. Long-acting GnRHa (3.75 mg) was given in the first 3 days of their preceding menstrual period. Four of the five patients had two GnRHa injections and the last patient had three GnRHa injections. All patients were advised to use a barrier contraception (condoms) throughout the treatment period. Since all complained of no bleeding following the initial injections, human chorionic gonadotrophin (beta-HCG) concentrations were tested in order to rule out any pregnancy. Ultrasonographic examinations were commenced routinely and all patients had amniocentesis at 16-18 weeks gestational age. Genetic analysis revealed a normal karyotype in all fetuses. All five pregnancies progressed to term without complication, and normal healthy infants were delivered. Although there are still no clear answers concerning teratogenic and hormonal effects of GnRHa exposure in pregnancy, our data may suggest that luteal function, genetic structure and pregnancy outcome are not adversely affected by GnRHa. Since possible subtle effects on fetal endocrine organs cannot be disregarded, close monitoring is still needed in GnRHa-exposed pregnancies.

The effects of hormone replacement therapy on echocardiographic basic cardiac functions in postmenopausal women.

This prospective study was designed to investigate the effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on systolic and diastolic functions. Twenty-eight non-smoking, healthy postmenopausal women who had not received any kind of HRT for at least three years within the onset of menopause were included in the study. All patients received 0.625 mg conjugated oestrogens and 2.5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate as daily HRT regimen. Their basic systolic and diastolic functions were investigated echocardiographically using standard positions and windows before and 6 months after initiation of HRT. The means of age, weight and length of postmenopausal period were 49.3 +/- 5.8 years, 63.5 +/- 8.7 kg and 46.3 +/- 7.1 months, respectively. Heart rate and systolic and diastolic pressures were similar during the pre- and post-treatment periods. After 6 months of HRT, the mean left ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes were decreased significantly (71.3 +/- 16.4 versus 56.3 +/- 22.8 ml, 144.5 +/- 26.1 versus 111.7 +/- 24.0 ml, respectively, P < 0.05). Left ventricular ejection fraction was increased (45.1 +/- 6.2% versus 54.8 +/- 4.1%, P < 0.05). Improvement in diastolic function was significant compared with the pretreatment period (E/A 0.90 +/- 0.2 versus 1.10 +/- 0.4, deceleration time 238 +/- 36.8 versus 201 +/- 24.2 ms, respectively, P < 0.05). Based on our preliminary results, we conclude that besides the known favourable effects on women's lives, HRT may also improve cardiac performance and age-related dysfunctions. The present results further suggest that oestrogens exert many direct effects on the cardiovascular system, other than the metabolic changes related to lipoproteins.

Placebo-controlled cross-over study of effects of tibolone on premenstrual symptoms and peripheral beta-endorphin concentrations in premenstrual syndrome.

Central nervous system hormones have been linked to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and beta-endorphin (beta-EP) is thought to be involved in the pathophysiology. We have tested the efficacy of the synthetic steroid Org OD 14 (tibolone) in the treatment of PMS. This prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind cross-over study included 18 ovulatory women with PMS as ascertained by a visual linear analogue scale (VLAS). The women in each group received either 2.5 mg per day Org OD 14 (n = 9) or a multi-vitamin pill as placebo (n = 9) for 3 months. Treatments were then crossed over to a placebo for a further 3 months. VLAS ratings were evaluated at the end of each menstrual cycle throughout the study. Peripheral beta-EP concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay on days 7 and 25 of each menstrual cycle. Changes in VLAS score and beta-EP concentrations from baseline were calculated and analysed by Student's paired t-test. Improvements in VLAS scores and beta-EP concentrations were evident during the second and third months of tibolone treatment. At the end of the third month, there was a significant improvement in VLAS scores of all symptom categories compared with pretreatment and placebo during treatment with tibolone (P < 0.05). Similar results were obtained in the first placebo group when switched to tibolone. Beta-EP concentrations were not significantly different between the study groups at the initial cycle (15.9 +/- 3.6 versus 17.2 +/- 2.3 pg/ml). The increase in beta-EP concentration was significantly greater on day 25 of the menstrual cycle in women treated with tibolone compared with baseline and placebo group (22.5 +/- 4.4 versus 15.9 +/- 3.6 and 17.2 +/- 2.3 pg/ml respectively, P < 0.05). Our data confirm the clinical efficacy of tibolone in PMS-related symptoms, as well as its effects on serum beta-EP concentrations in patients with PMS.

Endometrial Na+, K+-ATPase pump function and vasopressin levels during hysteroscopic surgery in patients pretreated with GnRH agonist.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analog pretreatment on endometrial Na+, K+-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) pump function and peripheral blood vasopressin levels, and their role in fluid absorption and mechanisms of hyponatremia in patients undergoing hysteroscopic endometrial ablation. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study (Canadian Task Force classification I). SETTING: University-affiliated hospital. PATIENTS: Seventeen women with dysfunctional uterine bleeding. INTERVENTION: Nine women received a GnRH analog and eight received saline approximately 6 to 8 weeks before hysteroscopic ablation by electrosurgery. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Both before randomization and immediately before surgery, endometrial biopsy samples were obtained and numbered consecutively without patient identification. Operative hysteroscopy was performed with glycine 1.5% mixed with 2% alcohol. The amount of irrigant and irrigant deficit; blood levels of albumin and ethanol; hematocrit and hemoglobin; changes in sodium levels; and central venous pressure were compared. The Na+, K+-ATPase pump activity was significantly increased in the GnRH analog group compared with the saline group and correlated with decreased estradiol levels (0.4 +/- 0.08 vs 0.26 +/- 0.06 micro mol/min/ml). Vasopressin levels were significantly lower in the GnRH group (3.2 +/- 0.9 vs 7.6 +/- 1.7 micro mol/L). Mean volume of irrigant used and operating time were similar in both groups. Volume deficit, decrease in protein, and hematocrit were less in GnRH than in the saline group. Blood ethanol levels, decrease in sodium, and irrigant deficit were significantly lower in GnRH group. CONCLUSION: Pretreatment with GnRH analogs may prevent the adverse effects of estradiol on endometrial Na+, K+-ATPase and creates a protective mechanism against iatrogenic hyponatremia, which is more critical in women than men in case of absorption of irrigating fluid. Moreover, created hypoestrogenism may enhance Na+, K+-ATPase activity in brain as well as endometrium, thus decreasing women's susceptibility to hyponatremic complications and brain damage. Suppressed vasopressin levels may be protective against fluid absorption in GnRH analog-treated patients.

The effects of duration of CO2 insufflation and irrigation on peritoneal microcirculation assessed by free radical scavengers and total glutathion levels during operative laparoscopy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of peritoneal exposure to carbon dioxide (CO2) on peritoneal microcirculation and free radical scavenger (FRS) metabolism, and its role in potential adhesion formation after operative laparoscopy. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled study (Canadian Task Force classification I). SETTING: University-affiliated hospital. PATIENTS: Twenty-eight women undergoing operative laparoscopy for adnexal masses. INTERVENTION: For each patient, a 1 x 1-cm sidewall peritoneal flap was excised at the end of laparoscopy and numbered randomly. Similar flaps obtained from 24 women immediately after entering the abdomen during laparotomy served as controls. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Changes in glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) levels were studied in homogenized peritoneal tissues. The duration of CO2 exposure and amount of CO2 used were correlated with levels of free radical scavengers and compared with controls. Mean CO2 exposure, amount of CO2 used, and CO2 pressure (15 mm Hg) was similar between low irrigation and irrigated laparoscopy (118.3 +/- 25 and 39.2 +/- 8.81 min and 125 +/- 20 and 44.5 +/- 6.81 min, respectively). The change in FRS levels was significantly correlated with duration and amount of CO2 exposure (r = -0.92). Levels of GSH-Px, SOD, CAT, and GSH were significantly lower in the CO2 exposure group than in controls (0.57 micro mol, 1.8 ng, 48.5 micro mol, 1.5 nmol vs 0.8 micro mol, 2.6 +/- 0.4 ng, 79 micro mol, 3.6 nmol, respectively). CONCLUSION: Exposure to CO2 has adverse effects on peritoneal microcirculation and cell-protective systems, which are proposed mechanisms in adhesion formation. Avoiding long CO2 exposure and copiously irrigating the abdominal cavity throughout surgery may lessen these effects. The potential role of the peritoneal FRS system on postoperative adhesion formation and its relation to estrogen status mandates further studies.

The Effects of Daflon on Pelvic Pain in Women with Taylor Syndrome

The syndrome of chronic pelvic pain without an obvious pathology has been described as pelvic congestion (Taylor) syndrome. It is frequently associated with continuous bilateral lower abdominal pain and dyspareunia. Pelvic examination reveals tenderness without induration or masses. Although their importance in the pathophysiology of pain is uncertain, prominent enlarged broad ligament veins are observed at laparoscopy. We evaluated the effects of daflon, a venomimetic agent that regulates the circulatory tonus of the venous system, on pelvic pain and investigated the role of enlarged veins in the pathophysiology of Taylor syndrome. Ten women (age 28-35 yrs) with chronic pelvic pain were diagnosed with the syndrome at laparoscopy. They all had prominent broad ligament and ovarian veins without other pathologies such as endometriosis to explain the etiology of pelvic pain. Five women were randomized in a double-blind fashion to receive daflon 500 mg twice/day for 4 months, and five a vitamin pill placebo; they were crossed over for another 4 months. They scored the frequency and severity of lower abdominal pain and dyspareunia on a scale from 0 to 6, and the results were compared with pretreatment values. At the end of the fourth month the frequency and severity of pelvic symptoms began to decrease with daflon compared with pretreatment and placebo. The mean scores were significantly less at the end of 4 months (9.3 ± 1.1 vs 4.2 ± 1.4, respectively, p <0.05). Based on our preliminary results, we conclude that venous dysfunction and stasis may be pathophysiologic components of pelvic pain in women with Taylor syndrome. Pharmacologic enhancement of venous tonus may restore pelvic circulation and relieve pelvic symptomatology.

The Sensitivity of Low-Dose Oral Contraceptives in Differentiating Endometriosis in Patients with Pelvic Pain

We evaluated the effects of low-dose oral contraceptive (Desolett) in the management of pelvic pain, and its sensitivity in differentiating organic disorders such as endometriosis, in 96 women who were followed for at least 4 to 6 months. The 67 who still complained of pelvic pain with no improvement in severity, or who reported increase in symptoms after 4 to 6 months were examined by laparoscopy. All patients underwent laparoscopy in the follicular phase, under general anesthesia with the three-puncture technique. Fifty-six women (83.6%) were diagnosed as having endometriosis, 19 stage 1, 31 stage 2, and 6 stage 3 disease (American Fertility Society classification). Six (9%) had moderate to severe pelvic adhesions (2 Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome) with no endometriotic implants. One (1.5%) had Taylor syndrome, and the others (6%) were free of disease. Unresponsiveness to low-dose oral contraceptives at the end of 4 to 6 months was highly sensitive and predictive of organic pelvic disorders such as endometriosis as the cause of pelvic pain. Therefore, we conclude that this therapy is effective in evaluating and treating women with obscure findings for particular disorders. In addition to managing mild to moderate endometriosis, it is effective in reducing the severity of midline pelvic pain of uterine origin, which may be of further benefit in pelvic pain of obscure etiology. Finally, a trial of oral contraceptives may be used as initial screening in women with chronic pelvic pain to reduce the number of unnecessary diagnostic and surgical interventions.