Comparative analysis of quality scores images between second- and third-trimester ultrasound scan.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether the quality scores validated for second-trimester ultrasound scan can be used for third-trimester ultrasound scan. METHODS: Prospective multicenter ancillary study using data from the RECRET study. Nulliparous women, with no reported history, with second- and third-trimester ultrasound examinations performed by the same ultrasonographer and using the same ultrasound machine were recruited. The global score and the individual score of each ultrasound image were compared between second- and third-trimester ultrasound scan. The sample size was calculated for a non-inferiority (one-sided) paired Student t test. RESULTS: 103 women with 1606 anonymized ultrasound images were included. The median term at second- and third-trimester ultrasound scan was 22.2 weeks gestation (22.0-22.7) and 31.6 weeks gestation (30.7-34.7), respectively. The mean global score of ultrasound images was comparable between the second- and the third-trimester ultrasound examination (32.37 ± 2.62 versus 31.80 ± 3.27, p = 0.13). Means scores for each biometric parameters i.e. head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur diaphysis length were comparable. The scores for the four-chamber view (5.11 ± 0.91 versus 5.36 ± 0.75, p = 0.02) and the spine (4.18 ± 1.17 versus 5.22 ± 1.02, p < 0.001) were significantly lower in the third trimester compared to the second trimester. The score for the kidney image was significantly higher for third trimester images compared to second trimester images (4.73 ± 0.51 versus 4.32 ± 0.67, p < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: Biometrics parameters quality scores images previously validated for the second trimester ultrasound scan can be also used for the third trimester scan. However, anatomical quality scores images performances may vary between the second and the third trimester scan.

Maternal complications induced by digoxin treatment of fetal tachycardia: A retrospective series of 18 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate maternal tolerance to digoxin, used alone or associated to other antiarrhythmic drugs in the management of fetal tachycardia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted at Rouen University Hospital between January 2009 and July 2016. All women who have received a treatment by either digoxin alone or associated with another antiarrhythmic drug for fetal tachycardia were included in the study. Maternal cardiac and extracardiac adverse effects were reported and comparisons between electrocardiograms before and during treatment with digoxin alone were performed. RESULTS: Eighteen women were treated by digoxin, either alone or associated with another antiarrhythmic (sotalol, flecainide or amiodarone). During treatment, digoxin overdosing (>2ng/mL) was observed in 11 women (61%), among which 4 women had toxic levels of digoxinemia (>3ng/mL) that was symptomatic in 3 women. Cardiac complications such as sinus bradycardia, first-degree auriculo-ventricular block and Mobitz I second-degree auriculo-ventricular block were reported in four women (18.2%). Extracardiac side effects i.e. neurosensorial or digestive were diagnosed in 35.3% of women. The parameters of the electrocardiogram were not altered before and after treatment with digoxin alone. CONCLUSION: Antiarrhythmics can cause maternal cardiac complications and extracardiac side effects that can sometimes be severe but rapidly reversible upon treatment arrest.

Ex Vivo Assessment of an Ultrasound-Guided Injection Technique of the Navicular Bursa in the Horse.

Synovitis of the navicular bursa is common in performance horses. The objective of this study was to describe an ultrasound-guided technique to inject a distended navicular bursa and to evaluate its feasibility for use by a clinician not trained in the technique. Twenty distal limbs of horses of various breeds and sizes were used. To produce synovial distension, the navicular bursa of each limb was injected with contrast medium using a lateral approach and radiography was performed to confirm that the contrast medium was distending the bursa. The digit was positioned with the distal interphalangeal joint in hyperextension. A microconvex ultrasound probe was placed in the hollow of the pastern, palmar to the middle phalanx and the region was assessed in a transverse plane slightly oblique to the horizontal plane. The ultrasound probe was rotated to visualize both the lateral and medial recesses and to select which side was more distended to inject. A 21G 0.8 × 50 mm needle was inserted abaxially to the probe in the plane of the ultrasound beam into the proximal recess of this navicular bursa and a methylene blue solution was injected. Following injection, dissection was performed to assess whether the navicular bursa had been successfully injected. This ultrasound-guided technique was reliably performed with a success rate of 68%. The success of injection is influenced by hyperextension of the foot, quality of ultrasound images and degree of distension of the bursa.

[Real time virtual sonography: a new approach in the evaluation of fetal cerebral structures?]. / Fusion échographie-IRM: une nouvelle approche du cerveau fœtal ?

If ultrasonography is the first intention exam in the evaluation of fetal cerebral structures, MR is the second intention exam the indications of which are well defined. Both techniques are complementary but still independent and the retrospective synthesis of these exams allows optimal analysis of fetal cerebral anomalies. Real time virtual sonography can synchronize a sonographic image and MRI multiplanar image of the same section in real time. This technique can be performed in the evaluation of fetal cerebral structures and synchronous recognition of anatomic structures and has many advantages especially on the pedagogic plan. However, this technique is currently limited to the research area.

[Interstitial pregnancy: experience at Rouen's hospital]. / Grossesses interstitielles : traitement chirurgical, fertilité et devenir obstétrical. L'expérience rouennaise.

OBJECTIVE: Presenting our experience concerning interstitial pregnancies (IP) surgical management and to evaluate our patients' subsequent long-term fertility. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Twenty patients underwent surgical treatment of IP in our department over 15 years. In this retrospective study, we present symptoms that led to diagnosis, treatments, fertility and obstetrical outcome. RESULTS: Mean gestational age at diagnosis was 8SA, with a median BHCG rate of 7411 IU/L, and a patient mean age of 30 years. Ninety percent of patients had at least one risk factor for ectopic pregnancy. Pain or bleeding were the most common symptoms at admission, 4 patients were admitted in an hypovolemic shock status. Location of the interstitial ectopic pregnancy was discovered during surgery in 45 % of cases. Six patients had a large hemoperitoneum bigger than 1L, 5 patients had an IP of uterine stump after salpingectomy for a previous ectopic pregnancy. The most used surgical technique was in 60 % of cases the excision by Endo GIA stapling(®) with salpingectomy. Regarding fertility, 12 patients wished pregnancy in the aftermath of the intervention, 10 had at least one pregnancy, among them there is an ectopic contralateral ampullary pregnancy, and a contralateral recurrence of interstitial pregnancy. Four patients were delivered by cesarean section and 4 patients were delivered vaginally, some several times. No uterine rupture occured. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Interstitial pregnancy is a rare ectopic pregnancy. Its diagnosis is difficult and may involve maternal life-threatening and fertility. In subsequent pregnancies, the clinician has to be careful concerning the risks of interstitial pregnancy recurrence and uterine rupture.

[Assessment of ovarian volume reduction with three-dimensional ultrasonography after cystectomy for endometrioma]. / Évaluation par échographie tridimensionnelle de la réduction du volume des ovaires après kystectomie des endométriomes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to assess ovarian tissue loss related to endometrioma cystectomy by 3D-ultrasonography. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We have retrospectively included 15 women with no previous ovarian surgery who benefited from cystectomy of an unilateral endometrioma the diameter of which was superior to 30mm. Cystectomy has been performed using an ovarian tissue-sparing procedure with no incision of the ovarian cortex. Patients underwent ultrasonography at least 9 months after the surgery. Several ovarian parameters, such as the area on longitudinal cross-section, the volume and the antral follicles count (AFC), were measured on both operated and contra lateral ovary, and then were compared using Mann and Whitney test. The relationship between the reduction of operated ovary volume and preoperative endometrioma diameter was evaluated by multiple regression. RESULTS: Operated ovary presented a significant reduction in area (mean reduction 229.8mm(2)±47.6; P<0.0001), volume (mean reduction 5.8cm(3)±1.16; P<0.0001) and AFC (mean reduction 5.1±3.8, P=0.002). No statistically significant correlation was found between operated ovary volume reduction and preoperative endometrioma diameter. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Endometrioma cystectomy leads to significant reduction in ovarian parenchyma volume and AFC, when compared to contra lateral ovary. This event must be taken into account in the choice of treatment strategy, especially in the case of enlarged, bilateral and recurrent endometriomas, recurrence, as well as in women presenting with other risk factor for ovarian failure.

[A voluminous sacrococcygeal teratoma: prenatal diagnosis, in-utero treatment and obstetric management]. / Tératome sacrococcygien de la taille du faetus: surveillance anténatale, thérapeutique faetale in utero et prise en charge obstétricale.

Sacrococcygeal teratoma is the most common and benign fetal tumor. Fetuses with sacrococcygeal tumors that are predominantly solid and highly vascularized have a high risk of fatal issue. Hydrops and tumor hemorrhage are associated with a highest risk of fetal death. Management of these tumors includes ultrasound scan with Doppler and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is usually used for evaluation of its intrapelvic extension and relationship to the other structures. New in-utero treatments as vascular coagulation have been applied in fetuses with highly vascular teratomas but these techniques are still experimental and need more investigations. The management of delivery depends on associated anomalies, tumor vascularity and size.

[Prosthetic repair of genito-urinary prolapses by the transobturateur infracoccygeal hammock technique: medium-term results]. / Correction prothétique des prolapsus génito-urinaires selon la technique du hamac transobturateur infracoccygien: résultats à moyen terme.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anatomical and functional medium-term efficacy and possible complications of vaginal prosthetic surgery with transobturator and infracoccygeal support to treat genital urinary prolapse. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A prospective and monocentre study was conducted, from February 2002 till February 2005. All the patients with or without stress urinary incontinence (SUI), who presented either a recurrent prolapse, either a voluminous genital prolapse of stage 3 or 4 notably a dominant cystocele, either a post-hysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse or even a prolapse of lesser importance but in a context of obesity, were operated according to the transobturator infracoccygeal sling technique. RESULTS: One hundred and three patients with a mean age of 65+/-11 years (41-84) were enrolled, with once on two SUI. Thirty percent of the patients had recurrent prolapse and 44% post-hysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse. With a mean follow-up of 32+/-13 months (12-53), the success rate of the technique was estimated to be 97% anatomically (three failures) and 89% in terms of urinary symptoms (69% of patients were cured, 20% were improved and 11% failed). Quality of life of the patients was sharply improved and their degree of satisfaction was high. Sexuality of the population which was limited here (44% of active patients) did not seem very modified by surgery. Complications were represented by a case of urinary retention observed with a secondarily pelvic haematoma, a low rectal injury without consequence, three blood transfusions. Three patients developed de novo overactive bladder. The prostheses exposure rate was 16%, once requiring on two one re-intervention. Prostheses were perceived during the postoperative evaluation by the examiner for 43% of the patients. But examination was painful only in 9,7% of the cases. CONCLUSION: Combined treatment of vaginal prolapse and associated urinary incontinence is possible by the use of a single transvaginal prosthesis. The medium-term anatomical and functional results are very good. The results on continence are good and a subsequent specific procedure is always possible in the case of failure or insufficient improvement. The prostheses exposure rate is similar to that observed with synthetic transvaginal prostheses. The exact tolerance of vaginal prosthetic repair of the prolapse of young women being this day an unknown, we remain careful on the extension of the indications of this technique in this category of population.

[Cystocele and stress urinary incontinence: assessment of a total treatment by monoprosthesis]. / Cystocèle et incontinence urinaire d'effort: évaluation d'un traitement global par monoprothèse.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and the potential complications in the short and medium terms of the transobturator and infracoccygeal hammock, a surgical technique suggested to treat in one sole operating time, by vaginal way, cystocele and stress urinary incontinence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From February 2002 till August 2004, 45 patients aged 66+/-11 years on average, presenting a stage 3 or stage 4 cystocele associated with stress urinary incontinence (proven for 40 of them and masked by the prolapse itself for the other five) benefited from this new surgical procedure. RESULTS: With a mean follow-up of 31+/-9 months, the success rate of the technique is estimated at 98% on the anatomical aspect (one single failure) and at 91% on the urinary aspect (73% of the patients were cured, 18% improved and 9% in failure). No patient presented urinary retention except one with an infected pelvic hematoma requiring its evacuation and the partial ablation of the prosthesis. Postvoid residual volume at discharge was 83 ml. Two patients developed de novo bladder overactivity. Unfortunately we had to regret nearly 18% of exposed prosthesis. This result should be improved by the exclusive use of polypropylene monofilament prosthesis with broad meshes, weak weights and by reduced vaginal scars. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Total treatment by monoprosthesis of cystoceles with associated stress urinary incontinence constitutes an interesting prospect for some high-risk genital urinary prolapses for anatomical repetition or post-operative dysvoiding. Patients with recurrent failures of prolapse surgical cure, those with a large cystocele or by extension with a complete prolapse of the three floors, and even those with a post-hysterectomy prolapse have perhaps found a durable solution with their problem.

[Obstetrical and anesthetic management of pregnant women who smoke]. / Quelle est la prise en charge optimale périnatale de la parturiente fumeuse sur le plan obstétrical et anesthésique?

Is the obstetrical and anesthetic management of pregnant women who smoke different from that for a pregnant women who does not smoke? This was the question the experts were asked during the first "Tobacco and pregnancy" Consensus Conference. To address these two questions a Medline and Embase search was carried out. The review of the literature confirmed the limited number of reported studies directly concerned, from the obstetrical or anesthesia point of view, with the problems of the management of women who smoke. Consequently, we are not able to suggest detailed recommendations. However, during the perinatal period, the correlation between tobacco and some obstetrical or surgical complications have been established. On this basis, studies must be undertaken in order to propose an optimal attitude for pregnant smokers.

[Neonatal management of a child exposed to tobacco in utero and postnatal biomarkers]. / Quelle est la prise en charge optimale à la naissance de l'enfant exposé au tabac in utero et quels en sont les biomarqueurs post-natals?

Does neonatal and postnatal management of a new-born exposed in utero to tobacco smoking differ from a non-exposed neonate? Which are the biomarkers for perinatal exposition? In order to address these two questions a Medline and Embase search was carried out. For the first question, the review of the literature suggests that tobacco is one of main factors increasing the rates of preterm birth to a significant degree and primarily early prematurity, and intrauterine growth restriction. Moreover, maternal smoking during pregnancy increases perinatal mortality. Management tends to reduce perinatal morbidity and mortality of these new-born, but there is in fact no published research which proposes precise recommendations for an accurate management distinct from the non-exposed child. Among the biomarkers used for the routine diagnosis of in utero tobacco smoke exposure, the umbilical cord cotinine level is probably the most reliable and noninvasive for the new-born. However, the maternal curve can be studied and measurement of the exhaled carbon monoxide in late pregnancy is a valid reflection of neonatal impregnation.

[Sonographic findings of acardiac twin in the first trimester of pregnancy]. / Sémiologie échographique du foetus acardiaque au premier trimestre de la grossesse.

Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion (TRAP) sequence, or the acardiac anomaly, is a rare complication of monozygotic twins, that occurs in approximately 1 in 35,000 births. In the first trimester, once the diagnosis of monochorionic twins is made, particularly if one embryo shows abnormal development or generalized edema, the TRAP sequence must be considered. Moreover, malformations reported in the perfused twin are often severe. Diagnosis is confirmed by using Doppler ultrasound which demonstrated the presence of retrograde perfusion in the umbilical cord of the abnormal twin. The more complete the body form is, the more similarity the vascular relationships have to the pattern found in a full-term fetus. Final outcome and treatment decisions can be determined based on hemodynamic criteria. We report a case of a misdiagnosed TRAP sequence with no structural malformations detected by ultrasonography at 12 weeks of gestation.

Erythropoietin (rHuEPO) doping: effects of exercise on anaerobic metabolism in rats.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) administration on energy metabolism during exercise. Specifically, the contribution of anaerobic (glycogen) metabolism during exercise was evaluated. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to an experimental [rHuEPO] (600 U x kg(-1) of Eprex, every 3 days) or control (equivalent volume of saline) group. After 15 days of treatment, animals from both groups were randomly subjected to either a 30-minute exercise (swimming with 5% body weight added) or resting period. They were sacrificed at the end of the exercise period. Their liver and muscles were quickly removed and frozen in liquid nitrogen. Blood was also sampled. rHuEPO administration resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) increase of hematocrit (from 42 +/- 2 to 54 +/- 7 L/L). In the rHuEPO group, both muscle glycogen and free fatty acids were higher whereas lactate was lower at the conclusion of the exercise period (P < 0.05). These results suggest that energy substrate utilization during exercise is affected by enhanced oxygen availability. Finally, a lower overall contribution to energy production from anaerobic metabolism during exercise followed rHuEPO administration.