Assessment of thyroid functions and thyroid volume in normal pregnant Egyptian females.

The normal range of thyroid functions during pregnancy differs between ethnic groups. This study assessed the thyroid functions in normal pregnant Egyptian females. Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO Abs) and thyroid volume were also assessed. The study included 150 normal pregnant Egyptian females, recruited from Cairo University Hospital Antenatal Care Clinic (50 in each trimester), with 40 age-matched non-pregnant females, as a control group. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and TPO Abs were measured. Thyroid volume was assessed by ultrasonography. TSH ranges were 0.21-1.7, 0.52-3.2 and 0.72-2.6 mIU/L during first, second and third trimesters, respectively. The mean TSH level in pregnant females was significantly lower than that of non-pregnant women (1.2 ± 0.7 vs 2.7 ± 0.9 mIU/L, p < .001). TPO Abs were significantly higher in the first trimester compared to both second and third trimesters (p < .001 for both). Thyroid volume of pregnant females was non-significantly higher than that of non-pregnant control subjects (p = .126). A significant positive correlation was found between thyroid volume and body mass index in pregnant females (p < 0.001). Our study established trimester-specific reference ranges for thyroid functions in normal pregnant Egyptian females. A larger population-based study would help to confirm those ranges. Thyroid volume was non-significantly higher than that of non-pregnant control subjects.

Thoracoscopic repair of diaphragmatic hernia in neonates and children: a new simplified technique.

Needlescopic techniques have been used recently in different pediatric procedures, which made this type of surgery more feasible and less invasive with decreased hospital stay and improved cosmetic results. The technique is being developed further. New techniques with minor modifications are evolving every day. The objective of this study was to describe and assess the results that can be achieved by using a new simplified technique [Reverdin needle (RN)] in thoracoscopic repair of diaphragmatic hernia in neonates and children. Eighteen patients with symptomatic congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), from Al-Azhar University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt were assigned to elective thoracoscopic repair using RN to insert mattress sutures between the edges of diaphragmatic defects. The technique will be described in detail. A total of 18 diaphragmatic defects were repaired successfully; there were 12 males and 6 females with a mean age of 1.58 +/- 21 months (range, 5 days-9 months). Left-sided CDH was present in 12 cases (67%) and right-sided CDH in 6 cases (33%). The mean operative time was 30.7 +/- 1.18 min (range, 25-60 min) for each CDH repair. There were no intra or postoperative complications. There was one case of conversion and minimal blood loss. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 5.6 days (range, 2-10 days). There was only one case of mortality on the 10th postoperative day. There was no single case of recurrence. The new technique had all the advantages of thoracoscopy in children (less invasive, less pain, shorter hospital stay) combined with the advantages of reduced operating time, simplicity and feasibility. It may be preferable to intracorporeal suturing and knot tying.