ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the morphometrical features of left atrial appendage (LAA) in patients with atrial fibrillation, subjected to LAA percutaneous closure (LARIAT) for stroke prevention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Computed tomography (CT) scans of 51 patients with atrial fibrillation subjected to LARIAT procedure were comparatively evaluated with 50 patients with sinus rhythm (control group). Three-dimensional reconstructions were created using volume-rendering for evaluation. RESULTS: No differences were found in LAA types of distribution (cauliflower: 25.5 vs. 34.0%, chicken wing: 45.1 vs. 46.0%, arrowhead: 29.4 vs. 20.0%, all p > 0.05) between groups. However, the study group was characterized by LAAs with a lower number of lobes. The LAA orifice anteroposterior and transverse diameters (19.3 ± 4.12 vs. 17.2 ± 4.0 mm, p = 0.01 and 25.1 ± 5.1 vs. 20.5 ± ± 4.4 mm, p = 0.001), orifice area (387.2 ± 133.9 vs. 327.1 ± 128.3 mm2, p = 0.02) and orifice perimeter (70.2 ± 12.5 vs. 61.2 ± 11.6 mm, p = 0.04) was significantly larger in atrial fibrillation patients. More oval LAA orifices was found in atrial fibrillation group (94.0 vs. 70.4%, p = 0.001). No statistically significant differences were found in LAA body length (47.4 ± 15.4 vs. 43.7 ± 10.9 mm, p = 0.17), body width (24.7 ± 5.6 vs. 24.4 ± 5.8 mm, p = 0.81), and chamber depth (17.7 ± 3.5 vs. 16.5 ± 3.8 mm, p = 0.11). Calculated LAA ejection fraction was significantly lower in study group compared to healthy patients (16.4 ± 14.9 vs. 48.2 ± 12.9%, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Important morphometrical differences in LAA orifice have been found, which was significantly larger and more oval in patients with atrial fibrillation compared to healthy controls. Although no difference in LAA body type and size was observed; the LAA ejection fraction was significantly lower in atrial fibrillation rhythm patients.
Subject(s)
Atrial Appendage , Atrial Fibrillation , Humans , Atrial Fibrillation/diagnostic imaging , Atrial Fibrillation/surgery , Atrial Appendage/diagnostic imaging , Echocardiography, Transesophageal/methods , Risk Factors , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
UNLABELLED: The influence of the sounds of music on adults' organisms is well investigated. It is widely known that low rhythm music can diminish psychophysical tension acting as a relaxing and anxiolytic agent, while fast rhythm of the music may have just opposite action-excitement. Despite the big number of publications about the influence of the sounds on human organism only very few papers about fetal reactions on music have been reported. A prospective study of 38 patients with mature pregnancies was made to evaluate the changes in the chosen cardiotocographic (CTG) parameters while listening to the different kinds of the music. Only physiological pregnancies were qualified. In the procedure all the patients were performed a Non Stress Test, than continuing CTG observation were exposed to three kinds of music: low (relaxation), medium (activation), fast rhythm (excitation). Uterine contractility, fetal heart rate (FHR), fetal movements (FM), incidence of accelerations and decelerations, oscillation mid-value were noted. A proportional positive correlation between the uterine contractility, fetal movements and the increase of the rhythm of the music was observed. No influence of the music on fetal heart rate and oscillation mid value was observed. An increased incidence of accelerations while playing the music was reported comparing to the control (i.e. pregnant patients not exposed to the music). No decelerations were observed. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Music has a significant impact on fetal behaviour. 2. Various sounds of music have influence on distinct behaviour of fetus. 3. Increasing rhythm of music intensifies uterine contractility and fetal movements.
Subject(s)
Embryonic and Fetal Development/physiology , Music , Pregnancy/physiology , Uterine Contraction/physiology , Adult , Cardiotocography/methods , Female , Humans , Prospective StudiesABSTRACT
41 women in prolonged pregnancy were involved into anonymous researches. By the use of survey created in IVth Obstetrics and Gynaecological Department of Silesian Medical School and STAI Spielberger questionnaire and AS Cattell questionnaire and K test MPI Eyseneck Scale--the structure, level of intensity and crystallisation fear was examined. The expectation and wishes of women were known. The general psychological characteristic was done and dominant strategies of coping with difficult situations were isolated. Higher fear levels, mostly of reactive genesis and crystallised mainly on the pregnancy, higher level of ergic tension and suspicion and high level of psychic integration and strong ego were observed.
Subject(s)
Anxiety/diagnosis , Anxiety/psychology , Fear , Pregnancy, Prolonged/psychology , Adaptation, Psychological , Adult , Female , Humans , Personality Inventory , Pregnancy , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
On the basis of the own questionnaire, the research concerning 60 married couples, experiencing family delivery, was made. It was stated that there is strong emotional bound between parents and strong need for experiencing the delivery together.
Subject(s)
Labor, Obstetric/psychology , Object Attachment , Spouses , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Pregnancy , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
121 women after previous caesarean section were examined. The amount of successful labours were compared (according to the own diagnostic card) with the foreseeing probability of vaginal labours according to Weinstein's score. 63% pregnant woman was classified to the natural labour on the base of the own diagnostic card, probability of natural labour according to Weinstein's score were more or equal than 67%. There were no agreement between prognostic Weinstein's scale and our own method in the cases of failed attempt of labour followed by caesarean section.