Maternal mortality in Greece (1980-1996).

OBJECTIVE: To use data from the National Statistical Service of Greece to examine trends in maternal mortality and risk factors for maternal deaths. STUDY DESIGN: Maternal mortality in Greece has been studied from years 1980 to 1996 in total, by cause of death, by residency (urban/rural) and by maternal age. The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) has been defined as the number of deaths per 100,000 live births. RESULTS: From years 1980 to 1996, there have been 136 maternal deaths (MMR: 7). The number of deaths has significantly decreased during this period and six major causes of death have been identified, resulting in 80% of maternal deaths. A simulation of maternal mortality between urban and rural areas has been achieved during the last decade. Also, maternal mortality rises dramatically with age. CONCLUSIONS: Although overall rates of maternal mortality in Greece have been significantly decreased over the last years, an improved recording of maternal deaths is necessary for identifying preventable factors and developing effective interventions.

Predictive values of CA 125 antigen levels and CT scan in second-look procedures for ovarian cancer.

23 patients with ovarian cancer were investigated 10 days after their last regimen of chemotherapy by CT scan and CA 125 in comparison with 'second-look' findings. In 17 out of 23 cases the CT scan results correlated with the operative ones. There were 6 false-negative findings but no false-positives. In all cases serum CA 125 levels correlated with the second-look operation. Our data suggest that the upper limit of CA 125, especially for patients, with negative findings, is less than or equal to 20 U/ml which is much lower than that of 35 U/ml, which is generally accepted. They also indicate the value of CA 125 in the detection of persistent ovarian cancer and the value of the CT scan in the detection of liver metastases. According to the above findings we question the value of the second-look operation in certain cases of ovarian cancer.

Comparative study of RIS with the 131I-OC 125 F(ab')2 Mab and CT scan prior to second look operation for ovarian cancer.

A tumour-associated radiolabelled monoclonal antibody (Mab) 131I-OC 125 F(ab')2 was used to investigate 27 patients 2 weeks after their last chemotherapy regimen and prior to second-look surgery for ovarian cancer. We did compare the radioimmunoscintigraphy (RIS) findings with the CT scan results and the second-look operation data. In 23 out of 27 cases the RIS results correlated with the operation findings, while there were four false-negative results. Computed tomography (CT) scans correlated in 17 out of 23 cases with the operative findings, while there were six false-negative results. We concluded that RIS is more specific in detecting the tumour site within the pelvis, while CT scan is superior in detecting liver metastases.