Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in pregnancy without the use of radiation.

BACKGROUND: Biliary disease in pregnancy is a relatively uncommon condition; the diagnosis of this condition is not standardized. Furthermore, the use of radiographic imaging studies and therapeutic approaches in pregnancy is limited because of the possibility of fetal exposure. STUDY DESIGN: During a 2-year interval of 2001 to 2002, we successfully performed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) studies in 6 pregnant women between 6 and 30 weeks of gestation with symptomatic acute cholangitis or pancreatitis without irradiation exposure or major maternal complications. Five of the women had classic symptoms of severe right upper quadrant abdominal pain, gallbladder stones, jaundice, and dilated bile ducts on ultrasonic evaluation. One woman had severe recurrent pancreatitis during early pregnancy 4 years after a cholecystectomy. The cases are compiled to provide a descriptive review of ERCP without the use of radiation imaging treatment for these conditions. RESULTS: Maternal outcome: After ERCP, jaundice resolved in all cases. No further episodes of pancreatitis occurred during the 1 affected pregnancy. No post-ERCP complications occurred during this series. Two patients required cholecystectomy later, one in the postpartum period and the other 5 weeks post-ERCP. Fetal outcome: Two infants were born at term without complications. Two infants were born prematurely at 35 weeks, 1 with significant growth retardation and pulmonary complications and 1 without developmental problems or complications. Two mothers were lost to follow-up; the outcomes of their pregnancies are unknown. CONCLUSION: The use of ERCP in pregnancy is limited because of the undesirable effects of radiation exposure to the fetus.

Voluntary screening program for HIV in pregnancy. Cost effectiveness.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of a voluntary human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening program in pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: Using a business decision theory analysis model, we estimated the outcomes and costs of the two possible decisions by our patients (test/no test). Patients with a positive HIV screen would undergo evaluation and possible prophylactic antiviral therapy. The model was utilized to evaluate the Naval Medical Center San Diego Program from 1995-1997. RESULTS: Prevalence of HIV in active duty Navy personnel during the years evaluated were 1995, 0.024%; 1996, 0.028%; and 1997, 0.022%. Patients screened for HIV during these years were 1995, 3,874; 1996, 3,924; and 1997, 4,127 (n = 11,925). Incidence of HIV seroprevalence in patients screened during the study period was zero. The number of patients declining HIV screening was: 1995, 10; 1996, 8; and 1997, 5. During the same period, reported HIV seroprevalence among pregnant patients in the United States was 1.5/1,000. CONCLUSION: HIV seroprevalence in our pregnant population (zero) was lower than expected, considering the national pregnancy prevalence and Navy prevalence. The expected number of cases of positive HIV screens was 17.8. The cost of the program for the study period was $103,748. The cost of care for one positive neonate ranges between $100,000 and $200,000.

Bilateral ovarian thecosis and virilization in pregnancy. A case report.

Virilization is usually associated with amenorrhea, infertility and ovarian stromal lesions. Paradoxically, however, it may also be seen in pregnancy; this type of virilization is rare and accompanies ovarian thecosis. Thecosis, also known as thecomatosis and stromal thecosis, is a complex assortment of types of ovarian stromal proliferation associated with various types and amounts of hormonal activity. A patient had progressive virilization that began about seven years after menarche. Nonetheless, she had six pregnancies and bore five normal living children. Her last child, a female, was not affected by the high maternal testosterone levels. The patient's virilization was associated with an ovarian stromal hyperplasia classified as combined thecosis. In this case, as in some others, there was reason to suspect a genetic basis for such progressive virilization with retained fertility; an analysis of it provides insight into the complex nature of ovarian stromal hyperplasia and hormonal activity.

Complications of the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome in pregnancy. A case report.

The Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a disorder of the connective tissue characterized by hyperextensible skin, loose jointedness, fragile tissues, bruising and bleeding diathesis. At least eight subtypes of EDS are recognized, each one with different clinical manifestations. On rare occasions EDS is associated with pregnancy. These patients are at risk for bleeding disorders and vascular, surgical and anesthetic complications as well as for premature labor, postpartum hemorrhage, bladder and uterine prolapse, abdominal hernias and wound dehiscence. We treated a pregnant patient for type 1 EDS and pregnancy-induced hypertension.

Potassium and glucose concentrations in patients treated with oral tocolytic agents: a preliminary report.

Fifteen patients referred to the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine with the diagnosis of cervical incompetence were placed in a study protocol where prophylactic oral beta mimetic agents were used in an attempt to prevent cervical dilatation between 20 and 36 weeks of gestation. Our study suggest that after the first week of therapy prolonged maternal oral tocolytic therapy has no significant effect on glucose or serum potassium levels and no deleterious effects on the immediate neonatal course.

Fetal growth sustained by parenteral nutrition in pregnancy.

Severe maternal nutritional deprivation has been associated with intrauterine growth retardation, premature labor, and increased perinatal mortality and morbidity. The authors present four cases in which total parenteral nutrition was used successfully to support fetal growth in such diverse complications as twin pregnancy with maternal jejunoileal bypass, regional enteritis, and acute pancreatitis. Maintenance of fetal growth as evidenced by serial sonographic examination allows achievement of fetal lung maturation before delivery. In all the cases presented there was no perinatal mortality or morbidity. The main clinical implication of the report is the possible application of total parenteral nutrition to maintain adequate growth in fetuses small for gestational age because of maternal nutritional deprivation.

Needle and catheter colonization in pregnant diabetic patients using the continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion pump.

The incidence of bacterial colonization and risk of infection associated with the use of continuous insulin infusion pump (CIIP) was examined in 11 pregnant diabetic patients. All patients received instruction on specific aspects of CIIP and needle insertion technique according to the protocol used in our institution. A total of 220 cultures was performed on the subcutaneous needle and connective tubing. There was no clinical evidence of infection. In conclusion, the risk of infectious cutaneous complications in the pregnant diabetic patient using CIIP is not increased over the nonpregnant diabetic population.

The use of ultrasound in the expectant management of abruptio placentae.

The use of real-time ultrasound and antepartum nonstress testing in the management of abruptio placentae is discussed. In one patient, fetal distress developed when the retroplacental clot volume reached 480 ml. Two cases in which retroplacental clot was less than 480 ml were managed expectantly with the use of ultrasound and antepartum fetal testing, with excellent results.

Listeria monocytogenes. An important pathogen in premature labor and intrauterine fetal sepsis.

Listeria monocytogenes is a rare complication of pregnancy. Maternal listeriosis often causes premature labor and congenital infections. High perinatal morbidity and mortality rates are associated with this disease. Two cases of fetal perinatal infections, complications and management are discussed.

Home birth: negative implications derived from a hospital-based birthing suite.

Our study of 390 patients enrolled in a birthing suite program revealed that antepartum or intrapartum problems allowed only 160 (41%) to actually give birth in the birthing suite. Antepartum complications included premature labor in ten (2.5%), premature ruptured membranes in 31 (8%), postdatism in 50 (13%), preeclampsia in 27 (7%), and diabetes mellitus in five (1.3%). Intrapartum complications included meconium in 62 (16%), arrest of labor in 64 (16%), oxytocin use in 85 (22%), and fetal heart rate decelerations in 28 (7%). Two hundred ninety-seven births (76%) were spontaneous. Forty-two low-forceps deliveries (10%), 12 mid-forceps deliveries (3%), and 39 cesarean sections (10%) were done in the traditional labor and delivery suite. Puerperal complications included one uterine inversion, two cases of placenta accreta, one rectovaginal fistula, and two requirements of blood transfusion. Neonatal morbidity included 22 low Apgar scores (7%), two shoulder dystocia, three cytomegalovirus infestations, and one lethal anomaly. Six infants had meconium aspiration, two with severe hypoxia. Any of these complications would overwhelm the patient in home birth. Intense prenatal screening may decrease some risk factors, but the intrapartum period was found to pose unacceptable risks for home birth in this population.