ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of intrauterine infection on fetal brain damage by measuring S100B protein concentration in umbilical cord arteries. METHODS: In the intrauterine infection cases determined by pathology of 25 deliveries (Group I) and non-infection cases of 35 deliveries as control (Group C), we compared gestational age at delivery, birth weight, fetal heart rate monitoring during labor, Apgar score, umbilical cord artery pH and S100B protein concentrations in umbilical arteries measured by two-site immunoradiometric assay kit. RESULTS: (1) There was no significant correlation between pH and concentration of S100B protein. (2) Gestational age at delivery was found to be earlier in Group I, resulting in lower birth weights, when compared with Group C. (3) There was no significant difference between two groups concerning Apgar scores, pH. (4) S100B protein concentrations in Group I was significantly higher than those of Group C (3.9 7 ± 0.66 versus 1.8 9 ± 0.56 µg/L, p < 0.05). (5) The concentration of S100B protein in severe chorioamnionitis (CAM) cases were significantly higher than those of mild CAM and control cases. CONCLUSION: Higher concentration of S100B protein in Group I suggests that intrauterine infection itself has a serious risk factor on fetal brain damage.
Subject(s)
Brain Diseases/physiopathology , Fetal Blood/metabolism , S100 Calcium Binding Protein beta Subunit/blood , Urinary Tract Infections/physiopathology , Adult , Apgar Score , Biomarkers/blood , Birth Weight , Brain Diseases/blood , Female , Gestational Age , Humans , Immunoradiometric Assay , Infant, Newborn , Male , Pregnancy , Risk Factors , Urinary Tract Infections/bloodABSTRACT
We describe the case of a 30-year-old primiparous woman who had multiple coronary stenoses of unknown cause, and discuss causes and risks in pregnancy in a patient with coronary stenoses and the management and outcome. At 13 years of age, the patient was diagnosed as having multiple coronary stenoses and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty was performed. At the age of 30, coronary arteriography demonstrated multiple severe stenoses. Her previous physician had permitted her to become pregnant. At 32 weeks' gestation, due to uncontrollable uterine contractions, magnesium sulfate was administered. At 37 weeks' gestation, a cesarean section was performed because of breech presentation, and she delivered a healthy female infant. During cesarean section, oxytocin was given at a slower rate. There has been no recurrence of cardiac events during and after pregnancy. Multiple coronary stenoses during pregnancy need a multidisciplinary approach.
