Energy expenditure of genuine laughter.

OBJECTIVE: To measure energy expenditure (EE) and heart rate (HR) during genuine laughter. DESIGN: Experimental trial of viewing film clips in four cycles either intended to evoke laughter (humorous -10 min) or unlikely to elicit laughter (not humorous -5 min) under strictly controlled conditions of a whole-room indirect calorimeter equipped with audio recording system. PARTICIPANTS: Forty five adult friend dyads in either same-sex male (n=7), same-sex female (n=21) and mix-sex male-female (n=17); age 18-34 years; body mass index 24.7+/-4.9 (range 17.9-41.1). MEASUREMENTS: Energy expenditure in a whole-room indirect calorimeter, HR using Polar HR monitor. Laugh rate, duration and type from digitized audio data using a computerized system and synchronized with HR and EE results. RESULTS: Laughter EE was 0.79+/-1.30 kJ/min (0.19+/-0.31 kcal/min) higher than resting EE (P<0.001, 95% confidence interval=0.75-0.88 kJ/min), ranging from -2.52 to 9.67 kJ/min (-0.60-2.31 kcal/min). Heart rate during laughter segments increased above resting by 2.1+/-3.8 beats/min, ranging from -7.6 to 26.8 beats/min. Laughter EE was correlated with HR (r (s)=0.250, P<0.01). Both laughter EE and HR were positively correlated with laughter duration (r (s)=0.282 and 0.337, both P<0.001) and rate (r(s)=0.256 and 0.298, both P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Genuine voiced laughter causes a 10­20% increase in EE and HR above resting values, which means that 10­15 minutes of laughter per day could increase total EE by 10­40 kJ (2­10 kcal) [corrected].

The hemochromatosis C282Y allele: a risk factor for hepatic veno-occlusive disease after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (HVOD) is a serious complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Since the liver is a major site of iron deposition in HFE-associated hemochromatosis, and iron has oxidative toxicity, we hypothesized that HFE genotype might influence the risk of HVOD after myeloablative HSCT. We determined HFE genotypes in 166 HSCT recipients who were evaluated prospectively for HVOD. We also tested whether a common variant of the rate-limiting urea cycle enzyme, carbamyl-phosphate synthetase (CPS), previously observed to protect against HVOD in this cohort, modified the effect of HFE genotype. Risk of HVOD was significantly higher in carriers of at least one C282Y allele (RR=3.7, 95% CI 1.2-12.1) and increased progressively with C282Y allelic dose (RR=1.7, 95% CI 0.4-6.8 in heterozygotes; RR=8.6, 95% CI 1.5-48.5 in homozygotes). The CPS A allele, which encodes a more efficient urea cycle enzyme, reduced the risk of HVOD associated with HFE C282Y. We conclude that HFE C282Y is a risk factor for HVOD and that CPS polymorphisms may counteract its adverse effects. Knowledge of these genotypes and monitoring of iron stores may facilitate risk-stratification and testing of strategies to prevent HVOD, such as iron chelation and pharmacologic support of the urea cycle.

A common beta1-adrenergic receptor polymorphism (Arg389Gly) affects blood pressure response to beta-blockade.

BACKGROUND: A common polymorphism of the beta(1)-adrenergic receptor Arg389Gly markedly affects function in vitro, but little is known about its in vivo significance. METHODS AND RESULTS: Resting and exercise hemodynamic responses were measured in subjects homozygous for Arg389 (n = 21) or Gly389 (n = 13) alleles before and 3 hours after administration of a beta-blocker, atenolol. Demographic characteristics and atenolol concentrations were similar in the two genotypic groups. Genotype had a marked effect on resting hemodynamic responses to atenolol, with Arg389-homozygous subjects having a larger decrease in resting systolic blood pressure (8.7 +/- 1.3 mm Hg versus 0.2 +/- 1.7 mm Hg, P < .001) and mean arterial blood pressure (7.2 +/- 1.0 mm Hg versus 2.0 +/- 1.7 mm Hg, P = .009). Attenuation of exercise-induced hemodynamic responses by atenolol was not affected by genotype. CONCLUSIONS: There is reduced sensitivity of Gly389 homozygotes to a beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist, and this polymorphism may be an important determinant of variability in response to beta-blockade.

Surgical trial investigating nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux and sleep (STINGERS).

BACKGROUND: Nocturnal reflux is important in the pathogenesis of esophagitis. The relationship between reflux and sleep is poorly understood, although data support both paradigms of nocturnal reflux causing arousal and nocturnal arousal allowing reflux. Furthermore, the effect of fundoplication on sleep is unknown. METHODS: Seven volunteers and 11 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and nocturnal symptoms were studied with esophageal pH and polysomnography at baseline and at 8 to 10 weeks follow-up evaluation, with patients undergoing interval fundoplication. Gastrointestinal and sleep questionnaires were completed before each study. RESULTS: Questionnaire data between the groups showed differences at baseline, which were eliminated by surgery. No objective differences in sleep were observed between the groups at baseline or at follow-up evaluation. However, the patient group significantly increased the fraction of the night spent in deeper sleep (49.6% vs 58.3%; p = 0.022). Reflux events were associated with arousals in sleep. CONCLUSIONS: Fundoplication improves both subjective and objective sleep quality in patients with nocturnal GERD symptoms.

Maternal glycemic control and umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether information from umbilical artery Doppler flow velocity waveforms significantly improves the prediction of adverse perinatal outcome, independently of maternal glycemic control, in pregnancies complicated by diabetes. STUDY DESIGN: The medical records of 277 pregnant women with diabetes were reviewed. Glycemic control was determined by glycosylated hemoglobin concentration and umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry by using systolic/diastolic ratios (S:D), both obtained during the third trimester. Pregnancies with adverse perinatal outcome were compared to those with good outcome. Logistic regression analysis was used to adjust for glycemic control, and to test whether an elevated umbilical artery Doppler S:D ratio was independently associated with pregnancy outcome. RESULTS: Adverse pregnancy outcome occurred in 51.6% of these pregnancies (143/277). The mean third-trimester glycosylated hemoglobin (7.7 +/- 1.9% vs. 6.7 +/- 1.3%, p < 0.001) and the umbilical artery S:D ratio were significantly higher (2.6 +/- 0.6 vs. 2.4 +/- 0.3, p < 0.001) in the pregnancies with adverse outcome. Logistic regression analysis showed that umbilical artery S:D ratio was an independent predictor of adverse perinatal outcome after adjusting for the third-trimester glycosylated hemoglobin level. Forty per cent of patients with normal Doppler findings (S:D ratio of < 3.0) and normal glycemic control values (glycosylated hemoglobin level of < 7.5%) had an adverse pregnancy outcome. Sixty-three per cent of patients with an abnormal result for one of these tests had an adverse pregnancy outcome. Ninety-six per cent of patients with both abnormal Doppler findings and abnormal glycemic control had an adverse pregnancy outcome. CONCLUSION: Umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry improves the predictive value for adverse perinatal outcome, independently of glycemic control, in pregnancies complicated by diabetes. The combination of an abnormal umbilical artery S:D ratio and abnormal glycosylated hemoglobin was strongly associated with adverse pregnancy outcome.

The effect of common polymorphisms of the beta2-adrenergic receptor on agonist-mediated vascular desensitization.

BACKGROUND: With continuous exposure to beta2-adrenergic agonists, vascular tissue becomes desensitized to agonist-mediated vasodilatation. We studied the effects of two common polymorphisms of the beta2-adrenergic receptor, one at codon 16 and one at codon 27, on agonist-mediated vasodilatation and desensitization in the vascular bed. METHODS: We studied 26 healthy subjects who were selected to represent three genotypes: 7 were homozygous for the alleles encoding Arg16 and Gln27, 8 were homozygous for the alleles encoding Gly16 and Gln27, and 11 were homozygous for the alleles encoding Gly16 and Glu27. Vascular responses were assessed by measuring changes in the diameter of a dorsal hand vein. A dose-response curve of the effect of the beta2-adrenergic-receptor agonist isoproterenol was constructed (dose range, 4 to 480 ng per minute). Desensitization was then induced by a 2-hour continuous infusion of isoproterenol, and venodilatation was measured 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after the start of the infusion. RESULTS: Subjects who were homozygous for Arg16 had almost complete desensitization; venodilatation in response to isoproterenol in this group decreased from a mean (+/-SE) of 44+/-11 percent to 8+/-4 percent (P=0.006). In contrast, subjects who were homozygous for Gly16 did not have significant desensitization, irrespective of the amino acid encoded by codon 27. Subjects who were homozygous for Glu27 had higher maximal venodilatation in response to isoproterenol than those who were homozygous for Gln27 (86+/-13 percent vs. 54+/-8 percent, P=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The Arg16 polymorphism of the beta2-adrenergic receptor is associated with enhanced agonist-mediated desensitization in the vasculature, and the Glu27 polymorphism is associated with increased agonist-mediated responsiveness. Therefore, polymorphisms of the beta2-adrenergic receptor are potentially important determinants of the vascular response to stress.

Laparoscopic management of adnexal masses.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Although laparoscopic surgery for removal of adnexal masses is common, controversy exists about the safety and efficacy of this procedure for patients with malignancies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic surgical treatment for patients with adnexal masses. METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review of one surgeon's experience in managing patients diagnosed with adnexal masses at 2 urban referral teaching hospitals in New York City. We reviewed the charts for 100 consecutive patients who underwent operative laparoscopy for management of adnexal masses between March 4, 1996 and November 9, 1998. Conversion to laparotomy, malignancy rate, complications, length of stay, and blood loss were recorded for each patient. RESULTS: Laparoscopic management was successfully completed for 81 of the 100 patients in this study; however, 19 required conversion to laparotomy. All 81 patients managed laparoscopically had a benign diagnosis, whereas 7 of the 19 patients who underwent laparotomy were diagnosed with malignancy. The median length of stay, estimated blood loss, and operating room time were significantly lower for those treated by laparoscopy alone compared with those converted to laparotomy (2 vs. 7 days; 100 vs. 500 ccs; 130 vs. 235 minutes, respectively; P < 0.05). Though few patients were in the laparotomy group, that data are presented for completeness. A total of 10 complications occurred, 4 in the group of patients managed laparoscopically (2 enterotomies, 1 pneumothorax, and 1 vaginal cuff cellulitis). Six complications occurred in those managed with laparotomy (2 enterotomies, 2 wound infections, 1 pneumonia, and 1 postoperative fever). The indications for conversion to laparotomy were: 7 malignancies (5 ovarian cancers and 2 uterine cancers), 7 dense adhesions, 2 small bowel enterotomies, 1 intraoperative bleeding, 1 secondary to a large uterus (880 grams), and 1 secondary to a large myoma (13 cm x 14.5 cm x 6 cm). CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic approach is effective and safe for managing patients with adnexal masses of unknown pathology. Malignancies can be diagnosed accurately, converted to laparotomy, and staged appropriately. Adequate surgical skills along with timely use of frozen sections are required for successful operative management.

Analysis of antepartum fetal heart rate tracing by physician and computer.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the interpretation of fetal heart rate (FHR) tracings by three obstetricians with that of a computer analysis program. METHODS: Our study population consisted of high-risk pregnant women referred as outpatients for antepartum FHR monitoring. A total of 121 FHR tracings, from a series of 54 consecutive women, were interpreted by three physicians and a computer program (Oxford Sonicaid System 8000, Oxford Sonicaid Ltd., Chichester, UK). The physicians used a modified FHR scoring system to interpret the tracings. Total scores were categorized as 0-4: abnormal, 5-7: questionable, and 8-10: normal. The computer program used overall variation, categorized as normal: longer than 30 ms, abnormal: shorter than 20 ms, and questionable: 20-30 ms. RESULTS: Significant differences were found among the physicians and between the physicians and the computer analysis for the individual elements of FHR tracings. There was very good agreement between two physicians and the computer in the assessment of the FHR baseline. When physicians used a FHR scoring system to classify the tracings as normal, questionable, or abnormal, the agreement was poor (kappa values ranged from -0.037 to 0.28). The computerized analysis identified two FHR tracings as questionable but both were classified as normal by all three physicians. CONCLUSIONS: The level of agreement in the interpretation of FHR tracings was poor among physicians and between physicians and the computer analysis. A FHR scoring system did not improve the level of agreement between physicians.

Comparison of visual and computerized interpretation of nonstress test results in a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study tested the null hypothesis that the number of fetal surveillance tests and perinatal outcomes would not differ statistically between pregnancies randomized to visual or computerized interpretation of antepartum nonstress test results. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted, which required a sample size of 404 patients. By using a random-number table with assignment codes concealed in opaque envelopes, half of the patients were randomized to computerized interpretation of nonstress test results and half to standard visual interpretation of nonstress test results. The amount of antepartum testing and the perinatal outcome were measured and compared between the groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to control for maternal risk factors while morbidity differences between the 2 groups were assessed. RESULTS: The 2 randomized groups were similar at baseline, but the computerized interpretation group had significantly fewer biophysical profiles compared with the visual interpretation group (1.3 +/- 1.8 vs 1.9 +/- 2.1; P =.002). The patients in the computerized interpretation group spent less time per test than patients in the visual interpretation group (12 vs 20 minutes; P =.038). After the 5 pregnancies with congenital anomalies were excluded, the overall perinatal outcome was similar in the 2 groups. The computerized interpretation group, however, had a slightly lower proportion of infants who required >/=2 days of neonatal intensive care (7.4% vs 12.4%; P =.086; odds ratio, 0.56; 95% confidence interval, 0.29-1.09). The average number of neonatal intensive care days was also slightly lower in the computerized interpretation group (0.4 vs 0.9; P =.105). Neither of these variables was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Computerized interpretation of nonstress test results is associated with fewer additional fetal surveillance examinations, less time spent in testing, and a similar length of stay in the neonatal intensive care unit compared with standard visual interpretation.

Heparin management test versus activated coagulation time during cardiovascular surgery: correlation with anti-Xa activity.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the abilities of the heparin management test (HMT) and the activated coagulation time (ACT) to provide a measurement of heparin effect in patients undergoing cardiac or peripheral vascular surgery. These measurements of heparin effect were also compared with measurements of heparin concentrations tested by anti-Xa activity. A secondary objective was to compare the performance of the noncitrated HMT with that of the citrated HMT. DESIGN: A prospective study. SETTING: A single-center study conducted in a university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: After human investigation committee approval and informed consent were obtained, adult patients undergoing cardiac or peripheral vascular surgery were included in this study. INTERVENTIONS: In both surgical groups, blood was sampled for ACT, HMT, and anti-Xa activity. Each HMT was performed on both noncitrated and citrated samples. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: As an indicator of heparin effect, the HMT had a strong correlation with the ACT (r = 0.899; p < 0.01). In addition, the HMT had a significantly stronger correlation with anti-Xa activity than the ACT (p < 0.01). The correlation obtained from the noncitrated samples was identical with that obtained from the citrated samples (r = 0.819; p < 0.001 for both groups). CONCLUSION: The ability of the HMT and the ACT to measure heparin effect was similar. The HMT performed better than the ACT when using anti-Xa activity as a measure of heparin concentration. Noncitrated HMT results were similar to citrated HMT results, thus supporting the use of fresh whole blood for testing purposes.

Point-of-care and standard laboratory coagulation testing during cardiovascular surgery: balancing reliability and timeliness.

OBJECTIVE: The use of point-of-care technology has increased faster than efforts to validate its effectiveness compared to standard laboratory testing modalities. To address this issue with a current point-of-care coagulation system (HEMOCHRON Jr, International Technidyne Corporation (ITC), Edison, NJ), we designed a study to test the hypothesis that data obtained from point-of-care coagulation equipment correlates with data obtained from standard laboratory coagulation equipment. One of the potential advantages gained using point-of-care testing is the ability to obtain more rapid results. To address this issue, turnaround time, defined as the elapsed time (in minutes) from when the sample was acquired from the patient until the investigators knew the results, was also determined. METHODS: Following Human Investigation Committee approval and informed consent, a prospective study was conducted to compare results obtained from point-of-care coagulation equipment with those results obtained from standard laboratory coagulation equipment. The study was performed in three groups of patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery, each requiring different levels of anticoagulation. RESULTS: Of the 83 patients who met the inclusion criteria, the correlation (combining data from groups 1-3) between results obtained from point-of-care and standard laboratory prothrombin time was r = 0.867, p < 0.001. The correlation (group 3) between point-of-care and standard laboratory international normalized ratio was r = 0.943, p < 0.001. The correlation (combining data from groups 1 & 2) between point-of-care and standard laboratory activated partial thromboplastin time was r = 0.825, p < 0.001. Median turnaround time for the standard laboratory was 90 minutes, with a mean turnaround time of 74 to 78 minutes, depending upon the group. In contrast, the median turnaround time for point-of-care testing was two minutes and 14 seconds. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study population reveal that data obtained from point-of-care prothrombin time, international normalized ratio and activated partial thromboplastin time results correlate with results obtained from standard laboratory coagulation testing. The value of obtaining reliable results in a timely fashion offers a potential advantage for point-of-care testing in dinical situations, such as in the operating room, where saving time may translate into financial savings.

Optimal maternal weight gain during singleton pregnancy.

The aim of this study was to determine optimal maternal weight gain in a singleton pregnancy and evaluate the current recommendations. We used a historical prospective design to evaluate the association between pregnancy weight gain and perinatal outcome. All singleton pregnancies without congenital anomalies delivered between 1987 and 1993 at a single institution in New York City were analyzed. After adjusting for the prepregnancy body mass index, we determined the weight gain associated with optimal perinatal outcome. During this 6-year study period, 20,971 pregnant women met the inclusion criteria. Among them, 1,975 (9.4%) had adverse perinatal outcome. Prepregnancy weight and weight gain during pregnancy were strongly associated with adverse outcome. For women of average size, optimal outcome was found in those who gained between 31 and 40 pounds. For women underweight prior to pregnancy, optimal outcome occurred in those who gained 36-40 pounds. For women who were overweight or obese, a gain of 26-30 pounds was associated with optimal outcome. Weight gain during pregnancy is strongly associated with perinatal outcome, independent of important confounding factors, and should be carefully monitored during pregnancy. A randomized controlled trial is required to determine if perinatal and maternal outcome can be improved by advising pregnant women to gain weight using these new ranges rather than the Institute of Medicine's recommendations.

Predicting and preventing pressure ulcers in adults with paralysis.

A questionnaire mailed to all 2,295 members of the Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association measured 45 potential risk factors for pressure ulcers. Logistic-regression analysis and Cox proportional-hazards analyses were used to identify the variables that were independently associated with pressure ulcers. The survey response rate was 42.2%. Among 15 risk factors from a previously published scale by the authors, 7 were independent predictors of pressure ulcer development: level of activity, level of mobility, complete spinal cord injury, urine incontinence or moisture, autonomic dysreflexia, pulmonary disease, and renal disease. In addition, 2 new variables added significant predictive value: being prone to infections that cause breathing problems and paralysis caused by trauma (as opposed to disease). Using these 9 risk factors, a new pressure ulcer risk assessment scale was designed specifically for persons with paralysis who are living in a community setting. It appears to be a more accurate method of predicting pressure ulcers than currently used risk assessment scales.

Doppler velocimetry discordancy of the uterine arteries in pregnancies complicated by diabetes.

The aim of this study was to examine the association between uterine artery Doppler velocimetry discordance and perinatal outcome, specifically in pregnancies complicated by diabetes. We evaluated 265 women with singleton pregnancies complicated by diabetes who underwent Doppler ultrasonographic examinations of the right and left uterine arteries within 1 week before delivery. The absolute difference between the right and left uterine arteries was computed after measuring the uterine artery systolic-diastolic ratio. Adverse outcome was defined as still-birth, intrauterine growth restriction, delivery before 37 weeks' gestation, or cesarean delivery for fetal risk. The discordance between right and left uterine artery systolic-diastolic ratios ranged from 0 to 2.3, with a mean of 0.39 +/- 0.36 and a median of 0.30. The discordance was significantly larger in the 63 pregnancies with adverse outcome than in those with good outcome (0.48 versus 0.36, P = 0.018). Among the women with large uterine artery S/D ratio differences (> or = 0.60), a cesarean delivery for fetal risk was three times more likely (21.5% versus 7.5%, P = 0.002). In diabetic women with chronic hypertension (n = 36), the discordance was significantly larger than in the 201 normotensive women (0.54 versus 0.35, P = 0.001); yet for this subgroup uterine artery S/D ratio discordance was not predictive of adverse outcome. In conclusion, although considerable overlap in discordance exists between the good and adverse outcome groups, the uterine artery S/D ratio discordance added prognostic information on perinatal outcome for normotensive women with diabetes. The predictive value is independent of White's classification, third trimester glycemic control, sex of the infant, and umbilical artery Doppler waveform data.

Recurrence of initial pressure ulcer in persons with spinal cord injuries.

Whether treated with surgery or by conservative, nonsurgical measures, pressure ulcers recur in 5% to 91% of spinal cord injured (SCI) patients. Factors other than the surgical technique used or the standard conservative management provided may be responsible. A retrospective study of 176 SCI patients with a history of one or more pressure ulcers was conducted at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center at Castle Point, N.Y. Approximately 35% of patients who received either surgical or nonsurgical treatment had a recurrence. Patients who smoked and patients with diabetes or cardiovascular disease had higher recurrence rates.

Preoperative nutritional status and outcome of elective total hip replacement.

Preoperative malnutrition increases the morbidity rate and length of hospitalization for various types of surgical patients. However, among patients who undergo elective total hip replacement, it is unclear how preoperative nutritional data can be used to detect a high risk subgroup. The purpose of this study was to identify preoperative nutritional factors that could be used to define a subgroup of patients who have undergone elective total hip replacement who are at high risk for poor post-operative outcome. Preoperative nutritional factors were evaluated in 89 consecutive patients who underwent elective total hip replacement. An inverse relationship was found between serum albumin and length of stay. Patients with an albumin level less than 3.9 were twice as likely to require prolonged hospitalization ( > 15 days) when compared with those in whom the albumin level was 3.9 or greater. Complications were related to the preoperative orthopaedic diagnosis of avascular necrosis of the hip. A subgroup of the patients undergoing elective total hip replacement who are at risk for prolonged recovery can be identified preoperatively by using a serum albumin level of less than 3.9 g/dL. The traditional normal range for albumin may be inappropriate for these patients.

Major risk factors for pressure ulcers in the spinal cord disabled: a literature review.

Pressure ulcers remain a dominant health problem for persons with spinal cord injury despite abundant published research describing risk factors. Although information on these factors is plentiful, its usefulness to the spinal cord disabled is limited by three problems. First, the sheer volume is overwhelming; more than 200 risk factors for pressure ulcers have been described in the published literature. For most health care professionals, finding, no less reading and evaluating, the hundreds of articles published on this topic would be difficult. Second, most studies focused on elderly patients in nursing homes. Pressure ulcer risk factors for the spinal cord disabled are often different from those for the elderly; yet many findings from studies of the elderly provide valuable information. Third, inadequate sample sizes often hamper the usefulness of research on the spinal cord disabled. Drawing valid conclusions from these small studies, especially concerning potential risk factors is difficult. To address these three problems, we critically evaluated the medical, nursing, and nutritional research literature that pertained to risk factors for pressure ulcer development. The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of published reports on the principal risk factors for pressure ulcers in persons with spinal cord injuries.

Comparison of umbilical Doppler velocimetry, nonstress testing, and biophysical profile in pregnancies complicated by diabetes.

The purpose of this study was to determine which test is best for predicting adverse outcomes in pregnancies complicated by diabetes: the nonstress test, biophysical profile, or umbilical artery velocimetry. We evaluated 207 singleton pregnancies complicated by diabetes within 1 week of delivery using the afore-mentioned pregnancy surveillance tests. Adverse pregnancy outcome was defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation or the occurrence of fetal growth restriction, hypocalcemia, hypoglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, respiratory distress syndrome, or fetal risk requiring cesarean delivery. The prognostic value of each of the three tests was assessed, after controlling for the mothers' White classification and third trimester glycosylated hemoglobin value. Among the 207 pregnancies, 75 (36.2%) had an adverse outcome. In pregnancies in which the umbilical artery systolic to diastolic ratio was > or = 3.0, the relative risk of adverse outcome was 2.6 (95% confidence interval: 1.9-3.5, P < 0.001). For those with a biophysical profile < or = 6 the relative risk was 1.7 (95% confidence interval: 0.9-2.9, P = 0.109). Patients with a nonreactive nonstress test had a relative risk of 1.7 (95% confidence interval: 1.2-2.5, P = 0.009). Umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry was superior to either the nonstress test or the biophysical profile in identifying the subgroup of pregnancies complicated by diabetes that resulted in an adverse outcome.

A new pressure ulcer risk assessment scale for individuals with spinal cord injury.

Each year, one-fourth of the 200,000 individuals with spinal cord injury in the United States develop pressure ulcers. No method currently exists, however, to accurately identify which of these individuals are at increased risk for development of pressure ulcers. We studied 219 spinal cord-injured patients, seen at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center, during a 6-yr period. Our goal was to develop a pressure ulcer risk assessment scale, specifically for persons with SCI. Each risk factor had to meet four criteria: (1) statistical association with pressure ulcer development; (2) biologically plausible mechanism; (3) literature support; (4) improved prediction. Among the 219 spinal cord-injured patients evaluated, 176 (80.4 percent) had a history of one or more pressure ulcers. Fifteen risk factors met the four criteria for inclusion into the risk assessment scale. They were as follows: restricted activity level, degree of immobility, complete spinal cord injury, urinary disease, impaired cognitive function, diabetes, cigarette smoking, residence in a nursing home or hospital, hypoalbuminemia, and anemia. Compared with the more general scales available, for quantifying the risk of pressure ulcer development, preliminary results suggest that this new scale is a significant improvement for the spinal cord-disabled.

Effect of gender on perinatal outcome in pregnancies complicated by diabetes.

The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a gender-related difference in the morbidity and mortality of infants of diabetic mothers. We also wanted to identify risk factors associated with adverse pregnancy outcome, and create a perinatal morbidity index. We performed a retrospective review of 107 women whose pregnancies were singleton and complicated by diabetes. The subjects were divided according to the gender of the infant. The morbidity, mortality and confounding variables between the two groups were compared. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent factors associated with an adverse pregnancy outcome. The male group (n = 62) had higher morbidity than the female group (n = 45). This was due to a higher incidence of hypoglycemia (relative risk = 3.9, 95% CI 1.2-12.5, p = 0.011) and need to stay in the neonatal intensive care unit 2 or more days (relative risk = 1.8, 95% CI 1.1-2.9, p = 0.015). There was one female stillbirth due to an episode of ketoacidosis in the mother. Male gender (relative risk = 1.8, 95% CI 1.2-2.7, p = 0.002) was one of three independent predictors of poor outcome. There is a male disadvantage in infants of diabetic mothers with regards to perinatal morbidity. Advanced White's classification, male gender, and third trimester mean glucose > or = 110 mg% identify the pregnancies at risk for diabetes-related morbidity.