Neonatal outcomes are associated with latency after preterm premature rupture of membranes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine factors associated with latency time to birth after preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and the impact on neonatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Data on singleton pregnancies with PPROM (n=1535 infants) were prospectively collected in a computerized perinatal/neonatal database at a tertiary care perinatal center. Latency was characterized as ≤72h versus >72 h after PPROM. RESULT: The percentage of women with latency to birth >72 h decreased from 67% in very preterm (gestational age (GA) 25 to 28 weeks) to 10% in late preterm women (GA 33 to 36 weeks). PPROM women with latency ≤72 h were more likely to have pregnancy-induced hypertension and birth weight <3%; PPROM women with latency >72 h were more likely to have received steroids and develop clinical chorioamnionitis. PPROM <32 weeks GA with latency ≤72 h was associated with a two-fold higher incidence of severe neonatal morbidity, while PPROM between 29 to 34 weeks GA and latency ≤72 h was associated with a higher incidence of moderate neonatal morbidity. CONCLUSION: A latency period >72 h was associated with a decreased incidence of adverse neonatal outcomes up to 32 weeks GA for severe and 34 weeks GA for moderate morbidity indices.

Does preoperative positron emission tomography with computed tomography predict nodal status in endometrial cancer? A pilot study.

Fewer than 20% of women with endometrial cancer have positive nodes, and an accurate noninvasive imaging modality to assess lymph node status would be helpful in selecting those who need lymphadenectomy. The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate positron emission tomography with computed tomography (pet-ct) in predicting nodal status before surgery for endometrial cancer. Twelve patients were enrolled at a single tertiary care centre. The sensitivity and specificity of preoperative pet-ct in predicting nodal status were 53.3% and 99.6% respectively. Using pet-ct, all metastatic nodes may not necessarily be detected, especially nodes with microscopic disease. The sensitivity of this imaging modality has to be improved before it can routinely be used in the preoperative evaluation of endometrial cancer.

Leukocytosis in very low birth weight neonates: associated clinical factors and neonatal outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Primary objective was to identify clinical factors and outcomes associated with leukocytosis in very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates. Secondary objective was to compare outcomes between infants with early-onset (72 h). STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective matched cohort study of VLBW neonates born at or=40,000 was undertaken. Matched infants had no leukocytosis and were of similar gestational age. Data on common neonatal morbidities were collected from charts. RESULT: Leukocytosis was identified in 96 infants giving an incidence rate of 6.1%. Of all, 94 matched infants without leukocytosis were identified. There were no differences in the demographic features and risk factors between the two groups. The incidence of confirmed infection among infants with leukocytosis was 22%. No differences in common neonatal morbidities and mortality were identified between two groups. Late-onset leukocytosis (>or=72 h of age) was associated with sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis. No differences in any of the other outcomes between early-onset and late-onset leukocytosis were identified. CONCLUSION: Leukocytosis, especially late onset, was associated with infection in VLBW infants. Late-onset leukocytosis was also associated with necrotizing enterocolitis indicating that postnatal age at time of leukocytosis should be considered when formulating clinical decisions.