Prediction of residual trophoblastic tissue in first trimester abortions and low levels of human chorionic gonadotropin beta-subunit
Article Abstract:
A spontaneous, incomplete or missed abortion is treated with uterine curettage, a procedure that involves scraping the inside of the uterus to remove residual tissue. Uterine curettage is performed to prevent bleeding, infection and the formation of scar tissue inside the uterus. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone that can be detected in the mother's blood early in pregnancy. The beta subunit hCG (beta-hCG) test can confirm an impending spontaneous abortion in the first trimester of pregnancy. The presence of residual trophoblastic tissue (the products of conception) in the uterus as it corresponds to the level of hCG was studied in 174 patients experiencing a first trimester abortion. Only 22 (12.6 percent) of the patients with hCG levels of less than 500 international units (IU) had residual trophoblastic tissue obtained by curettage. The presence of trophoblastic tissue was associated with an hCG level between 20 IU and 500 IU, visualization by ultrasound, active bleeding and high gestational age (duration of pregnancy). To predict the presence of residual trophoblastic tissue, a mathematical formula and a clinical scoring system were devised. The scoring system correctly identified 90.9 percent of the patients with residual tissue and 75.6 percent of the patients without residual tissue, and had a false-positive rate of 2.2 percent. When the scoring system was applied to the patients experiencing an abortion, curettage could have been avoided in 60.5 percent of the patients. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1990
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Maternal and neonatal outcome of 846 term singleton breech deliveries: seven-year experience at a single center
Article Abstract:
A trial of labor with a breech fetus appears to be safe in a select group of women. Doctors compared outcomes between 613 women with a breech baby who attempted a trial of labor and 233 women who had a scheduled cesarean section. Over half the women who labored gave birth vaginally. Maternal complication rates were higher in the cesarean section group. Babies born vaginally had more short-term complications such as broken bones. Eight babies died, but no death resulted from vaginal birth.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1996
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Adjustment of magnesium sulfate infusion rate in patients with preterm labor
Article Abstract:
Physiological variables in pregnant women effect the blood levels of magnesium sulfate when it's used to prevent premature labor, and their activity can be used to maintain proper blood levels. The variables which affect magnesium sulfate levels are blood protein levels, creatinine levels, and maternal weight. By measuring and allowing for these variables, the magnesium infusion rate can be adjusted for optimum effect.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1998
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- Abstracts: Prenatal screening for Down's syndrome with maternal serum human chorionic gonadotropin levels. Triple marker (alpha-fetoprotein, unconjugated estriol, human chorionic gonadotropin) versus alpha-fetoprotein plus free-beta subunit in second-trimester maternal serum screening for fetal Down syndrome: a prospective comparison study
- Abstracts: Direct analysis of uncultured cytotrophoblastic cells from second- and third-trimester placentas: an accurate and rapid method for detection of fetal chromosome abnormalities
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