肾上腺髓质素与先天性心脏病肺动脉高压的相关性

目的:探讨先天性心脏病(简称先心,CHD)肺动脉高压(PH)患儿血浆肾上腺髓质素(ADM)与肺动脉压力的关系.方法:CHD患儿40例,按其心导管检查或先心修补术中测得肺动脉压力分为中重度肺高压组(肺动脉收缩压＞50mmHg,n=12)、轻度肺高压组(肺动脉收缩压30～50mmHg,n=14)和CHD无肺高压组(肺动脉收缩压＜30mmHg,n=14),选取无心肝肾疾患健康儿童作为对照组(n=10);分别采肺动脉血3ml,抗凝离心后收集血浆,酶联免疫法测血浆ADM浓度.结果:血浆ADM浓度呈上升趋势,与对照组比较,CHD各组血浆ADM浓度显著升高(P＜0.01);轻度PH组、中重度PH组与无PH组比较血浆ADM浓度显著升高(P＜0.01);中重度PH组与轻度PH组比较血浆ADM浓度显著升高(P＜0.01).相关分析显示:ADM浓度与肺收缩压呈显著正相关(r=0.939,P＜0.01);直线回归方程为Y=7.371 0.997X(X:肺动脉压力,Y:ADM浓度).结论:ADM参于了先心肺高压的病理生理过程,随着肺动脉压力升高,血浆ADM浓度逐步升高,延缓肺高压的发生、发展,是机体的防御反应.     

NT-ProBNP、CRP及动脉血气检测在慢性阻塞性肺疾病急性加重期合并肺动脉高压中的临床意义

目的:探讨血清氨基末端脑钠肽前体(NT-ProBNP)、C反应蛋白(CRP)水平及血气分析在慢性阻塞性肺疾病急性加重期(AECOPD)合并肺动脉高压(PH)患者中的临床意义。方法:163例AECOPD患者,根据肺动脉收缩压(PASP)值分为对照组(PASP<40mmHg)60例,轻度肺动脉高压组(40mmHg60mmHg)46例。对所有入选患者进行血清NT-ProBNP、CRP和动脉血气分析检测。结果:AECOPD合并中重度PH组患者NT-ProBNP[(1206.13±321.06)ng/L],CRP[(33.13±2.01)mg/L]及PCO2[(48.13±7.12)mm Hg]水平高于对照组NT-ProBNP[(502.11±59.18)ng/L],CRP[(12.18±1.98)mg/L]及PCO2[(35.72±5.89)mm Hg],差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。AECOPD合并中重度PH组患者NT-ProBNP[(1206.13±321.06)ng/L],CRP[(33.13±2.01)mg/L]及PCO2[(48.13±7.12)mm Hg]水平高于轻度PH组[NT-ProBNP[(592.36±48.91)ng/L],CRP[(18.26±3.26)mg/L]及PCO2[(40.85±9.96)mm Hg],差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:血清NT-ProBNP、CRP及血气分析在临床中具有指导意义,可以判断AECOPD患者肺动脉高压严重程度。     

先心病伴肺动脉高压患者血清血管内皮生长因子浓度和肺小动脉形态变化

目的观测先天性心脏病（CHD）和肺动脉高压（PH）患者血浆中血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）的浓度变化,探讨其在CHD肺高压形成和发展中的作用机制。方法选择70例左向右分流CHD患者和20例非CHD患者分别作为CHD患病组及对照组。根据肺动脉压的不同,将CHD患者分为CHD不伴有PH组（25例）、轻度PH组（21例）、中重度PH组（24例）。用ELISA法测定各组血清中VEGF的浓度。做肺组织活检观察肺血管的病理改变。结果 CHD组血清VEGF水平（2.35±1.03pg/mL）明显高于对照组（1.89±0.25pg/mL,P〈0.05）;且VEGF的浓度随着肺动脉压力的升高而增加,CHD不伴有PH组（1.83±0.52pg/mL）、轻度PH组（2.62±0.79pg/mL）及中重度PH组（2.66±1.37pg/mL）VEGF浓度间有显著统计学差异（P〈0.01）。CHD组血管中膜厚度（mMTPA）较对照组明显增厚（29.45%±13.53%,9.74%±2.86%,P〈0.01）。VEGF的浓度与平均肺动脉压（MPAP）和肺小动脉中膜厚度呈正相关（r=0.380,P〈0.01;r=0.448,P〈0.05）;与血管壁面积/血管总面积（WA/TA）呈正相关（r=0.763,P〈0.01）和血管腔面积/血管总面积（EA/TA）呈负相关（r=-0.691,P〈0.01）。结论 VEGF参与和促进了CHD肺动脉高压的形成和发展。     

血管内皮生长因子与小儿川崎病血管损伤关系的研究

目的 探讨血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)在小儿川崎病血管损伤中的作用机制.方法 应用酶联免疫吸附实验(ELISA)检测52例川崎病(KD)患儿急性期、缓解期及28例健康对照组儿童血浆VEGF含量,并将KD患儿分为有冠脉损伤(CAL)组与无冠脉损伤(NCAL)组.结果 KD患儿组急性期和缓解期的VEGF水平均显著高于健康对照组[分别为(231.26±75.31)pg/ml,(127.67±63.17)pg/ml比(43.94±19.58)pg/ml,P＜0.01];NCAL组急性期VEGF水平明显高于CAL组[(269.99±69.33)pg/ml比(184.10±52.48)pg/ml,P＜0.01],缓解期NCAL组血浆VEGF含量下降值显著大于CAL组;KD患儿组急性期血浆VEGF水平与血清白蛋白呈显著负相关(r=-0.604,P＜0.01).结论 VEGF参与了川崎病血管损伤的病理生理过程,持续不降的VEGF可能与KD发生了冠脉损伤有关.     

血管内皮生长因子与小儿川崎病血管损伤的关系

目的 探讨血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)在小儿川崎病血管损伤中的作用机制.方法 应用酶联免疫吸附实验(ELISA)检测52例川崎病(KD)患儿急性期、缓解期及28例健康对照组儿童血浆VEGF含量,并将KD患儿分为有冠脉损伤(CAL)组与无冠脉损伤(NCAL)组.结果 KD患儿组急性期和缓解期的VEGF水平均显著高于健康对照组[分别为(231.26±75.31)pg/ml,(127.67±63.17)pg/ml比(43.94±19.58)pg/ml,P＜0.01];NCAL组急性期VEGF水平明显高于CAL组[(269.99±69.33)pg/ml比(184.10±52.48)pg/ml,P＜0.01],缓解期NCAL组血浆VEGF含量下降值显著大于CAL组;KD患儿组急性期血浆VEGF水平与血清白蛋白呈显著负相关(r=-0.604,P＜0.01).结论 VEGF参与了川崎病血管损伤的病理生理过程,持续不降的VEGF可能与KD发生了冠脉损伤有关.     

先天性心脏病患儿血ET-1、VEGF的变化及其与肺动脉压力间的关系

目的:探讨先天性心脏病(Congenital Heart Disease,CHD)患儿血浆内皮素(endothelin-1,ET-1)、血清血管内皮生长因子(vascular endothelial growth factor,VEGF)水平的变化以及与肺动脉压力(pulmonary artery systolic pressure,PASP)间的关系.方法:选择2010年1月～2013年1月左向右分流型CHD患儿80例,根据PASP值将其分成三组,其中无PH组(PASP＜30mmHg) 34例,轻度PH组(30mmHg≤PASP≤49mmHg)24例,中重度PH组(PASP≥50mmHg)22例,另取同期健康体检儿30例为健康对照组;采用放射免疫法(RIA)测定血浆ET-1浓度,采用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)检测血清VEGF浓度,比较四组间ET-1、VEGF浓度,分析CHD合并肺动脉高压(Pulmonary hypertension,PH)血ET-1、VEGF浓度与PASP的相关性.结果:CHD合并PH组血VEGF、ET-1明显高于无PH组及正常对照组(P均＜0.05),且血VEGF、ET-1随着肺动脉压力的升高而升高.无肺动脉高压组血VEGF、ET-1与正常对照组差异无显著性(P均＞0.05).CHD合并PH患者血清VEGF与血浆ET-1呈显著正相关(r=0.957,P＜0.05),VEGF与PASP呈显著正相关(r=0.875,P＜0.05),ET-1与PASP呈显著正相关(r=0.898,P＜0.05).结论:VEGF和ET-1参与了PH的发生和发展,其水平变化可以一定程度上反映CHD患儿的肺动脉高压程度.     

先心肺动脉高压血管内皮生长因子、内皮素-1、一氧化氮的研究

目的 检测左向右分流型先天性心脏病(CHD)合并肺动脉高压患儿手术前后血清血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)的变化,同时观察血浆内皮索(ET-1)及血清一氧化氮(NO)的变化,以探讨其在CHD肺动脉高压中的作用及其临床意义.方法 左向右分流型CHD患儿60例,根据心导管、心脏超声或手术过程中所测的肺动脉压力,将60例CHD患儿分为3组:①无肺动脉高压组[肺动脉收缩压(PASP)＜30 mmHg]20例;②轻度肺动脉高压组(PASP 30～49 mmHg)20例;③中重度肺动脉高压组(PASP≥50mmHg)20例.其中49例成功施行了修补术,正常对照组20例.用ELISA法测定血清VEGF浓度及放射免疫法测定血浆ET-1浓度,硝酸还原酶法测定血清NO浓度,并比较左向右分流型CHD合并PH患儿手术后7天三者的变化.结果 (1)CHD合并PH组血VEGF、ET-1明显高于无PH组及正常对照组(P均＜0.01),且血VEGF、ET-1随着肺动脉压力的升高而升高;血NO明显低于于无PH组及正常对照组(P均＜0.01),且血NO随着PH病情的加重而降低;无肺动脉高压组血VEGF、ET1和NO与正常对照组差异无显著性(P＞0.05).(2)手术后第7天与术前比较,PH组血VEGF、ET-1下降,NO升高,差异有显著性(P＜0.01);无PH组血VEGF、ET-1和NO差异无显著性(P＞0.05).(3)CHD合并PH患儿血VEGF及ET-1与PASP呈显著正相关(r分别为0.857、0.765,P＜0.01);血NO与PASP呈显著负相关(r分别为一0.79、P＜0.01);血VEGF与ET-1呈显著正相关(r分别为0.96,P＜0.01);血VEGF、ET-1与NO呈显著负相关(r分别为-0.651及-0.588,P＜0.01).结论 (1)VEGF、ET-1及NO共同参与了左向右分流型CHD肺动脉高压的病理生理过程.VEGF和ET-1合成增多,NO合成减少,使缩血管物质与舒血管物质间失衡,促进了PH的形成和发展.(2)VEGF、ET及NO在PH及其肺血管重建中起重要作用.测定血VEGF、ET-1及NO的水平,可作为判断PH严重程度的一种方法.(3)在先心病PH各阶段预防治疗中,对VEGF、ET及NO生成释放及其活性进行适当干预以维持其间的平衡可能为延缓PH的发展提供一新的途径.     

先天性心脏病伴肺动脉高压患者血清一氧化氮及血浆内皮素水平的变化研究

目的探讨一氧化氮（NO）和血浆内皮素1（ET－1）在先天性心脏病（COHD）合并肺动脉高压中的作用及其临床意义。方法75例左向右分流型COHD患儿分为三组：其中无肺动脉高压组25例;轻度肺动脉高压组25例和中重度肺动脉高压组25例,正常对照组25例。采用放射免疫法和硝酸盐还原酶法测定血液中NO和ET－1含量,计算NO／ET—1比值。结果CHD组血浆ET－1水平（46．18±2．541pg／ml）高于对照组（25．75±3．87pg／ml）,P〈0．005;血清NO浓度（23．82±6．46μg／ml）低于对照组（37．27±2．47μg／ml）,P〈0．001;NO／ET—1的比值（0．68±0．39）明显低于对照组（1．18±2．80）,P〈0．001。CHD伴中重度肺动脉高压组的NO浓度低于轻度肺动脉高压组和无肺动脉高压组（P〈0．001）,肺动脉压力的程度和NO／ET—1的浓度呈负相关（r=-0．813,P〈0．001）。结论COHD患者血浆ET—1浓度的升高和NO浓度的降低及NO／ET-1比值降低,在肺动脉高压形成和发展中起到了重要的作用。     

先天性心脏病合并肺动脉高压新生儿血ET-1、NO水平变化的研究

目的:探讨先天性心脏病新生儿血浆ET-1、血清NO浓度的变化以及与肺动脉压力间的关系.方法:选择健康新生儿30例为对照组,30例无肺动脉高压的CHD新生儿为无PH组,20例CHD合并轻度肺动脉高压患儿为轻度PH组.20例CHD合并中重度肺动脉高压新生儿为中重度PH组.采用放射免疫法测定血浆ET-1浓度、硝酸还原酶法测定...     

血管内皮生长因子及白细胞介素6与卵巢过度刺激综合征的关系

目的探讨接受辅助生殖技术治疗的不孕症患者血清和卵泡液中血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）和白细胞介素6（IL-6）与卵巢过度刺激综合征（OHSS）的关系。方法采用双抗体夹心酶联免疫吸附试验方法对10例中重度OHSS患者（中重度OHSS组）、6例轻度OHSS患者（轻度OHSS组）和同期29例非OHSS患者（对照组）在人绒促性素（hCG）给药日、取卵（OPU）日和胚胎移植（ET）日的血清及OPU日卵泡液中的VEGF和IL-6水平进行测定。结果中重度OHSS组血清VEGF和IL-6水平均高于轻度OHSS组和对照组,但差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。中重度OHSS组卵泡液VEGF水平为（1485.08±442.28）pg/ml,较轻度OHSS组的（1027.28±306.82）pg/ml和对照组的（1000.13±383.89）pg/ml明显升高（P〈0.05）;中重度OHSS组卵泡液IL-6水平为（48.66±28.69）pg/ml,较轻度OHSS组的（12.03±6.47）pg/ml和对照组的（9.13±6.52）pg/ml明显升高（P〈0.05）。结论中重度OHSS组卵泡液VEGF和IL-6水平明显高于对照组,提示VEGF和IL-6可能参与了OHSS的发病机制;卵泡液VEGF和IL-6水平可以作为预测OHSS发生的检测指标。     

Value of D-Dimers in patients with acute aortic dissection

Objective: To evaluatel the value of D-dimers in patients with acute aortic dissection (AAD). Methods: This study consisted of 16 patients with AAD and 27 non-AAD patients. Serum D-dimets were measured by Sta-Liatest D-DI immunoturbidimetric assay. Results: D-dimer level was higher (P ＜ 0.001) in patients with AAD(7.91 ± 5.52 μg/ml) than that in non- AAD group(1.57±1.24 μg/ml). D-dimer was positive (＞0.4 μg/ml) in all patients with AAD and in 10 control group patients (37%). Among patients with acute AAD, D-dimers tended to be higher in Stanford A than in Stanford B (8.67 ± 4.31 μg/ml vs. 3.24±1.27 μg/ml, P ＜0.01). D-dimer values tended to be higher in more extended disease(3.84 ± 1.65 μg/ml, 8.57 ± 3.58 μg/ml and 11.87 ± 5.69 μg/ml in thoracic aorta, thoracic and abdominal aorta, thoracic and abdominal aorta and iliacal arteries, respectively, P ＜ 0.05 for both 8.57 ± 3.58 and 11.87 ± 5.69 vs. 3.84 ± 1.65 ). Including the control group into the analysis, we found a sensitivity of 100%, a negative predictive value of 100%, and a specificity of 66% and a positive predictive value of 64% for D-dimer in diagnosis of AAD in our patients with suspected AAD. Conclusion: D-dimer was elevated in patients with AAD. A negative D-dimer test result could be useful in excluding AAD.     

Research of combined liver-kidney transplantation model in rats

Objective： To set up a simple and reliable rat model of combined liver-kidney transplantation. Methods： SD rats served as both donors and recipients. 4℃ sodium lactate Ringer＇s was infused from portal veins to donated livers,and from abdominal aorta to donated kidneys, respectively. Anastomosis of the portal vein and the inferior vena cava （IVC） inferior to the right kidney between the graft and the recipient was performed by a double cuff method, then the superior hepatic vena cava with suture. A patch of donated renal artery was anastomosed to the recipient abdominal aorta. The urethra and bile duct were reconstructed with a simple inside bracket. Results： Among 65 cases of combined liver-kidney transplantation, the success rate in the late 40 cases was 77.5%. The function of the grafted liver and kidney remained normal. Conclusion： This rat model of combined liver-kidney transplantation can be established in common laboratory conditions with high success rate and meet the needs of renal transplantation experiment.     

BLOOD PRESSURE CHANGE WITH AGE IN SALT-SENSITIVE TEENAGERS

Objective To observe blood pressure change with age in salt-sensitive teenagers whose salt sensitivity were determined by repeated testing.Methods Salt sensitivity was determined through intravenous infusion of normal saline combined with volume-depletion by oral diuretic furosemide in 55 teenagers. After five years, salt sensitivity was re-examined and subject blood pressure was followed up. Blood pressure changes in salt-sensitive teenagers were compared to that of non-salt sensitive teenagers over five years.Results After 5 years, the repetition rate of salt sensitivity determined by intravenous saline loading is 92.7%. In teenagers with salt sensitivity on the baseline, both the systolic blood pressure increments and increment rates were much higher than non-salt sensitive teenagers (12.7±12.1 mmHg vs. 2.8±5.2 mmHg, P＜ 0.01; 12.2%± 12.0% vs. 2.5% ±4.4%, P＜ 0.001,respectively). There was a similar trend for diastolic blood pressure (8.4 ± 6.4 mmHg vs. 3.7 ± 6.4 mmHg, P = 0.052; 13.2% ±10.6 % vs. 6.8%± 10.1%, P = 0.053, respectively).Conclusions Salt sensitivity determined by intravenous saline loading showed good reproducibility. Blood pressure increments with age were much higher in salt-sensitive teenagers than non-salt sensitive teenagers, especially in terms of systolic blood pressure.     

安心颗粒对急诊经皮冠状动脉介入术后生活质量影响的研究

目的：评价使用安心颗粒对急诊经皮冠状动脉介入术（PPCI）术后生活质量的影响.方法：将160例接受PPCI的急性ST段抬高型心肌梗死患者随机分为安心颗粒组（术前顿服安心颗粒8.8g,术后安心颗粒4.4 g/次,每日2次）和对照组（仅接受基础药物治疗）.所有患者均服用阿司匹林、氯吡格雷和阿托伐他汀.分别在入院时、出院前1d、出院后180 d时,应用心肌梗死多维度量表（MIDAS）、中文版SF-36评价量表对患者生活质量评分.并观察术后30 d以内的出血并发症、血小板减少症发生情况.结果：入院时和出院前1d,两组患者的心肌梗死MIDAS、SF-36量表评分比较无差异（P＞0.05）;出院后180 d时,与对照组比较,安心颗粒组MIDAS、SF-36评分明显减低（P＜0.05）;组内与入院时比较,两组出院前1d、出院后180 d时,MIDAS、SF-36评分均降低（P＜0.05）.两组患者在随访期间均无大量出血、少量出血、重度和极重度血小板减少症发生,安心颗粒组有4例、对照组有7例发生不明显出血（P＞0.05）.两组发生轻度血小板减少症的患者数比较无差异（P＞0.05）.结论：PPCI使用安心颗粒,能改善急性ST段抬高型心肌梗死患者的生活质量,且不增加出血风险.     

The comparative studies of the influences of Urapidil and Nicardipine on sino-atrial node function, atrio-ventricular node function and hemodynamics

Objective:To investigate the influences of urapidil and nicardipine on rabbit sinus function,atrio-ventricular node function and hemodynamics.Methods:Thirty-two Angora's rabbits were selected and randomly divided into four groups.U1 group:urapidil 0.25 mg/kg;U2 group:urapidil 0.5 mg/kg;N1 group:nicardipine 10 μg/kg;N2 group:nicardipine 20 μg/kg.All these medicine were administrated within 30 seconds.Measurements were taken before and after the administration of urapidil or nicardipine for the following data:mean blood pressure(MAP),heart rate(HR),sino-atrial conduction time(SACT),maximal sinoatrial recovery time(SNRTmax)corrected sinus node recovery time(CSNRT),index of sinus node recovery time(SNRTI),Wenckebach A-V conduction frequency (WB),and P-R interval.Results:Significant MAP and HR changes were identified in all of the four groups before and after administration of both urapidil and nicardipine.No significant changes could be found in the rest of the parameters.Intergroup analysis showed that SACT and CSNRT of N1 and N2 groups were shorter than those of the U2 group(P＜0.01);the MAP decreased(P＜0.01)and the HR increased drastically(P＜0.01).Conclusions:Neither urapidil(0.25 mg/kg,0.5 mg/kg)nor nicardipine(10μg/kg,20μg/kg)has any significant influence on rabbit sinus function or rabbit atrio-ventricular node function.Nicardipine could be a better choice than urapidil for parafunctional sinus node patients.     

Expression of OPGmRNA and ODFmRNA in the patients of hip fracture due to osteoporosis

Objective：To investigate the gene expression of osteoprotegerin（OPG） and osteoclast differentiation factor（ODF） in the bone tissue of patients with hip fracture due to osteoporosis. Methods：OPGmRNA and ODFmRNA in the bone tissue in 50 cases of osteoporosis sufferers（over 50 years old） with hip fracture（Observer Group） and 30 cases of hip facture sufferers with no osteoporosis（Control group） were analyzed with the Semi-Quantitative RT-PCR method. Results：The mRNA expressed of ODF, OPG were both high in the patients with hip fracture. In the control group, the expression of OPG mRNA was observed, while the expression of ODF mRNA was very slight. Conclusion：Aged patients contained all signals including OPG, ODF that are essential for inducing osteoclastogenesis and promoting bone resorption.     

The clinicopathological and immuohistochemical analysis of solid-pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas： report of 9 cases

Objective：To investigate the clinical features, pathological characteristics and immunophenotype of solid-pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas（SPTP）. Methods：Nine surgically treated cases of SPTP were retrospectively reviewed. Hematoxylin and Eosin（HE） staining and immunohistochemical staining were used to analyze all cases, and the general clinical data was collected. Results：Six patients were asymptomatic except for a palpable mass. Two patients complained of vague-epigastric pain. One patient appeared jaundice. The tumor was encapsulated and solid tissues alternately with cystic tissues. Histologically, the histological structure of solid portion was pseudopapillary with a fibrovascular core. Tumor cells were uniform and medium-sized which were arranged in sheets ets or nests or pseudopapillary patterns. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated that SPTP proved positive in vimentin（9/9 cases）, AAT（9/9 cases）, NSE（9/9 cases）, ACT（7/9 cases）, CK20（2/9 cases）, CgA（1/9 cases）, S-100（3/gcases）, PR（4/gcases）, Syn（3/9 cases） and CD56（5/9cases）, negative in CEA and ER. Conclusion：SPTP is a tumor predominantly occurring in young women frequently without special symptoms. This tumor has various characteristical histological patterns with different immunophenotype.     

Dynamic Changes in Serum Estradiol and Progesterone levels in Patients of Premenstrual Syndrome with Adverse Flow of Liver-qi

Objective:To probe into the influence of changes of ovarian hormones on the pathogenesis of the specific sub-type premenstrual syndrome(PMS)and reveal partial microcosmic mechanisms of adverse flow of liver-qi.Methods:Estradiol(E2)and progesterone(P)levels in serum were determined at different phases of menstrual cycle by radioimmunoassay.Results:In the group of PMS with adverse flow of liver-qi.the secretive peak value Of E2 and P at the follicular phase significantly decreased,and the secretive peak value at the luteal phase did not come into being.Conclusions:Low E2 and P secretive peak at the follicular phase and absence of secretive peak at the luteal phase is one of the microcosmic mechanisms of PMS with adverse flow of liver-qi.One of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of specific sub-type PMS is probably the continuous low level of E2and P.     

Real-time Three-dimensional Echocardiography in Assessment of Left Ventricular and Right Ventricular Volumes

Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE)is a new ultrasound technique that enables dynamic threedimensional visualization and quantification of the heart in real time. Investigation of feasibility and methodology of RT3DE in determining left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) volumes, RT3DE was performed in 35 normal adults using Philips SONOS 7500 system with a 2-4 MHz matrix array transducer. The 60°×60° "pyramid" volume database was obtained and analyzed on a TomTec echo workstation. Both LV and RV volumes were calculated with four 3DE methods (i.e. apical 2, 4, 8, and 16-plane) through manually tracing ventricular endocardial borders in end diastole and end systole. Stroke volumes were then calculated. LV volume was also measured by 2DE Simpson's rule using GE VIVID 7 ultrasound machine.     

SCREENING FOR A 21-CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITY IN PREIMPLANTED EMBRYOS OF ELDERLY WOMEN

Increasing maternal age is the only etiological factor unequivocally linked to Down's syndrome in humans. The occurrence rate of newborns with Down's syndrome is about 1/220 in women over 35 years old. However, the occurrence rate in embryos fertilized in vitro, of the elder woman is unclear. Using FISH we screened the number of chromosome 21 in preimplanted embryos of 5 elderly women (average age, 38.4 years) to study the feasibility and necessity of screening trisomy 21 in embryos in patients over 35 years old at the in vitro fertilization (IVF) center.