血清CRP及PCT在诊断细菌性脓毒症中的应用价值

目的探讨血清CRP及PCT在诊断细菌性脓毒症中的应用价值。方法选择2013年1月~2016年4月在我院治疗的脓毒症患者54例以及局部感染患者62例为研究对象。另选择非感染患者60例为对照组。比较三组血清CRP及PCT水平、APACHEⅡ评分以及SOFA评分,比较脓毒症死亡亚组及存活亚组不同时间点CRP及PCT水平。结果脓毒症组及局部感染组PCT、CRP、APACHEⅡ评分以及SOFA评分均显著高于对照组,差异有高度统计学意义(P0.01)。脓毒症组PCT阳性率及CRP阳性率均显著高于局部感染组,差异具有高度统计学意义(P0.01)。脓毒症患者生存亚组随着治疗时间的延长,血清CRP水平呈下降趋势(P0.01),而死亡亚组无下降趋势;死亡亚组CRP在第1天、第5天、第10天及第15天均显著高于生存亚组,差异有高度统计学意义(P0.01)。脓毒症患者生存亚组随着治疗时间的延长,血清PCT水平呈下降趋势(P0.01),而死亡亚组无下降趋势。死亡亚组PCT在第1天、第5天、第10天及第15天均显著高于生存亚组,差异有高度统计学意义(P0.01)。结论细菌性脓毒症患者血清CRP及PCT水平均显著升高,并且死亡患者的水平更高。     

降钙素原联合激活素A评估老年重症脓毒症患者预后的价值

目的观察老年重症脓毒症患者降钙素原(PCT)和激活素A水平动态变化及其在预后和病情评估中的价值。方法对66例老年重症脓毒症患者随访28d,根据预后分为存活组48例和死亡组18例,比较两组患者入院时急性生理学与慢性健康状况评分系统Ⅱ（APACHEⅡ）和序贯器官衰竭（SOFA）评分,检测入院时、入院第3、5、7天CRP、乳酸、PCT和激活素A水平,分析两者与SOFA评分、APACHEⅡ评分的相关性及其预测预后的价值。结果两组入院时及入院第3天血清PCT水平和入院时激活素A水平分别比较差异均无统计学意义（均P＞0.05）;死亡组入院时C反应蛋白（CRP）、乳酸、SOFA评分和APACHEⅡ评分均明显高于存活组（均P＜0.05）;死亡组入院第5、7天PCT水平和入院第3、5、7天激活素A水平均明显高于存活组（均P＜0.05）,与同组入院时比较差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）;存活组入院后第5、7天PCT和激活素A水平较同组入院时明显下降（P＜0.05）;入院第5、7天PCT水平和入院第3、5、7天激活素A水平分别与SOFA评分、APACHEⅡ评分均呈正相关;PCT和激活素A预测死亡的ROC曲线下面积（AUC）分别为0.815和0.826。结论血清PCT和激活素A水平可评估老年重症脓毒症患者预后,两者持续保持高水平提示预后不良。     

PCT和乳酸水平对伴心肌损伤脓毒症患者28天存活率的预测价值

探讨血清降钙素原(PCT)和乳酸水平对伴心肌损伤脓毒症患者28天存活率的预测价值。选取166例伴心肌损伤脓毒症患者作为实验对象,随访28天,根据预后随访结果分为存活组(100例)和死亡阻(66例)。随访结果表明死亡组急性生理功能和慢性健康状况评分系统Ⅱ(APACHEⅡ)评分、序贯器官衰竭估计(SOFA)评分显著高于存活组(P<0.05);死亡组第3、第7天血清PCT、乳酸水平明显高于第1天(P<0.05),第7天血清PCT、乳酸水平明显高于第3天(P<0.05);存活组第7天血清PCT、乳酸水平明显低于第1、3天(P<0.05);根据logistic回归分析发现PCT、乳酸、SOFA评分是伴心肌损伤脓毒症患者死亡因素独立危险因素;PCT最佳诊断截点为9.82 μg/L,ROC曲线下面积(95%Cl)为0.862(0.803~0.918),敏感度82.10%,特异度85.03%较好。乳酸最佳诊断截点为3.73 mmol/L,ROC曲线下的面积(95%Cl)为0.857(0.729~0.988),敏感度为86.11%,特异度为76.24%较好;血清PCT、乳酸与APAHEⅡ评分、SOFA评分均呈正相关(r=0.741,P<0.001;r=0.692,P<0.001)。实验表明,血清降钙素原和乳酸水平与伴心肌损伤脓毒症患者病情严重程度密切相关,血清降钙素原和乳酸水平在评估伴心肌损伤脓毒症患者28天存活率时具有良好的预测价值。     

胃肠功能障碍与脓毒症严重程度及预后相关性分析

目的：评估脓毒症时胃肠功能障碍和衰竭与病情严重程度及预后的相关性。方法：收治严重脓毒症79例患者,分别于入院第1天、第3天及第7天采用胃肠功能障碍和衰竭评分（gastrointestinal dysfunction and failure, GIDF）系统评估胃肠功能;同时用序贯器官衰竭（sequential organ failure assessment,SOFA）评分评估病情的严重程度,分析GIDF评分与SOFA评分的相关性,比较病死组与存活组GIDF和SOFA的差异。结果：GIDF评分与SOFA评分呈正相关（r=0.45,P＜0.05）,90天病死组患者入院第1天、第3天及第7天的GIDF和SOFA评分显著高于存活组患者（P＜0.05）。结论：胃肠功能障碍与脓毒症严重程度呈显著正相关,脓毒症死亡者胃肠功能障碍和衰竭更严重。     

解毒祛瘀法对脓毒症毒热内盛证患者促炎因子及血管内皮细胞功能的影响

目的:探讨解毒祛瘀法治疗脓毒症毒热内盛证的疗效及对促炎因子和血管内皮细胞功能的影响。方法:纳入脓毒症毒热内盛证患者60例,随机分为治疗组和对照组,每组各30例。治疗组患者在西医常规治疗基础上加用解毒祛瘀中药,对照组患者在西医常规治疗基础上加用安慰剂,两组治疗疗程均为10 d。观察两组的临床疗效,比较两组患者的中医证候评分、急性生理学及慢性健康状况评分系统(APACHEⅡ)评分、感染相关器官功能衰竭评分系统(SOFA)评分,检测两组患者的白介素-6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、可溶性血管内皮细胞蛋白C受体(sEPCR)及血栓调节蛋白(TM)的水平。结果:①治疗后,治疗组的临床总有效率为86.67%,对照组的临床总有效率为73.33%,治疗组的疗效优于对照组(P0.01)。②治疗后,治疗组患者的中医证候评分、APACHEⅡ评分、SOFA评分均较治疗前显著降低(P0.01),对照组患者的中医证候评分、APACHEⅡ评分亦显著降低(P0.01),且治疗组患者的中医证候评分明显低于对照组(P0.01)。③治疗后,两组患者的IL-6、TNF-α水平较治疗前均明显降低(P0.01),且治疗组患者的TNF-α水平明显低于对照组(P0.01);治疗组IL-6、TNF-α治疗前后的差值明显高于对照组(P0.05)。④治疗后,治疗组患者的TM水平较治疗前明显降低(P0.05),且治疗组患者的sEPCR、TM治疗前后差值亦明显高于对照组(P0.05)。结论:解毒祛瘀法可提高脓毒症患者的临床疗效,改善其中医证候,减少促炎因子的释放,其作用机制可能与改善患者的血管内皮细胞功能有关。     

2型糖尿病中医辨证分型研究——附545例分析

目的:探讨2型糖尿病患者年龄、病程、家族史、体重指数、并发症及合并症对中医辨证分型的影响。方法:对在我院内分泌科住院的2型糖尿病患者545例的相关资料进行回顾分析整理。结果:年龄及病程与证型显著相关,表现为:随年龄增加热盛伤津证比例递减,气阴两虚夹瘀证比例递增;随病程增加热盛伤津证、肝肾阴虚证及气阴两虚证比例递减,肝肾阴虚夹瘀证、气阴两虚夹瘀证、阴阳两虚证比例递增(P均<0.01﹚。体重指数与证型无明显相关性(P均>0.05﹚。并发酮症者热盛伤津证比例明显增加,有显著差异(P<0.05﹚;并发周围神经病变、肾病及眼病者肝肾阴虚夹瘀证及气阴两虚夹瘀证比例明显增加,有显著差异(P均<0.001﹚。高血压、脂代谢紊乱、脑血管病变及其他合并症(高尿酸血症、痛风及冠心病)与证型无相关性,且各合并症之间与证型亦无相关性(P均>0.05)。     

脓毒血症患者监测血清降钙素原、C反应蛋白的临床意义

目的 探讨降钙素原(PCT)、C反应蛋白(CRP)在鉴别脓毒血症及判断脓毒血症严重程度方面的意义.方法 纳入2005年6月至2007年9月间温州市第二人民医院收治的不同严重程度脓毒症患者72例,其中脓毒症22例、严重脓毒症26例,脓毒症休克24例.纳入同期非脓毒血症患者20例作为对照.比较脓毒症与非脓毒症间、不同程度脓毒症间和不同预后脓毒症患者间的血清PCT、CRP水平,以及APACHEⅡ和SOFA评分的差异.转出或出院时病情显著改善或改善为预后良好,无改善或死亡为预后不良.结果 脓毒症、严重脓毒症和脓毒症休克患者的血清PCT值均明显高于非脓毒症患者[(1.51±1.57)、(5.62±3.78)和(13.56±8.16)比(0.12±0.33)μg/L,P<0.05或P<0.01],CRP水平、APACHEⅡ和SOFA评分也显著高于非脓毒症组(P<0.05或P<0.01).不同程度脓毒症患者间PCT水平、APACHEⅡ和SOFA评分均有显著差异,随严重程度升高而升高(P<0.05或P<0.01);而CRP水平无显著差异(P>0.05).脓毒症预后良好组的血清PCT水平、APACHEⅡ和SOFA评分均显著低于预后不良组(P<0.01),CRP水平无显著差异(P>0.05).结论 PCT优于目前临床上应用的CRP炎症反应参数,可作为早期鉴别全身感染,并可作为判断脓毒血症严重程度及预后判断的指标之一.     

脓毒症患者的肠屏障功能损伤变化情况探究

目的探讨脓毒症患者的肠屏障功能损伤变化情况。方法选取2017年10月至2020年4月在本院ICU的30例脓毒症患者设为脓毒症组,另选30例脓毒症休克患者设为脓毒症休克组,所有患者均行酶法测定患者进入住ICU第1天与第3天的细菌内毒素水平以及血清D-乳酸水平,患者入住ICU第3天的CPR(心肺复苏)、急性生理学及慢性健康状况评分、序贯器官衰竭评分。结果入住ICU第1天,脓毒症组的血清D-乳酸水平明显低于脓毒症休克组(P0.05);脓毒症组与脓毒症休克组患者的细菌内毒素水平比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05);在入住ICU第3天,脓毒症组患者的细菌内毒素水平及血清D-乳酸水平均明显低于脓毒症休克组(P0.05);脓毒症组患者入住ICU第3天的CPR、APACHEⅡ评分(慢性健康状况评分)、SOFA评分(序贯器官衰竭评分)均明显低于脓毒症休克组(P0.05);经检测,入住ICU第1天,脓毒症组患者的细菌内毒素水平均低于脓毒症休克组(P0.05);入住ICU第3天,脓毒症组患者的细菌内毒素水平、血清D-乳酸水平明显低于脓毒症休克组(P0.05)。结论脓毒症患者与脓毒症休克患者均发生了不同程度的肠道屏障损伤,肠道屏障损伤的发生与其感染部位无关,与患者疾病的严重程度具有一定的关联。     

9可溶性髓样细胞触发受体1在脓毒症中的表达和临床意义

目的探讨血清可溶性髓样细胞触发受体1（sTREM-1）在脓毒症中的表达和临床应用价值。方法采用ELISA检测68例脓毒症患者、40例非感染全身炎症反应综合征（SIRS）患者和20例正常对照血清sTREM-1、降钙素原（PCT）、肿瘤坏死因子α（TNF-α）和白细9胞介素10（IL-10）水平,免疫比浊法检测血清高敏C反应蛋白（hsCRP）水平,分析比较sTREM-1、PCT和hsCRP对脓毒症的诊断和预后判断价值。序贯器官衰竭估计（SOFA）评分系统评价脓毒症患者的严重程度,对sTREM-1、PCT和hsCRP与SOFA评分、TNF-α和IL-10之间分别进行相关分析。结果各组血清sTREM-1、PCT、hsCRP、IL-10水平和IL-10/TNF-α比值比较差异均有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;各组血清TNF-α水平比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。脓毒症组sTREM-1、PCT及hsCRP水平较非感染SIRS组显著升高（P〈0.05）。根据ROC曲线分析,sTREM-1、PCT和hsCRP对脓毒症及非感染SIRS进行诊断的曲线下面积（AUC）分别为0.772（95%CI 0.674～0.871）、0.718（95%CI 0.601～0.835）和0.664（95%CI 0.532～0.797）。脓毒症患者中死亡组sTREM-1和PCT水平较存活组显著升高（P〈0.01）,hsCRP水平与存活组间差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。脓毒症患者sTREM-1水平与SOFA评分、血清IL-10和IL-10/TNF-α比值呈明显正相关（r值分别为0.453、0.301和0.417,P均〈0.05）;与血清TNF-α无明显相关性（P〉0.05）。PCT与SOFA评分呈明显正相关（r=0.436,P〈0.05）;hsCRP与SOFA评分无明显相关性（P〉0.05）。结论血清sTREM-1水平不但有助于脓毒症的诊断,而且在一定程度上能作为判断疾病严重程度及预后的指标。sTREM-1和PCT可能在脓毒症诊断、预后判断和病情评估方面优于hsCRP。     

大肠癌患者糖代谢水平及中医证型分析

目的:分析120例大肠癌患者的糖代谢水平和中医证型情况,探讨空腹血糖水平与中医证型的相关性。方法:运用回顾性研究的方法,对120例大肠癌复查患者的基线资料、血糖水平及中医证型进行统计分析并探讨其相关性。结果:纳入120例大肠癌患者中,复发转移患者的空腹血糖水平明显高于未复发转移患者(P=0.013);男性复发转移患者的空腹血糖水平明显高于女性患者(P<0.05)。各中医证型患者糖代谢水平参差不同,其中瘀毒内阻证空腹血糖水平最高,湿热内蕴证次之。经t检验,只有瘀毒内阻证的复发转移患者与未复发转移患者的血糖比较,差异有统计学意义(P=0.003)。结论:大肠癌瘀毒内阻证患者糖代谢水平最高。     

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.