Predicción de anemia fetal por isoinmunización tras transfusiones intrauterinas. Revisión de los casos tratados en nuestra unidad

Objetive

Evaluate the intrauterine blood transfusions performed in fetuses with anemia due to red blood cell alloimmunization in our unit and the detection rate of the middle cerebral artery Doppler to predict anemia after the first transfusion.

Material and methods

We performed 53 intrauterine blood transfusions in 15 patients with red blood cell alloimmunization. We analyze the characteristics of the cases and the value of the middle cerebral artery Doppler to predict fetal anemia.

Results

The detection rate of fetal anemia with the peak systolic velocity Doppler in the middle cerebral artery was 85% after the first transfusion and 72% after the second or more. There were no false positive results of the test in our series.

Conclusions

Doppler evaluation of the middle cerebral artery as predictor of fetal anemia has a lower detection rate after consecutive transfusions.     

Comparación de la efectividad de la pulsioximetría y el electrocardiograma fetal en las situaciones de riesgo de pérdida de bienestar fetal

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of pulse oximetry and fetal electrocardiogram in the management of labor with fetal heart rate patterns associated with a risk of loss of fetal well-being.

Subjects and methods

We performed an open, randomized, experimental trial with two groups: pulse oximetry was used in one group and the STAN® technique was used in the other. Each group included 40 women with single, term pregnancies in cephalic presentation and fetal heart rate patterns associated with a risk of loss of fetal well-being. The overall cesarean section rate, indications of risk of fetal distress, and neonatal acid-base balance were evaluated.

Results

No significant differences were found in the rate of cesarean section (47.5 vs 40%; P = .33), indications of risk of fetal distress (32.5 vs 37.5%; P = .41), or neonatal outcomes.

Conclusions

The use of pulse oximetry and STAN®21, as auxiliary methods to cardiotocographic recording, showed no superiority in reducing the cesarean section rate or improving neonatal outcomes.     

Análisis de la finalización de la gestación y morbilidad materna en las gestaciones de 41 semanas

Objective

To evaluate the mode of delivery and maternal morbidity associated with pregnancies ending at 41 weeks.

Material and methods

We designed a retrospective cohort study. The mode of delivery and maternal complications of 230 pregnancies ending at 41 weeks were compared with those in 234 pregnancies ending between 37 and 40 weeks at the Miguel Servet University Hospital in 2005.

Results

Women delivering at 41 weeks had an increased risk of membrane sweep, unfavorable Bishop score at admission, induction and longer duration of labor. These increases were also seen in the rates of operative vaginal delivery (25.6 vs 17.6%, p < 0.001) and cesarean section (21.7 vs 8.5%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The rates of maternal peripartum complications increase as pregnancy reaches 41 weeks. Accurate investigation of these rates is important to determine the gestational age at which the risk of continuing the pregnancy outweighs the risk of labor induction.     

Papel de la inseminación intrauterina en la era de la fertilización in vitro

Intrauterine insemination is a low-complexity assisted reproduction technology in which previously washed sperm are deposited in the uterine cavity with ovarian stimulation. This invasive technique is well accepted by patients and achieves cumulative pregnancy rates similar to those obtained in a single cycle of more complex assisted reproduction techniques. We compared two methods of assisted reproduction: in vitro fertilization and intrauterine insemination in relation to their effectiveness and cost. We conclude that intrauterine insemination is the first-line treatment in male factor infertility without severe disruption or unexplained infertility; pregnancy can be achieved with 3 to 6 cycles in a high percentage of these cases at lower cost and with lower risk of multiple pregnancy than with in vitro insemination. We did not consider other techniques, such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection, which is also indicated for the treatment of male factor infertility, since this technique requires greater technical and human resources, thus precluding comparison.     

Criterios de calidad en el manejo del cáncer de mama en Castilla y León,mejorando nuestra eficiencia

Objectives

To assess the quality of care provided to breast cancer patients in the public hospitals of Castile-Leon.

Material and methods

Data collection was carried out through a survey on quality criteria endorsed by the European Society of Breast Cancer Specialists (EUSOMA), which was sent to the public hospitals in Castile-Leon. A total of 1235 patients diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 participated in the survey.

Results

A total of 81.81% of criteria were achieved. Ninety percent of patients received treatment within 6 weeks of diagnosis. Surgical, radiotherapeutic, and systemic treatment complied with quality criteria. However, too many surgical excisions were performed in benign disease. The cases of 87% of cancer patients were discussed by a multidisciplinary team. There was excessive follow-up in asymptomatic patients and excessive study of tumoral extension.

Conclusion

Although the healthcare provided exceeded most quality criteria, we identified areas that could be improved to achieve more efficient resource use.     

Éxito en el manejo conservador del acretismo placentario mediante embolización y metotrexato

Introduction

The incidence of placenta accreta has risen and this entity can cause postpartum hemorrhage, often requiring obstetric hysterectomy. There are, however, alternative conservative treatments to surgery.

Case report

A 38-year-old woman in her first pregnancy underwent manual removal of the placenta, with moderate hemorrhaging and subsequent curettage. The diagnosis was confirmed by ultrasound scan and magnetic resonance imaging. Selective embolization of the nutritional vessel was performed and methotrexate was administered. Three days after the embolization, the placental mass was expelled.

Conclusions

Selective embolization of a nutritional vessel and adjuvant treatment with methotrexate are conservative techniques that allow preservation of both the uterus and fertility. According to previous reports in the literature, the time interval between delivery and definitive placental expulsion was lower in our case than in other conservatively managed cases.     

Utilidad de la determinación del virus del papiloma humano en el primer control tras una conización

Objective

To estimate the negative predictive value of human papilloma virus (HPV) status in the first visit at 3 months after conization.

Material and methods

We evaluated the first follow-up visit in 208 patients who underwent conization in Hospital Donostia between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2006.

Results

The negative predictive value of HPV status at 3 months after conization was 97.99% (95% CI 95.40-100), the positive predictive value was 47.92% (95% CI 32.74-63.09), sensitivity was 88.46% (95% CI 74.26-100) and specificity was 85.38% (95% CI 79.79-90.97).

Conclusions

Negative HPV status 3 months after conization is useful to evaluate cervical disease and could reduce the number of cytological examinations.     

Impacto de la introducción en el primer trimestre del cribado combinado de trisomía 21 en la tasa de procedimientos invasivos

Objective

To study the impact of introducing first-trimester combined Down syndrome screening on invasive prenatal testing for prenatal diagnosis, together with the criteria change from 35 to 38 years old as the indication for obtaining the fetal karyotype.

Material and methods

A retrospective population-based study was carried out of invasive tests for prenatal diagnosis performed at the Cabueñes Hospital in Gijón (Spain). A first period from 31-1-2004 to 30-1-2006 (without the screening program) was compared with a second period from 31-1-2006 to 30-1-2008 (with the screening program). During the second period the impact of screening (31-1-2006 to 30-1-2007) was differentiated from that linked to changing the maternal age criteria to 38 years old as the indication for invasive testing (31-1-2007 to 30-1-2008).

Results

During the second period there was an overall reduction of 31.2% in invasive testing; 21.6% was exclusively attributable to first-trimester combined Down syndrome screening. In expectant mothers aged 35 or more at delivery, the number of amniocentesis performed in the second period was reduced by 30.74%; this tendency was maintained for pregnant women aged 38 years or more, showing a reduction of 25.92%. In the second period, 30% of the expectant mothers aged 38 years or more chose to have an invasive test due to their age compared with 61.53% in the first period.

Conclusions

First-trimester combined Down syndrome screening had a major impact on invasive testing, increasing its efficiency and, moreover, allowing detection rates to be improved.     

Teratoma inmaduro de ovario en la gestación

Ovarian tumors are estimated to occur in about 1 in 1000 pregnancies; of these, 3% are malignant. Most patients are clinically asymptomatic and the masses are usually detected in a routine abdominal examination during the second trimester of pregnancy. The management of these ovarian masses depends on their etiology and clinical findings. Surgical intervention is required when malignancy is suspected. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is also indicated. Fertility conserving surgery should be attempted.     

Situación de la conización del cuello uterino en el País Vasco

Objective

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the conization technique used in Basque Country hospitals and to determinate the most appropriate place to perform this procedure (outpatient clinic or operating room) by evaluating pain, early and late complications and histological results.

Materials and methods

We selected 232 patients with a cytologic and colposcopic diagnosis of cervical dysplasia requiring surgical cervical conization between September 2006 and July 2007 in eight public hospitals of the Basque Country.

Results

A total of 94.8% of conizations were performed with long loop excision of transformation zone (LLETZ) and, exceptionally, with cold knife conization. Local anesthesia was used in tertiary hospitals and regional anesthesia in county hospitals. Pain tolerance in outpatient conization with LLETZ under local anesthesia was excellent. In Hospital Donostia, pain was scored on a visual analogue scale and low scores were achieved, in accordance with the high degree of satisfaction obtained with the procedure. Conization margins depended on the grade of dysplasia rather than on the technique. There were few early complications and even fewer late complications.

Conclusion

The LLETZ method performed under local anesthesia in the outpatient clinic is very well tolerated by patients and has few complications. Consequently, this option is a valid alternative to conization under general or regional anesthesia. The LLETZ technique provides multiple advantages for the patient and health service due to its lower cost, without medical disadvantages, and satisfactory tolerance.     

Diagnóstico ecográfico de quistes del cordón umbilical en el primer trimestre de la gestación

Although umbilical cord cysts are a relatively frequent entity they cannot be considered a nonpathological sonographic finding. In the first trimester pregnancies the prevalence of umbilical cord cysts has been reported about 3%. Sometimes are associated to other chromosomal and/or structural abnormalities. If they are persistent and progressive in the size, could restrict the fetal sanguineous flow.     

Optimización del manejo de la mujer osteoporótica en la consulta de ginecología

Osteoporosis is a skeletal metabolic disorder characterized by compromised bone strength predisposing to an increased risk of low-impact fractures. This disorder is highly prevalent in postmenopausal women. Evaluation of bone mineral density, bone markers and osteoporosis risk factors allow to identify patients that may benefit from specific treatment to be identified. Vertebral fractures are common among postmenopausal women aged less than 65 years. The treatment of osteoporosis and osteopenia associated with a previous fracture should be based on adherence to potent drugs along with vitamin D and calcium supplements to prevent the hyperparathyroidism associated with low vitamin D levels.     

Manejo obstétrico de la gastrosquisis en una gestación de 26 semanas

Fetal gastroschisis is the most common congenital malformation of the abdominal wall. This anomaly can be corrected by postnatal surgery, either through primary closure of the fascia or delayed closure by means of a silo technique. We present the case of a woman who attended her first prenatal visit in week 26 of pregnancy, with an ultrasonographic finding of fetal gastroschisis.     

Utilidad de la tomografía por emisión de positrones en el manejo de los cánceres de cuerpo de útero

Currently, uterine body tumors are basically surgically staged. Established consensus or defined protocols for the follow up of these neoplasms are lacking. Imaging techniques are usually requested based on the clinician’s criteria, usually suspicion of disease recurrence or progression. Structural imaging techniques, such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, present some limitations in the detection of recurrent disease. Positron emission tomography is a functional imaging technique with proven utility in neoplasms. In the last few years, interest in this technique has grown in the field of gynecologic oncology. We performed a literature review on the utility of positron emission tomography in the evaluation of endometrial cancers and uterine sarcomas, both in initial diagnosis and follow-up.     

Recuperación del parto vaginal de nalgas y versión cefálica externa

Objective

To review the obstetric and neonatal outcomes of the application of an updated vaginal breech delivery protocol 10 years after this practice had been discontinued.

Methods

Breech presentations were referred to a dedicated breech unit at 36 weeks where the external cephalic version was offered. If breech presentation persisted, the patients were selected to undergo attempted vaginal delivery if the following criteria were met: a) estimated fetal weight of 2.500-3.600 g; b) frank or complete breech presentation; c) absence of hyperextension of the fetal head; and d) a clinically adequate pelvis. Intrapartum criteria included: a) progression of labor of ≥ 1 cm/hour in the first hour; b) In the second stage, 90 minutes were allowed for adequate descent of the breech, and 1 hour of active pushing, and c) the availability of an on-call expert.

Results

A total of 93 patients showed single live pregnancies in breech presentation after external cephalic version. Sixty-nine patients (73.4%) underwent elective prelabor cesarean delivery, and 24 (26.6%) progressed to attempted vaginal breech delivery, which was successful in 19 (20.1%). Cesarean indications for breech presentation were reduced from 5.7% in 2009 to 2.02% after the application of external cephalic version and vaginal breech delivery (P<.001). We observed no fetal deaths, no Apgar test at 5 minutes of less than 7, no umbilical artery pH of less than 7, and no fetal injuries.

Conclusions

. When antepartum and intrapartum criteria are met, vaginal breech delivery is safe. The availability of an on-call expert allows vaginal breech delivery to be safely performed. The combination of external cephalic version and vaginal breech delivery decreases the cesarean rate for breech presentation.     

Trombosis del seno venoso cerebral en gestante con síndrome de Job

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis is uncommon. Pregnancy is a major risk factor for the development of this entity. We report the case of a patient with Job’s syndrome and protein C and S deficiency who developed cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and dural fistula at 36 weeks’ gestation. After heparinization, the treatment of choice, pregnancy termination to eliminate the prothrombotic status and embolization of the dural fistula were required to obtain complete remission of the neurological symptoms.     

Estudio de la integridad del ADN espermático en relación con la calidad seminal y los resultados del ciclo de fecundación in vitro

Objective

To establish the relationship between the degree of sperm DNA fragmentation and seminal parameters, male age and outcome of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI).

Subjects and methods

The sample consisted of 43 couples undergoing IVF/ICSI. The mean age of men was 35.62 ± 4.87 years and that of women was 33.88 ± 3.95 years. We prospectively analyzed sperm DNA fragmentation from each patient by the Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA) and correlated the findings with seminal parameters (volume, concentration, progressive motility and morphology), IVF/ICSI outcomes and male age. IVF/ICSI outcome was evaluated by measuring the fertilization rate, embryo quality and the pregnancy and miscarriage rates.

Results

DNA fragmentation was negatively correlated with progressive motility (p = 0.000) of fresh and capacitated (p = 0.041) semen. Older patients had a significantly lower percentage of progressive motility in fresh seminal samples (p = 0.034) and worse sperm DNA quality (p = 0.043). There were no significant differences between the fragmentation rate and fertilization rate, embryo quality, and the pregnancy and miscarriage rates.

Conclusions

DNA fragmentation is inversely correlated with progressive motility in fresh seminal samples. DNA fragmentation does not predict the IVF/ICSI outcome but screening for sperm DNA damage may provide useful information in the diagnosis of idiopathic male infertility. Seminal quality is affected by increasing male age.     

Análisis de los factores que influyen en la aparición de efectos adversos en la versión cefálica externa

Objectives

To identify the association between the adverse effects of the external cephalic version (ECV) and several variables related to the technique.

Material and method

We performed a prospective study in 180 pregnant women who delivered through the ECV. We analyzed fetal and maternal adverse effects and their association with the final result of the version, the experience of the obstetrician, the time used in the maneuver, the number of attempts performed in the same session, and the drug used as a uterine relaxant.

Results

The ECV was successfully performed in 32.6% of primiparas and 79.19% of multiparas. The overall rate of adverse effects was 28.33%, and was higher in versions that failed, those with a greater number of failed attempts, those with longer duration and those in which ritodrine was used as a uterine relaxant.

Conclusions

The factors increasing the probability of success and reducing the rate of adverse effects in ECV are a single attempt at the maneuver, total duration of the maneuver of less than 5 minutes, and use of salbutamol as a uterine relaxant.