METHODS OF FETAL HEART RATE MONITORING DURING LABOR

A review of the history of fetal heart rate monitoring is followed by detailed analysis of eight randomized, controlled trials and of a recent prospective study of electronic fetal monitoring compared with intermittent auscultation. No significant differences between the methods were reported in perinatal mortality rates, neonatal infection rates, and Apgar scores. Mixed results were reported for length of labor, maternal analgesic use during labor, maternal genital tract infection rates, umbilical cord pH values, and admissions to neonatal intensive care units. Auscultation was associated in two trials with a significantly increased rate of neonatal seizures. Electronic fetal monitoring was correlated with a significantly increased cesarean delivery rate in the first four trials, and with a significantly increased rate of operative delivery (forceps plus cesarean delivery) in three later trials. A decision tree is presented to assist the clinician in selecting the appropriate fetal monitoring method for a given client.     

Aggressive angiomyxoma with gastrointestinal communication: a case report

We report the imaging findings of an abdominal aggressive angiomyxoma, which communicated with the gastrointestinal tract. The literature on this rare tumor is reviewed.     

Exocrine pancreatic function in mediastinal teratomata: an aid to preoperative diagnosis?

The diagnosis of teratoma may be made by demonstration of high amylase content in fluid aspirated from anterior mediastinal lesions. In 2 cases of mediastinal teratoma proteolytic enzyme activity was evident at the time of operation. A diagnosis of mediastinal teratoma was aided in 2 subsequent cases by demonstration of elevated amylase activity in the aspirated fluid before definitive operation.     

Heterotopic cervical salivary gland tissue in a family with probable branchio-otorenal syndrome

Heterotopic cervical salivary gland tissue was found in a 4-yr-old girl with branchial and otologic abnormalities. Her mother and sister also had heterotopic cervical salivary tissue in association with anomalies that suggest the branchio-otorenal (BOR) syndrome. Heterotopic cervical salivary gland tissue may result from abnormal branchial development.     

Intractable Diarrhea from Carbamazepine

Diarrhea has been reported as an early, mild, and uncommon complication of carbamazepine (CBZ) therapy. We report three cases of intractable diarrhea induced by CBZ necessitating discontinuation of the drug.