A comparison of findings on parents' and teachers' questionnaires, and detailed ophthalmic and psychological assessments.

BACKGROUND: Questionnaires are important tools used to gain information about health and level of function in different domains. AIMS AND METHODS: To determine the degree of agreement between questionnaires, administered to parents and teachers, and ophthalmic and psychological examinations in a cohort of 309 low birth weight children (<1701 g) at age 10-13 years. RESULTS: A total of 90.9% of cases showed agreement between the question on distance vision and clinical assessment, and agreement for the near vision question was 83%. However, the correlation on an individual basis was only fair (kappa = 0.46, distance vision) to poor (kappa = 0.2, near vision). The overall agreement for the questions on cognitive ability was better than the correlation, whereas the questions on reading and mathematical ability showed low agreement and low correlation. CONCLUSION: Questionnaire assessment of vision and cognitive ability is more suitable for studying the outcome of a large population than for identifying deficits in individuals.     

Endoscopic closure of fetal membrane defects: comparing iatrogenic versus spontaneous rupture cases.

OBJECTIVE: Currently, physicians manage preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) by expectant management or termination of the gestation. A therapy aimed at sealing membranes would be optimal to maintain the pregnancy and achieve a normal neonate. Our objective was to compare an endoscopic technique for intrauterine closure of fetal membrane defects after both iatrogenic and spontaneous rupture of membranes. METHODS: Our technique was performed on four patients experiencing PPROM spontaneously and four patients after genetic amniocentesis. Intrauterine endoscopy allowed direct visualization of membrane defects. Rapid sequential injections of platelets, fibrin glue and powdered collagen slurry were administered at the site of the defect and of trocar placement. Sonography for amniotic fluid index, nitrazine and fern testing and pad count were performed after each procedure at three intervals: immediately post-procedure, and after 24 and 48 h. RESULTS: Eight patients underwent endoscopic intrauterine sealing of ruptured membranes between 16 and 24 weeks of gestation: four were spontaneous ruptures and four were ruptures post-amniocentesis. In the post-amniocentesis group, three patients delivered viable infants at 26, 32 and 34 weeks. In one patient, the membranes ruptured again 12 h after the sealing procedure and she decided to undergo termination of pregnancy. Of the four spontaneous rupture patients, two experienced preterm labor and delivery within 2 days of the procedure. One patient was diagnosed with fetal demise 12 h post-procedure, and one patient delivered a neonate at 31 weeks of gestation with severe respiratory distress syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: This technique for sealing ruptured membranes is effective after amniocentesis, but may not be of benefit with spontaneous rupture.