Psoas Muscle Density in Combination with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease Score Can Improve Survival Predictability in Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunts

Purpose

To examine the role of psoas muscle density (PD) measurement before transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation in predicting survival when combined with Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score.

Can we reduce episodes of haemoglobin desaturation in full‐term babies restrained in car seats?

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether episodes of haemoglobin oxygen (SpO2) desaturation in full-term infants restrained in car seats can be reduced by a simple foam plastic infant car seat insert designed to push the body forward, with space for the protuberant occiput to lie behind the spine, and so reduce flexion of the infant's head on the trunk. METHODS: Eighteen healthy full-term babies were evaluated while restrained in an infant car safety seat with, and without, the foam insert. Infants were monitored in each position for 30 min with continuous polygraphic recording of respiratory and heart rate, nasal airflow and SpO2. RESULTS: Placement of the insert in the car seat was associated with a significant reduction in the rate of apneas with a fall in SpO2 >5% (median, interquartile range: 4.4 (0, 10.6) vs. 9.2 (5.4, 15.2) events per hour, p=0.03). The one clinically severe episode of apnea, with a fall in SpO2 of more than 30%, occurred in the car seat without the insert. CONCLUSIONS: A car seat insert that allows the newborn's head to lie in a neutral position during sleep may reduce the frequency of mild episodes of reduced SpO2 in some full-term newborn babies.     

Treatment of infertility with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: 10-year experience in Auckland, New Zealand

Infertility in idiopathic or acquired hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) was managed with exogenous gonadotropins and artificial reproduction as needed, in Auckland, New Zealand, from 2000 to 2010. Of eight men seeking conception, 2/2 with acquired HH but only 2/6 with congenital HH achieved clinical pregnancy with exogenous gonadotropins, whereas 12/14 women (86%) achieved one or more live births. Current gonadotropin treatment does not seem to be optimal for men with congenital HH.     

The prevalence of anal incontinence in post-partum women following obstetrical anal sphincter injury

Introduction and hypothesis  

The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of anal incontinence (AI) in post-partum women following obstetrical anal sphincter injury (OASI). We also assessed quality of life and prevalence of other pelvic floor symptoms.