Intrapartum Rupture of the Uterus Diagnosed by Ultrasound

Background

Spontaneous uterine rupture is a life threatening obstetrical emergency encountered infrequently in the emergency department. Its diagnosis is often missed or delayed, leading to maternal and fetal mortality.

Method

We present a case of ruptured uterus diagnosed by ultrasound in a 33-year-old gravid female with two previous cesarean sections.

Objective

To show the role of ultrasound in uterine rupture

Result

Ultrasound demonstrates uterine laceration and intra-abdominal dislocation of placenta and foetus

Conclusion

Because of the severity of the complication and the great variation of symptoms in connection with it, the authors encourage the use of ultrasound screening in the detection of this rare, but often catastrophic complication.     

Clinical observations of malignant trophoblastic disease

We studied the clinical records of 64 women with malignant trophoblastic disease. Fifty-five patients (68%) were aged 25-50 years. The current pregnancy was preceded by abortion in 24 cases, by molar pregnancy in 23 cases and by normal pregnancy in 17 cases. The most common presenting symptoms were vaginal bleeding, abdominal mass and abdominal pain. Pulmonary lesions were mostly silent, but hemoptysis occurred in seven patients. Metastases were found in 39 patients. Treatment was mainly chemotherapy. Remission for over 12 months occurred in 40 patients, and 21 patients died.     

Neurolytic Blocks of the Sympathetic Axis for the Treatment of Visceral Pain in Cancer

Pain due to cancer is frequently visceral, and neurolysis of the sympathetic axis has been shown to be an effective and safe method for treating this visceral pain. Several studies have documented the efficacy of neurolytic blocks both by a reduction in the intensity of pain and by a decrease in opioid consumption. Neurolysis of the sympathetic axis should be incorporated into the pain specialist's arsenal as an adjuvant to oral pharmacologic therapy.     

A prospective,randomized, pragmatic,health outcomes trial evaluating the incorporation of hylan G-F 20 into the treatment paradigm for patients with knee osteoarthritis (Part 2 of 2): economic results

OBJECTIVE: Viscosupplementation with hylan G-F 20 has recently become registered for treatment of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee in most parts of the world. The cost effectiveness and cost utility of this new therapeutic modality were determined as part of a Canadian prospective, randomized, 1-year, open-label, multicentered trial. DESIGN: A total of 255 patients were randomized to 'Appropriate care with hylan G-F 20' (AC+H) or 'Appropriate care without hylan G-F 20' (AC). Costs (1999 Canadian dollars) were collected from the societal viewpoint and included all costs related to OA of the knee and OA in all joints. Patients completed a number of outcomes questionnaires including the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Health Utilities Index Mark 3 (HUI3). Data were collected at clinic visits (baseline, 12 months) and by telephone (1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 months). RESULTS: The AC+H group over the year had higher costs ($2125-$1415=$710, P< 0.05), more patients improved (69%-40%=29%,P =0.0001), greater increases in HUI3 (0.13-0.03=0.10, P< 0.0001) and increased quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) (0.071, P< 0.05). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $2505/patient improved. The incremental cost-utility ratio was $10000/QALY gained. Sensitivity analyses and a second cost perspective gave similar results. CONCLUSION: The cost-utility ratio is below the suggested Canadian adoption threshold. The results provide strong evidence for adoption of treatment with hylan G-F 20 in the patients and settings studied in the trial.     

Oral infectious diseases: a potential risk factor for HIV virus recrudescence?

As the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has transitioned human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection into a 'chronic disease' management strategy, there is growing evidence that infection with non-HIV pathogens in HIV+ patients may have important public health implications in undermining HAART success and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome progression. Several bacterial and host cell products during infections with non-HIV pathogens have shown the capacity to regulate HIV replication in latently infected cells. A high prevalence of oral infections caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi has been described in HIV+ patients, including periodontal disease. The oral cavity appears to be a site of HIV pathogenesis and potential reservoir for the disease as HIV RNA and DNA forms are present in saliva as well as in gingival crevicular fluid, and oral epithelial cells are susceptible to either cell free or cell-associated HIV infection. The clinical and biological bases of potential associations between chronic oral inflammatory disorders, such as periodontal disease, and exacerbation of HIV viraemia have received little attention. This review attempts to evaluate the current understanding of HIV reactivation as a result of co-infection and/or inflammation induced by non-HIV pathogens in HIV-infected patients, and presents a hypothetic model about the potential role of periodontitis as a global oral infection that potentially contributes to HIV recrudescence.     

Anterior cruciate ligament allograft transplantation for intraarticular ligamentous reconstruction

Summary A multiplicity of surgical operations have been developed in an attempt to achieve satisfactory function after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair. None of these procedures have been able to reproduce the fiber organization anatomy of attachment site, vascularity, or function of the ACL. Twenty-nine foxhounds received a deep-frozen bone-ACL-bone allograft and a ligament augmentation device (LAD). Biomechanical, microvascular, and histological changes were evaluated 3, 6, and 12 months following implantation. The maximum loads of the allograft/LADs were 34.3% (387.2N) after 3 months, 49.3% (556.6N) after 6 months, and 61.1% (698.8N) after a year. The maximum load was 69.1% (780 N). In general, after 6 months the allografts showed normal collagen orientation. The allografts demonstrated no evidence of infection or immune reaction. No bone ingrowth into the LAD was observed. Polarized light microscopy and periodic acid-schiff staining showed that the new bone-ligament substance interface had intact fiber orientation at the area of the ligament insertion. Microvascular examination using the Spalteholtz technique revealed revascularization and the importance of an infrapatellar fat pad for the nourishment of ACL allografts.