Copper disposition of the fetus and placenta in a patient with untreated Wilson's disease
Article Abstract:
Untreated Wilson's disease during pregnancy can lead to maternal and fetal complications. Wilson' disease causes faulty copper metabolism that leads to liver cirrhosis and can lead to central nervous system dysfunction. A 23-year-old woman with untreated Wilson's disease delivered a child at 36 weeks' gestation with an enlarged liver and high liver enzyme levels. The woman in question developed severe leg swelling when she was 23 weeks pregnant. She did not disclose that she had Wilson's disease. Blood tests showed elevated liver enzymes, low serum proteins and a reduction in the number of blood platelets. The levels continued to decrease and at 26 weeks' gestation an ultrasound revealed liver cirrhosis. At 35-weeks' gestation Wilson's disease was suspected based on high levels of copper in the urine, low serum ceruloplasmin and pigmented rings around the patient's corneas. The patient had a cesarean section at 36 weeks. The child had an enlarged liver, high levels of liver enzymes and high levels of urinary copper. The infant's liver enzyme levels had not returned to normal by one year of age. On examination, placental copper accumulation was found on the maternal side.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1993
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Parathyroid hormone-related protein levels in maternal and cord blood
Article Abstract:
Maternal blood levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) related-protein seem to steadily increase throughout pregnancy. Feeding methods after delivery seem to affect these levels. PTH-related hormone levels were measured in 90 pregnant women during each trimester, 33 bottle feeding mothers, 74 breast-feeding mothers, 33 bottle and breast-feeding mothers, 24 umbilical samples, and 40 non-pregnant women. PTH-related hormone levels were 1.04 picomoles/liter (pmol/L) in non-pregnant women, 1.17 pmol/L during the third trimester, 1.17 pmol/L in breast-feeding mothers, and 1.03 pmol/L in bottle-feeding mothers.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1997
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Interleukin-1beta and interleukin-8 in cervicovaginal fluid during pregnancy
Article Abstract:
High levels of interleukin-1beta and interleukin-8 in vaginal secretions may indicate the start of labor. These naturally occurring chemicals attract white blood cells that secrete enzymes to soften the cervix so the baby can pass through. Researchers measured the levels of interleukin-1beta and interleukin-8 in vaginal secretions of 119 pregnant women between 24 and 41 weeks's gestation. The levels were significantly higher in women in labor, including women in premature labor.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1998
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