Epidemiological study of complete and partial hydatiform mole in Abu Dhabi: influence of maternal age and ethnic group

Article Abstract:

A hydatidiform mole is a molar pregnancy that results from an abnormal ovum and resembles a mass of cysts; the mole is considered complete or partial. The incidence of hydatiform mole has been widely studied, but its prevalence in multi-ethnic communities has rarely been reported. With the advent of increased oil production and the accompanying increase in immigration, Abu Dhabi (in the United Arab Emirates) is an appropriate community for such a study. The effects of maternal age and ethnic group on the incidence of hydatiform mole were assessed in 143 women who were admitted to an Abu Dhabi hospital with molar pregnancies between 1978 and 1987, retrospectively from 1978 to 1984 and prospectively from 1984 to 1987. The patients with molar pregnancies and the control group were classified according to their place of birth: Arabs from the United Arab Emirates; Arabs from Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq; Gulf Arabs from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen; Asians from the Indian subcontinent; Africans; and others. The control group was comprised of 697 mothers, obtained from a 1 per 100 sample of all hospital birth records from 1978 to 1987. The results were compared with the Nottingham study, which was previously found to be representative of the risks of hydatidiform mole in Europe and North America. In the current study, among women between the ages of 30 and 34 years, the incidence of complete mole was minimal. A minor peak was observed among teenagers, but a major peak occurred among women over 35 years of age. Women born in Abu Dhabi had increased risks of both complete and partial moles. The greatest risk was among women born in the Gulf Arab countries, especially Oman and Yemen. Furthermore, the increased risks of complete mole remained after adjustment for maternal age distribution. The causes of these geographical, racial and age-related differences are unknown. Because molar pregnancy may progress to choriocarcinoma, the possible role of environmental agents and mutagens has been suggested. In this study, two groups with increased risk of complete molar pregnancy have habits of chewing betel nut mixtures (Asians) and Catha edulis leaves (Gulf Arabs). Alkaloids and tannins of the former are mutagenic; the latter may release mutagens into the saliva. Because use of these substances, otherwise known as paan and qat, is legal in some areas, further investigation should be conducted. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Demographic aspects, Pregnancy, Molar, Molar pregnancy, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (Emirate)

---

The effect of a high partial pressure of carbon dioxide environment on metabolism and immune functions of human peritoneal cells -- relevance to carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum

Article Abstract:

The carbon dioxide used during laparoscopic surgery may suppress the immune system. Carbon dioxide is usually pumped into the abdomen during laparoscopic surgery. Researchers exposed immune cells taken from healthy volunteers and patients to carbon dioxide, helium or air for three hours. Assays of immune function revealed that the cells were inhibited by the carbon dioxide but not by helium or air. Suppression of the immune system could explain the faster healing times seen after laparoscopic surgery but could harm patients at risk of bacterial infection.

Causes of, Physiological aspects, Carbon dioxide, Immunosuppression, Laparoscopic surgery

---

A simple method for fabricating occlusal rests in interim partial denture clasps

Article Abstract:

A wire-bending method to fabricate occlusal rests in interim partial denture clasps is described. The method uses nickel-free 0.028-gauge stainless steel wire, silver solder and flux, a butane torch and pliers.

United States, Design and construction, Wire products, Partial dentures, Report

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: HLA antigen familial study in complete Behcet's syndrome affecting three sisters. Serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels in familial Mediterranean fever
• Abstracts: Food allergy and intolerance. Alimentary agony: allergy and the gut. Food as a motivator in a client with Prader Willi syndrome
• Abstracts: Assessment of gonadal maturation by evaluation of spermaturia. Assessment of Alleged Retinal Laser Injuries
• Abstracts: A controlled study of psychological and social change after surgical gender reassignment in selected male transsexuals
• Abstracts: The use of a specific DNA probe and polymerase chain reaction for the detection of Mycobacterium leprae. part 2

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.