Intrauterine growth retardation: diagnosis based on multiple parameters--a prospective study

Article Abstract:

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) refers to abnormally slow fetal growth; it most commonly occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy. Babies born suffering from IUGR have a greater chance of dying or of having complications. Detection of IUGR before birth may be useful in promptly treating babies born with it. Sonography, imaging obtained by using ultrasound, can measure a number of parameters that indicate the growth of the unborn baby. These parameters can be useful in diagnosing IUGR prior to birth. A scoring system has been developed based on three of these parameters to aid in the diagnosis of IUGR. These parameters are estimated fetal weight, amniotic fluid volume, and maternal blood pressure status (normal or elevated). The scoring system is on a scale of 0 to 100, with a higher number indicating a greater chance of IUGR. This study tested the scoring system on 356 fetuses, 39 of whom were diagnosed with IUGR after birth. The results showed that the IUGR scores could be divided into three main categories. Fetuses with scores less than 50 only had a 3 percent chance of IUGR (virtually excluding IUGR). Those with scores greater than 60 had a 74 percent probability of IUGR (meaning IUGR is likely). Those with scores between 50 and 60 had a 13 percent probability of IUGR (in this category it was difficult to predict its likelihood). The scoring system was most accurate for predicting IUGR when an earlier sonogram had been taken to determine the gestational age. These results indicate that the scoring system developed using the three parameters can be a useful tool for the early diagnosis or exclusion of IUGR in the third trimester; the system can be used at any ultrasound facility. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Methods, Fetus, Fetal growth retardation, Prenatal diagnosis

---

Prediction of neurodevelopmental outcome in the preterm infant: MR-staged myelination compared with cranial US

Article Abstract:

Myelination, the development of the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers, occurs in distinct stages in neonatal development. If this process is delayed, experiments have shown that brain abnormalities are likely. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is able to produce images of the brain showing myelination in the newborn infant. This technique uses the unique magnetic properties of tissues to produce images. MR may be useful in evaluating babies born prematurely for indications of abnormal or delayed development. This study used MR imaging and cranial ultrasound (US) to examine the brains of premature infants for delayed myelination, periventricular-intraventricular hemorrhage (PIVH), and periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), the first using MR and the latter two using US, and then compared the results with follow-up findings when the infants were one year old. The study included 26 babies who were born at less than 30 weeks' gestation; the tests were performed when the infants were 44 weeks postmenstrual age. Results showed that occurrence and severity of PIVH and PVL were significantly associated with development of the nervous system by age one year. The extent of myelination as found by MR when the babies were 44 weeks postmenstrual age also correlated significantly with development at age one. The best predictor of developmental outcome was use of US to detect PVL. These results indicate that although MR can be useful in predicting neurodevelopmental outcome in premature babies, it is not as effective as US, and thus is of limited value for this purpose. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Abnormalities, Measurement, Infants (Premature), Premature infants, Nervous system, Magnetic resonance imaging, Infant development, Myelination, Nervous system abnormalities

---

Pericholecystic abscess: classification of US findings to determine the proper therapy

Article Abstract:

Two to 19 percent of all cases of acute cholecystitis, inflammation of the gallbladder, may be seriously complicated by pericholecystic abscess, an infection of the gallbladder which can lead to perforation of its thin wall. Recent advances in ultrasound (US) imaging permit preoperative diagnosis of this potentially life-threatening condition. Using information derived from the US images of 16 patients, researchers classified pericholecystic abscesses secondary to acute cholecystitis into three groups: (1) localized abscess in the gallbladder fossa (a furrow) region, (2) complicated abscess with a liver abscess, and (3) a communicating abscess with the gallbladder. Treatments included antibiotic therapy, immediate surgery, elective surgery and drainage of the abscess followed by surgery. This classification method for US images enabled physicians to diagnose the nature of the pericholecystic abscess and determine the most appropriate therapy. All 16 patients experienced a successful recovery.

Complications and side effects, Identification and classification, Abscess, Cholecystitis, Gallbladder

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Perinatal outcome after multifetal reduction to twins compared with nonreduced multiple gestations. Survival of twins after acute fetal hemorrhage from ruptured vasa previa
• Abstracts: Ultrasonographic diagnosis of symptomatic deep venous thrombosis in pregnancy. Sarcoma associated with pregnancy
• Abstracts: Saline solution amnioinfusion for oligohydramnios after premature rupture of the membranes. Successful external cephalic version after amnioinfusion in a patient with preterm premature rupture of membranes
• Abstracts: Transvaginal ultrasound in the diagnosis and treatment of tubo-ovarian abscess. Transvaginal ultrasonic assessment of endometrial growth in spontaneous and hyperstimulated menstrual cycles
• Abstracts: Ethnic and genetic differences in bone mass: a review with a hereditary vs environmental perspective. Hydrostatic weighing without head submersion in morbidly obese females

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