The effects of intrafetal ACTH administration on the outcome of pregnancy in the mare

1998 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 359 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. C. Ousey ◽  
P. D. Rossdale ◽  
F. E. Dudan ◽  
A. L. Fowden

Enhanced adrenocortical activity in the fetus is related to the onset of parturition in many species. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of injection of fetal ACTH on gestational length and fetal viability in the horse. Pony mares (n=23) were studied from 300 days gestation. Seven control mares (Group 1) received three consecutive intrafetal injections of sterile water, while fetuses of a further 16 mares received Depot ACTH1–24. These mares were either allowed to foal spontaneously (Group 2, n=4) or delivery was induced within 3 days of the last fetal injection (Group 3, n=7); 5 mares aborted within 48 h of intrafetal ACTH injection. Maternal plasma progestagen concentrations increased significantly (P<0.05) in Groups 2 and 3 mares following intrafetal ACTH injection, compared with Group 1 mares. All Group 1 mares delivered live foals at a median gestational age of 327 days (interquartile range, 323–334), except one that aborted 16 days after the last fetal injection. Gestational length was significantly (P<0.05) shortened in Group 2 mares (median 314 [312–314]) days compared with controls. Group 1 and Group 2 foals showed normal postnatal adaptive responses and endocrine (plasma cortisol/progestagens) patterns. Group 3 mares delivered live foals at 306 (306–308) days gestation except one that aborted. Their foals were less mature compared with Groups 1 and 2 foals. Eight ACTH-injected fetuses were meconium-stained at delivery, including four that were aborted. Eight mares had thickened placentae, including three that aborted. The data show that both precocious maturation of the equine fetus and a significant reduction in gestational length compared with controls may be achieved in pony mares by intrafetal ACTH injections. This is probably mediated via adrenal regulation of fetal maturation and production of maternal progestagens.

2019 ◽  
Vol 08 (03) ◽  
pp. 101-105
Author(s):  
Nadia Ahmad ◽  
S. L. Jethani ◽  
Deepa Singh ◽  
Ruchira Nautiyal

Abstract Background Transcerebellar diameter is one of the reliable, constant predicting parameters to assess the gestational age and fetal growth. Other than this, measurements of vermis, mostly the vermal length (height), have also been mentioned by authors to assess gestational age. Establishing a correlation between parameters and advancing gestation would be helpful in estimating the gestational age of fetus. Aims and Objectives To establish a correlation of vermal length and transcerebellar diameter with gestational age. Materials and Methods An observational and descriptive study conducted on 60 formalin-fixed human cerebellums. Fetuses with gross congenital/neurological abnormality were excluded. Fetuses were grouped into four groups—group 1 (13–17 weeks), group 2 (18–22 weeks), group 3 (23–27 weeks), and group 4 (28–32 weeks of gestation). Vermal length and transcerebellar diameter were measured with help of Vernier calipers. The data obtained were analyzed using statistical software SPSS version 20.0 and one-way analysis of variance. Observation A linear increase in vermal length parameters and transcerebellar diameter were seen with increasing gestational age. Regression analysis was done and regression equation was derived for each parameter. Conclusion Such correlations would help in fetal age determination in the field of forensic studies.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saygin Abali ◽  
Serdar Beken ◽  
Eda Albayrak ◽  
Aysegul Inamlik ◽  
Burcu Bulum ◽  
...  

Introduction: The exact definition of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infant is still controversial among clinicians. In this study, we aimed to understand which definition is better in terms of establishing both early postnatal problems and growth. In this way, we compared early neonatal problems and infancy growth of term infants with birth weight (BW) &lt; -2 SDS and with BW between 10th percentile (−1.28 SDS) and −2 SDS.Methods: A single center retrospective cohort study was conducted. Preterm infants, multiple gestations and newborns with any congenital anomalies were excluded from the study. Study group was defined as Group 1 (n = 37), infants BW &lt; −2.00 SDS; Group 2 (n = 129), between −1.28 and −2.00 SDS; and Group 3 (n = 137), randomly selected newborns with optimal-for-gestational-age (BW between −0.67 and +0.67 SDS) as a control group.Results: The incidence of severe hypoglycemia was highest in Group 1 (%10.8) and Group 2 and 3 had similar rates of severe hypoglycemia (0.8 and 0.7%, respectively). The incidence of polycythemia was 5.4% in Group 1 and was significantly higher than Group 3 (0.0%) while it was 2.3% in Group 2. Short stature (length &lt; −2 SDS) ratio at the age of 1 and 2 years were similar in each group. Overweight/obesity ratio at the age of 1 were 9.5, 20.8 and 16.7% in each group, respectively (p = 0.509).Conclusion: This study was planned as a pilot study to determine potential differences in the problems of hypoglycemia, polycythemia, and growth according to the differences in definition. Short term disturbances such as hypoglycemia and polycythemia are found to be higher in infants with a BW SDS below −2. From this point of view, of course, it will not be possible to change the routine applications immediately, however this study will be an initiative for discussions by making long-term studies.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Secil Ercin ◽  
Yeşim Coşkun ◽  
Tuğba Gürsoy

Abstract The birth weight (BW) for gestational age (GA) ensure a fair assessment of the nutritional status of small for gestational (SGA) infants. Ponderal index (PI) is used to identify wasting. This study aims to evaluate the association between PI values and short-term complications of term SGA infants and evaluate the reliability of PI. A total of 489 term SGA infants were included in this retrospective study. According to the PI values, the neonates were divided into three groups. Group 1 consisted of infants with low PI (PI < 10th percentile) (n=45), group 2 consisted of infants with appropriate PI (PI 10th-90th percentile) (n=405) and the ones with high PI (PI> 90th percentile) (n=39) constituted group 3. Demographic and clinical data of the mothers and neonates including clinical and laboratory assessments were collected and compared statistically. No difference was observed between the groups other than the incidence of hypoglycemia, jaundice requiring treatment and hospitalization rate, which were all significantly higher in low PI group than the group 2 and 3 (p=0.01, p=0.006 and p=0.04, respectively). None of the babies had severe morbidity or died.Conclusion: Although short-term complications were higher in term SGA infants with low PI, all term SGA infants should be defined as high-risk neonates and deserve special neonatal care and surveillance to prevent short-term complications.


1995 ◽  
Vol 79 (6) ◽  
pp. 1986-1990 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. P. De Winter ◽  
I. T. Merth ◽  
A. Berkenbosch ◽  
R. Brand ◽  
P. H. Quanjer

The effect of the presence of the respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) or related factors (static compliance of the respiratory system and transcutaneous blood gases) and gestational age on the strength of the Breuer-Hering inflation reflex (BHIR) was studied in three groups of infants. Twenty-six ventilated preterm infants with and without RDS were studied 6 h after birth (group 1). In 24 preterm infants, we followed the development of reflex strength during the first year of life (group 2). Twenty-one healthy nonintubated term infants were studied within the first week of life (group 3). The BHIR was initiated by end-inspiratory occlusions, and the strength was characterized by the ratio of expiratory time after and without preceding airway occlusion. The static compliance of the respiratory system in ventilated infants was assessed by the multiple-occlusion technique. In group 1, reflex strength declined with increasing gestational age; in the presence of RDS or low respiratory compliance, the decline was less. Transcutaneous blood gases did not affect reflex strength. At term age, reflex strength was similar in spontaneously breathing preterm (group 2) and term infants (group 3). The BHIR decreased in strength during the first year after preterm birth. We conclude that 1) the strength of the BHIR decreases with increasing gestational and postnatal ages and 2) RDS, due to changes in respiratory system mechanics, causes an increase in reflex strength.


2018 ◽  
Vol 67 (2) ◽  
pp. 319-326
Author(s):  
Hyun-Hwa Cha ◽  
Jae-Ryoung Hwang ◽  
Ji Hee Sung ◽  
Suk-Joo Choi ◽  
Soo-young Oh ◽  
...  

We aimed to evaluate the changes in plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) and sarcoendoplasmic reticulum CA2+-ATPase (SERCA-2) according to the antepartal magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) administration in the placentas from pregnancies with pre-eclampsia (PE) or fetal growth restriction (FGR). Pregnant women were classified as follows: (group 1) pregnancies without PE or FGR (n=16), (group 2) pregnancies with PE or FGR but without MgSO4 administration (n=14), and (group 3) pregnancies with PE or FGR and with MgSO4 administration (n=28). We observed the localization of PMCA and SERCA-2 in placentas and compared its expression among 3 groups. And we observed its expression in BeWo cells following treatment with MgSO4 and CoCl2. PMCA staining was more observed in the basal membrane, whereas SERCA-2 staining was observed predominantly under the microvillous membrane. SERCA-2 expression was significantly increased in group 3 compared with that in group 1. Considering the gestational age at delivery, PMCA expression was increased in group 2 and group 3 compared with that in group 1 after 36 weeks of gestation. SERCA-2 was increased in group 3, but not in group 2 compared with that in group 1 after 36 weeks of gestation. In BeWo cells, MgSO4 treatment increased PMCA and SERCA-2 expression. PMCA expression was influenced by gestational age at delivery, and SERCA-2 expression was increased in the presence of PE and antepartal MgSO4 administration. This indicates that antepartal MgSO4 administration has a greater influence on SERCA-2 than PMCA.


1989 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. P. Fordham ◽  
G. A. Lincoln ◽  
E. Ssewannyana ◽  
R. G. Rodway

ABSTRACTThe effects of the routine stressful stimuli of handling, transport and slaughter on the plasma concentrations of cortisol and β-endorphin have been studied in lambs. Blood samples were obtained from group 1 lambs after rounding up, after transport and at slaughter. Group 2 lambs were treated similarly except that blood was collected only at slaughter. Group 3 lambs served as controls and were blood sampled twice daily for 5 days to accustom them to handling before being slaughtered. Plasma cortisol and β-endorphin concentrations were increased above control levels by rounding up and transport, and were further increased at slaughter. Group 3 lambs, however, had very much lower β-endorphin levels at slaughter than the other two groups, although their cortisol levels were similar, β-endorphin concentrations declined during the 5-day blood sampling period in group 3 animals but cortisol levels were unchanged. The results suggest that although levels of both hormones are increased by stress, they are not necessarily released concomitantly.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Naw Awn J-P ◽  
◽  
Marina Minami ◽  
Masamitsu Eitoku ◽  
Nagamasa Maeda ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Pregnant women in Japan express various reasons for limiting gestational weight gain (GWG). We aimed to identify and characterise groups where the women share common reasons to limit GWG and to examine how these groups are associated with inappropriate GWG and abnormal foetal size. Methods We prospectively studied information from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS) on 92,539 women who gave birth to live singletons from 2011 through 2014. Pregnant women were recruited during early pregnancy. Their reasons for limiting GWG and other information were collected through self-reported questionnaires and medical records. We applied latent class analysis to group the women based on their reported reasons. We used multinomial logistic regression to compare the risks of inappropriate (inadequate and excessive) GWG and abnormal foetal size (determined by new-born weight for gestational age) between the identified groups. Results We identified three groups: Group 1 (76.7%), concerned about delivery and new-born health (health-conscious women); Group 2 (14.5%), concerned about body shape, delivery, and new-born health (body-shape- and health-conscious women); and Group 3 (8.8%), women without strong reasons to limit GWG (women lacking body-shape and health consciousness). Compared with Group 1 members, Group 2 members tended to be younger, have lower pre-pregnancy weight, be unmarried, be nulliparous, have practiced weight loss before pregnancy, and not have chronic medical conditions. Group 3 members tended to be less educated, unmarried, multiparous, smokers, and have a higher prevalence of pre-pregnancy underweight and previous caesarean delivery. Relative to Group 1, Group 2 had a lower unadjusted risk for inadequate GWG (relative risk ratio [RRR] = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.81–0.90) and large-for-gestational-age birth (RRR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.86–0.97), whereas Group 3 had a higher unadjusted risk for excessive GWG (RRR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.29–1.43) and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) births (RRR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.05–1.25). Conclusions In this Japanese nationwide birth cohort study, pregnant women who were less conscious about body shape and health had complex risks for excessive GWG and SGA birth. Health care providers should consider a woman’s perception of GWG when addressing factors affecting GWG and foetal growth.


VASA ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 281-284
Author(s):  
Atıf Yolgosteren ◽  
Gencehan Kumtepe ◽  
Melda Payaslioglu ◽  
Cuneyt Ozakin

Summary. Background: Prosthetic vascular graft infection (PVGI) is a complication with high mortality. Cyanoacrylate (CA) is an adhesive which has been used in a number of surgical procedures. In this in-vivo study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between PVGI and CA. Materials and methods: Thirty-two rats were equally divided into four groups. Pouch was formed on back of rats until deep fascia. In group 1, vascular graft with polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) was placed into pouch. In group 2, MRSA strain with a density of 1 ml 0.5 MacFarland was injected into pouch. In group 3, 1 cm 2 vascular graft with PET piece was placed into pouch and MRSA strain with a density of 1 ml 0.5 MacFarland was injected. In group 4, 1 cm 2 vascular graft with PET piece impregnated with N-butyl cyanoacrylate-based adhesive was placed and MRSA strain with a density of 1 ml 0.5 MacFarland was injected. All rats were scarified in 96th hour, culture samples were taken where intervention was performed and were evaluated microbiologically. Bacteria reproducing in each group were numerically evaluated based on colony-forming unit (CFU/ml) and compared by taking their average. Results: MRSA reproduction of 0 CFU/ml in group 1, of 1410 CFU/ml in group 2, of 180 200 CFU/ml in group 3 and of 625 300 CFU/ml in group 4 was present. A statistically significant difference was present between group 1 and group 4 (p < 0.01), between group 2 and group 4 (p < 0.01), between group 3 and group 4 (p < 0.05). In terms of reproduction, no statistically significant difference was found in group 1, group 2, group 3 in themselves. Conclusions: We observed that the rate of infection increased in the cyanoacyrylate group where cyanoacrylate was used. We think that surgeon should be more careful in using CA in vascular surgery.


1984 ◽  
Vol 52 (03) ◽  
pp. 253-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Isles ◽  
G D O Lowe ◽  
B M Rankin ◽  
C D Forbes ◽  
N Lucie ◽  
...  

SummaryWe have previously shown abnormalities of haemostasis suggestive of intravascular coagulation in patients with malignant hypertension, a condition associated with retinopathy and renal fibrin deposition. To determine whether such abnormalities are specific to malignant hypertension, we have measured several haemostatic and haemorheological variables in 18 patients with malignant hypertension (Group 1), 18 matched healthy controls (Group 2), and 18 patients with non-malignant hypertension (Group 3) matched for renal pathology, blood pressure and serum creatinine with Group 1. Both Groups 1 and 3 had increased mean levels of fibrinogen, factor VIIIc, beta-thrombo- globulin, plasma viscosity and blood viscosity (corrected for haematocrit); and decreased mean levels of haematocrit, antithrombin III and platelet count. Mean levels of fast antiplasmin and alpha2-macroglobulin were elevated in Group 1 but not in Group 3. We conclude that most blood abnormalities are not specific to malignant hypertension; are also present in patients with non-malignant hypertension who have similar levels of blood pressure and renal damage; and might result from renal damage as well as promoting further renal damage by enhancing fibrin deposition. However increased levels of fibrinolytic inhibitors in malignant hypertension merit further investigation in relation to removal of renal fibrin.


2020 ◽  
pp. 64-75
Author(s):  
E. Burleva ◽  
O. Smirnov ◽  
S. Tyurin

The purpose of the study was to conduct a comparative assessment of the course of the postoperative period after phlebectomy and thermal ablation in patients with varicose veins of the lower extremities in the system of the great saphenous vein (GSV) with class C2 of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) — CEAP class C2. Materials and methods: 455 patients (455 limbs) with CEAP class C2. Group 1 (n = 154) received stripping + minimally invasive phlebectomy; Group 2 — endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of GSV trunk + sclerotherapy of varicose veins; 3 group (n = 150) — radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the GSV + sclerotherapy. All patients were united by a single tactical solution — the elimination of pathological vertical reflux in GSV. In each group, patients were with similar hemodynamic profile were selected (Group 1 = 63; Group 2 = 61; Group 3 = 61). The course of the postoperative period (from 2 days to 2 months) was compared for pain (visual analog scale — VAS), clinical symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, degree of satisfaction (Darvall questionnaire), and duration of disability. Statistical processing was carried out using Excel programs for Windows XP, MedCalc® (version 11.4.2.0., Mariakerke, Belgium). Results: Postoperative pain is more pronounced (during day 1 for Group 1–4.0, Group 2–3.0, Group 3–2.0) and more prolonged (up to 4 days) after open surgeries (p < 0.05). The dynamics of the clinical symptoms of CVI (including varicose syndrome and use of compression therapy) could not be fully evaluated in connection with the ongoing sclerotherapy procedures for patients of Groups 2 and 3. Satisfaction of patients with aesthetic aspects was higher than expected in all groups. Reliable statistical differences proved decrease in days of disability (Group 1–14; Group 2–4; Group 3–3) and earlier return to physical activities and work in patients after thermal ablation in comparison with phlebectomy. Conclusion: The study shows that all three methods for eliminating vertical reflux in the GSV can be proposed for a large category of patients with CEAP of class C3 and C2. Medical and social rehabilitation of patients using endovascular thermal ablation technologies proceeds faster, which is beneficial both for the patients and for society.


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