Tumor cell contamination of peripheral blood stem cell transplants and bone marrow in high-risk breast cancer patients

Twenty-one high-risk patients with primary stage II/III breast cancer were treated with high-dose chemotherapy comprising etoposide, ifosfamide, carboplatin and epirubicin (VIC-E). Tumor cells of epithelial origin were analyzed using the monoclonal antibodies CK2 (IgG1) and A45-B/B3 (IgG1) against cytokeratin (CK) components in bone marrow (BM) aspirates prior to chemotherapy, and in peripheral blood stem cell transplants (PBSCT). They were separated after the first (21/21 patients) and the second cycle (16/21 patients) of induction chemotherapy with VIP-E (etoposide, ifosfamide, cisplatin, epirubicin). Preliminary results showed CK positive tumor cells in 40% (14/35) of the analyzed transplants. In 7/12 (58.3%) patients, CK positive tumor cells were detectable in BM prior to treatment. Sixteen patients were separated after the 1st and 2nd cycle of VIP-E. PBSCT of 14/16 patients were assessable for presence of CK positive tumor cells. Our preliminary results demonstrate a lower tumor cell contamination of PBSCT separated after the 2nd cycle of induction therapy (14.3%) compared to contamination after the first induction therapy (64.3%). To date, 4/21 patients have experienced a relapse, and three of these patients had tumor cell positive transplants. Due to the small patient number only a trend towards a superior relapse-free survival in the patient group with CK negative transplants can be shown by Kaplan-Meier analysis.

[Quality of life of over 60-year-old patients with breast and uterine carcinoma, 5 years after primary operation]

In the 5-year follow-up period, we studied the quality of life of 145 patients who were at least 60 years old at the time of primary operation. Of the patients, 70 women had breast cancer and 75 endometrium cancer. We used the questionnaire "short form health survey: medical outcomes study". The areas which were analyzed were stress due to therapy, body image/femininity and social contacts. The Karnofsky-Index was determined by the physician. In both groups, most stress was felt due to the operation and at the first knowledge of the diagnosis. In the area of emotional stress 1/3 of the patients of both groups declared continuous stress due to feelings of fear, helplessness and passivity. In the area of body image/femininity half the patients with breast cancer and 2/3 with endometrial cancer felt stress. In the area of social contact 2/3 of the patients felt uncertainty in contact with others and this led to social retreat in 1/3 of the women. The Karnofsky-Index of all patients was between 50-100%. Our study supports the view that older patients with cancer should also be offered psychosocial counseling.

[Uterine rupture during induced abortion with prostaglandins in the second trimester]

Based on our own experiences and on the literature of the past 14 years the variety of the presenting symptoms in patients suffering from ruptured uterus during the second trimenon are discussed. focussing especially on the first symptoms of a so-called "silent" uterus rupture. A 41-year old second gravida, first para--the healthy full-term child was delivered by Caesarean section--suffered a "silent" uterus rupture after termination of pregnancy at 20th/21st weeks' gestation. As more than 50 per cent of patients with "silent" uterus rupture are diagnosed with considerable delay, early and repeated ultrasound examinations should be performed in all patients with unexplained symptoms or if despite abortion induction for several days no progression of birth occurs. In an artificially induced abortion, prostaglandins should be topically applied to enhance cervix ripening, preferably as a biphasic treatment (first for cervix ripening, later induction of contractions). It is not yet clear whether a single or total dose reduction of prostaglandins used in labour induction in the second trimenon may help to prevent uterus rupture in patients at risk. Predisposing risk factors must be taken into account before applying prostaglandins. Uterus rupture should always be considered as differential diagnosis if problems occur in patients after induced abortion in the second trimenon.

[Torsion of the pregnant uterus]

Pathological version of the pregnant uterus is a rare complication. A case of 180 degrees sinistrotorsion of the uterus in the 39th gestational week is reported. The case was asymptomatic with the exception of preterm labor in the 30th week of pregnancy and was discovered during a cesarean section carried out because of myoma obstructing the birth canal. Mother and child were discharged in perfect health.

The prevention of mechanical birth trauma by means of computer aided simulation of delivery by means of nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and finite element analysis

Anatomic disproportion gains an increasing interest in obstetrics. Imaging procedures (radiologic pelvimetry, computed or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) fail to reflect the dynamics of delivery including deformations of the birth channel as well as of fetal structures. To validate findings of imaging procedures in this respect a method has been developed to perform a dynamic, biomechanical postprocessing of the static informations obtained from MRI. Using an especially developed software MRI pixel matrices of maternal pelvis and fetal head were color-codef1p4d--according to the principle of same density--line data were created. After sectional attribution of the resulting polygones a three-dimensional mesh of so called Finite elements (FE) was created, which then can be used for deformation analysis. Fetal head was then moved through the birth channel by means of computed simulation. This allows not only ongoing deformations to be visualized but also resulting forces to be calculated for at any time of the delivery process for any point of the anatomical model. Performing these simulations assuming various anatomic and physiologic conditions an obstetrical-biomechanical data basis could be obtained, that was implemented in a PC-based expert system. This allows interpretation of pelvimetric data with regard to birth dynamics.

[Coping with illness/quality of life and immunologic parameters of patients with breast carcinoma and benign tumors]

OBJECTIVE

Maladaptive coping of the cancer illness leads to considerable psychosocial burden which can-as a chronic stress factor-impair various immune functions, e.g. cellular immunity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a collective of 118 patients suffering from mammary carcinoma and 48 patients suffering from benign mammary tumors Coping was measured with the EORTC-MAC-scale and Quality of life with three questionnaires. Out of the immunologic variables the lymphocyte subpopulations were determined with flow cytometry. Immunglobulines, neopterin, C-reactive protein, and herpes serology were determined using standard methods.

RESULTS

At follow up a slight increase of the mean vales of sum-scores is observed for the adverse coping mechanisms, like helplessness/despair and fear. On the other hand, the values for the coping styles fatalism and denial decrease. Significant correlations are seen between anxious attitude and number of natural killer cells (CD16 and CD56). It must be pointed out that area of social contact show an inverse correlation in patients with mammary cancers: a strong improvement correlates with diminished natural killer cells as well as reduced activated killer cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The aim of this study is to determine whether a high risk group can be defined using these parameters and if these parameter can be influenced by psychotherapeutic interventions such as establishing "Coping-support-groups".

[Pelvimetry using various magnetic resonance tomography techniques vs. digital image enhancement radiography: accuracy, time requirement and energy exposure]

In 50 patients with suspected or proven cephalo-pelvine disproportion pelvimetry was performed with MR-tomography using a gradient-echo-sequence (FLASH 2D) before or after labour. Results were compared with measurements using digital radiography. In principle, both methods are exchangeable. The sagittal pelvic in- and outlet bispinous diameters are well reproducible. On the other hand, the transverse pelvic inlet and the distance between the ischiatic tubera are not so reliably reproduced. The accuracy of measurement does not depend on individual pelvic distances. Critical statistical analysis demonstrates, that in the worst case differences between the two methods might become unacceptable. Our results indicate two major reasons: 1. there are interobserver problems which cannot be neglected, and 2. the anatomical definition of referential landmarks for the measurements is unsafe. In 10 volunteers, a comparison was made between a T1-weighted spin-echo sequence (SE), a fast gradient echo sequence (FLASH-2D) and an ultrafast gradient echo technique (Turbo-FLASH). For the examination techniques presented here, the high-frequency exposure load or specific absorption rate (SAR loc and SAR total) is below the values permitted by the German Federal Health Bureau (Bundesgesundheitsamt). Whereas the exposure load in case of spin-echo takes (SE) is 22fold higher than with the gradient echo technique (GHE), the load values of ultra-fast GE (usGE) are only about 16% of the 2D-FLASH sequence or about 0.007% of SE. The difference in image quality does not affect the accuracy of measurement.

Oxygenation of mammary tumors as evaluated by ultrasound-guided computerized-pO2-histography

The average pO2 in breast carcinomas in situ is significantly lower than that in the normal breast tissue. The mean pO2 value for benign breast tumors is significantly higher than that of the breast cancers but lies significantly lower than the corresponding normal breast. No significant differences are found in the mean pO2 values when comparing cancers of different stages and histology. A decrease in the mean pO2 value is measured from the periphery to the center of the breast tumors investigated. The average pO2 values for pre- and postmenopausal patients differ significantly. The described method provides a reliable assessment of tissue pO2 in situ with a minimum of discomfort. Due to extensive inter tumor heterogeneity, prediction of pO2 values for tumors of same stage and same histology is not possible, so that measurement of individual tumor is mandatory for determining therapy response.

[A knowledge-based system for the interpretation of pelvimetric findings]

Digital Image Intensifier Radiography (DIR) as well as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Tomography (NMR) using an especially developed imaging routine for pelvimetry are suitable tools for the assessment of the anatomical conditions when mechanical problems are supposed to occur during birth (cephalopelvic disproportion, breech presentation). A concept for an optimised evaluation procedure of these imaging techniques has been developed, including: a more elaborate measuring protocol, easily and precisely executable due to appropriate software packages being implemented in the diagnostic units, calculation of obstetrically relevant parameters not deriving immediately from the imaging procedures. This is possible by means of multiple regression analysis of a data base from 467 evaluated female pelvis computed tomograms, calculation of intrapelvic soft tissue place requirements by means of correlative analysis of female computed tomograms and weight-/height-index, empirical determination of cut off values in borderline pelvi-fetometric constellations evaluating 190 births by means of logistic regression of the according pelvic-fetometric data. The calculations necessary to obtain all these parameters are implemented in a software package which also contains an algorithm for the general characterisation of an individual pelvis. Thus, a rather sophisticated knowledge base for pelvic assessment becomes easily accessible.

[Pelviscopic sacropexy in treatment of vaginal prolapse]

Although transabdominal sacropexy to correct vaginal prolapse is technically simple and yields good results, a minimal invasive procedure is desirable in the treatment of this benign condition. We therefore developed a laparoscopic sacropexy technique and were able to apply this operation successfully. Pelviscopic sacropexy does not differ greatly in principle from the intraabdominal approach; however, the techniques used in the individual steps must be adapted to pelviscopic methods.

[Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz operation or fasciaplasty in therapy of recurrent urinary incontinence in women]

In this study, a follow-up examination was carried out, comprising 59 female patients who were operated between the years 1985 and 1991 because of recurrent urinary incontinence. We distinguished two different operating methods: 34 women were treated following the Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz operation technique, whereas a fasciaplasty-suspension was employed om 25 patients. At the urodynamic follow-up examination, the patients had experienced an average history of 2 years' recurrent urinary incontinence. The patients' subjective observation of anamnestic urinary incontinence was objectified by a clinical cough test, cystotonometry and sonography of the small pelvis. Making extensive use of the urodynamic examination possibilities showed a 79.4% improvement following the Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz operation in comparison to a 52% improvement after the fasciaplasty operation. The operations success is assessed by evaluation of the depression quotient. Here the Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz operation resulted in a significant improvement. After the fasciaplasty operation, however, this was not found to be the case.

[D-dimer and plasminogen activator of the urokinase type: personal experiences with breast cancer]

Plasma values of d-dimer, a stable end product of plasmin-induced fibrinolysis, were ascertained in 128 female patients with mammary carcinoma. These patients demonstrated significantly increased d-dimers in comparison with the control group with benign mammary disease (p < 0.01). The sensitivity and specificity of d-dimer were slightly higher than those of the established tumour marker CA 15-3 and CEA. There was no correlation between d-dimers in the plasma and increased expression of urokinase plasminogen activator (UPA) in the tissue. Increased d-dimers in the plasma of female patients with mammary carcinoma reflect multi-factoral interactions between carcinoma growth and the haemostatic-fibrinolytic system, and may be used as tumour markers.

[Diagnosis of local panarteritis nodosa of the uterine cervix]

A 44-year old woman was referred because of metrorrhagia and asthenia. A diagnosis of uterine malignancy was suspected on the basis of the management of the Cervix uteri and an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Conisation and hysterectomy were performed, and histological examination revealed necrotising vasculitis affecting the Cervix uteri. Corpus uteri, muscle and fat biopsies showed no Periarteritis nodosa lesions. The incidental finding of necrotising arteritis in a surgical uterine specimen, involves further study to exclude systemic disease. The ability to involve any organ in the body makes it possible for specialists in every branch of medicine to be involved in the management and care of these patients.

[Pelviscopic surgery without pneumoperitoneum? A new method and its effects on anesthesia]

New developments in the field of pelviscopic surgery enable us to perform more extensive, time-consuming and difficult operations. Prolonging the increased intraabdominal pressure carries the risk of dangerous complications, especially in high-risk patients. We introduce a new technique to perform prolonged pelviscopic operations without or with only slightly increased intraabdominal pressure. The abdominal wall is suspended from a fixation frame. Negative effects on anaesthesia caused by prolonged increased intraabdominal pressure can be compensated. Many different pelviscopic operations can be performed using this simple and inexpensive technique, particularly in surgical procedures of the adnexae. This new technique is advantageous especially in high-risk patients, who can no longer be excluded from extensive pelviscopic surgery.

[Pelviscopic ovarian surgery: a new method of safe organ preserving surgery]

For pelviscopic removal of ovarian tumours, a puncture or morcellation of the tumour used to be necessary, frequently causing the peritoneal cavity to be contaminated with contents of cysts or tumourous material. This contamination can be avoided safely by placing the intact tumour into a bag, provided that the tumour has been dissected completely. The intact tumour is put into a bag and both are completely removed at the same time through the abdominal wall. This method increases the safety of pelviscopic ovarian surgery, and its indication for use can be broadened.

[Prevention of human birth trauma I. Computer-assisted simulation of delivery using magnetic resonance tomography and finite element analysis]

Imaging procedures suitable for diagnosis of cephalopelvic disproportion, such as radiological pelvimetry, computer- or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) fail to reflect the dynamics of delivery, including deformations of the birth channel as well as of foetal structures. In order to validate findings of imaging procedures in this respect, a method has been developed to perform dynamic, biomechanical postprocessing of the static information obtained from MRI. Using a specially developed software MRI pixel, matrices of the maternal pelvis and the foetal head were colour-coded and--according to the principle of equal density--line data were created. After sectional attribution of the resulting polygones, a three-dimensional mesh of so called Finite Elements (FE) was created, which can then be used for deformation analysis. The foetal head was then moved through the birth channel by means of computed simulation. This allows not only ongoing deformations to be visualised, but also resulting forces can be calculated at any time of the delivery process for any point of the anatomical model. Furthermore, these calculations can be performed assuming various conditions such as different cephalopelvic dimensions and various labour forces or biomechanical properties of the tissues involved. This paper aims at presenting the method and its mode of working by means of one example of a computed birth simulation.

[Does the "fatty pelvis" exist? Quantitative computer tomography studies]

50 Patients weighing between 45 and 114 kg underwent standardized computed tomography of the pelvis. Fat compartments from inside and outside of the small pelvis were assessed quantitatively by means of tracing the fat tissue borders and planimetry. Fat compartments within the small pelvis showed a rather weak correlation with body weight and the so called Rohrer-Index as a weight/height-Index, correlations with the latter being slightly better. From the fat compartments within the single levels the functional reduction of birth channel diameters caused by fat tissue was calculated for. The weight/height-index dependent increase of space demand within the birth channel was rather pronounced at the pelvic brim becoming slighter when reaching mid-pelvis or even pelvic outlet. Hence, the common assumption can no longer be maintained, that adiposity necessarily causes soft tissue dystokia due to larger fat compartments within the small pelvis.

[Magnetic resonance tomography as the basis for biomechanical analysis. The simulation of the birth process as an example of the expanded information potentials of segmental imaging procedures]

A method is presented that enables the use of (static) informations from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for (dynamic) biomechanical analysis. Using a specially developed software MRI pixel matrices are colour-coded and--according to the principle of same density--line data are created. After sectional attribution of the resulting polygons a three-dimensional mesh of so-called finite elements is created which can then be used in deformation analysis. This method is exemplified by a project dealing with the simulation of birth mechanics, which is finally aimed at validating the results from radiologic pelvimetry. First analyses show that even under foetal head moulding conditions, being considered as normal, such sensitive structures as the cerebellum, brain stem as well as the ventricles with the plexus chorioidei are to be found within the maximum isobars within a range of 104-140 N(10.6-14.3 kp).

[Fetal outcome of premature infants less than 1,500 g birth weight with special reference to surfactant requirements]

The objective of our study was to examine therapeutic success within a study group of 108 premature babies weighing less than 1500 g at birth. The foetal outcome was divided according to intrauterine betamethasone administration, method of birth and surfactant requirement. 59 of the babies did not require a surfactant factor, because within 12 hours it was possible, to reduce respiration to an O2 partial pressure of 20%. In 49 of the premature babies, this was not possible, and therefore, surfactant substitution was required, whereby this subject group was divided into surfactant responders and surfactant non-responders. In addition, we examined the influence of the method of birth on later survival and the occurrence of intraventricular haemorrhages in the children. A noticeably higher survival rate was determined in 81% of the children, born via Caesarean section, compared with 63% of premature babies, born via vaginal delivery. Likewise, detectable intraventricular haemorrhages (IVH) were significantly lower amongst premature babies delivered via Caesarean section (25%) than those delivered vaginally (37.5%). A considerable improvement in survival rates and a reduction in IVH was achieved by means of completed lung maturation with betamethasone (16 mg in 48 hours). 62% of premature infants with completed prepartal lung maturity did not require the administration of a surfactant due to the favourable respiratory situation. However, for those cases, where it was no longer possible to conduct lung maturation, only 46% did not require surfactant substitution. Therefore, it would appear advisable, to delay the delivery of premature babies weighing less than 1500 g in order to carry out lung maturity treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Do the obstetrically relevant bony pelvic measurements change? A retrospective analysis of computed tomographic pelvic x-rays]

The important dimensions of pelvimetry were evaluated from 467 CT studies of the pelvis by trigonometric deduction. The age of the women was between 18 and 88 years. In addition to the diameters, which are routinely used for pelvimetry, transverse and sagittal diameters, pelvic angles and areas of pelvic planes were calculated. On condition that the pelvic dimensions do not depend on age the parameters can be regarded as representative of sexual maturity. 5 parameters showed highly significant and 7 parameters showed significant differences between the age-classes 1901-1920 and 1950-1971. An increase of pelvic dimensions (1950-1971) was found at the planes of the pelvic inlet and outlet in contrast to the dimensions of the pelvic center. The results confirm the importance of the bispinous diameter for pelvimetry as well as the demand for a revision of the standard values of the first half of the century.

[Struma carcinoid tumor within a dermoid cyst as an incidental finding in cesarean section]

A 25-year-old primigravida with breech presentation was admitted near term. During Caesarean section, a dermoid cyst of the right ovary was detected. The dermoid cyst was enucleated, preserving a plum-sized ovary. Histology revealed a strumal carcinoid within the excised dermoid cyst. From the histological point of view it was classified as a tumour of low malignancy. The clinical study provided no evidence of any metastases. On the 14th postoperative day the patient could be discharged from hospital subject to close aftercare control.

[Changes in pelvic anatomy in 8 decades--computerized tomography study of obstetrically relevant pelvic measurements]

An increasing proportion of obstetric operative procedures due to cephalopelvic disproportion gave raise to the question, whether there has been a change in pelvic anatomy during the past decades. In a retrospective evaluation of 467 computerized pelvic tomograms of patients aged between 18 and 88 years relevant parameters of pelvic proportion were determined. As these parameters are not subject to age-conditioned changes, the values may be viewed as representative for the time of patients' birth or fertility period respectively. Changes in pelvic anatomy turned out to be complex: The transverse elliptic shape of pelvic inlet changed into sagittal elliptic form, the pelvic midplane is contracted progressively, sacral concavity is reduced. Obviously, this obstetrically adverse development is influenced by the fact, that unfavourable pelvic conformation can be transmitted more intensively by the generous indication for cesarean section. This development is contrasted by the circumstance of fetal acceleration. Therefore, an increase in cephalopelvic disproportion has to be expected. For the sake of a safe obstetrical management in these situations the generous use of ante partum pelvimetric diagnosis seems to be advisable.

Risk-benefit assessment of tocolytic drugs

beta 2-Mimetics are the principal agents used for myometrial relaxation. As all the available drugs also have beta 1-stimulant effects, the various side effects (cardiovascular, pulmonary and metabolic) require a critical consideration of the clinical indications, thorough supervision and combined therapeutic concepts. With regard to clinical indications, 'prophylactic tocolysis' frequently turns out to be unnecessary, as does the treatment of physiological uterine contractions during pregnacy which have no effect on the cervix. The benefit of tocolysis must be seen not so much in a reduction of preterm labour but in enabling the obstetrician and neonatologist to optimise the handling of the premature baby, e.g. by allowing lung maturation or by enabling the patient to reach a centre for perinatal medicine before the birth. Labour-dependent fetal distress situations during birth at term can also be managed successfully. Supervision involves thorough control of both mother (especially of cardiovascular and metabolic parameters, electrolyte and water balance) and fetus (cardiotocography, fetometry) in order to decide individually when possible benefits are outweighed by maternal or fetal risks. Combination of beta 2-mimetic treatment with magnesium therapy reduces the beta-mimetic dosage required, has a cardioprotective action, and reduces the development of drug tolerance and the risk of lung oedema. This combination, therefore, should become routine in tocolytic therapy. If further protection against cardiovascular and risk of lung oedema is required, administration of beta 1-blockers is advisable.

[Effect of co-medication with magnesium sulfate in beta-mimetic tocolysis on parameters of water-electrolyte balance]

With 2 groups of 10 patients the influence of an additional therapy with 1 g magnesium sulfate/h during i.v. tocolysis with the betamimetic fenoterol (2 micrograms/min) upon parameters of water and electrolyte balance has been investigated. The whole of the magnesium administered during the 24 hours investigational period has been eliminated via the kidneys. Most probably due to a competition within the distal tubulus hypermagnesemia was associated with hypocalcemia and hypercalciuria, followed by a rise in parathyroid hormone. As PTH is able to compensate hypocalcemia not only by means of bone mobilisation but also by an increase in enteral Ca absorption, estimated losses of calcium are minimal. These may be neglected, as additional therapy with magnesium sulfate--besides the advantages yet known (cardioprotection, saving of betamimetic dosage, reduction of drug tolerance development)--reduces betamimetic induced water retention, thus significantly diminishing lung edema hazard during tocolytic therapy.

[Obstetric pelvimetry using digital image intensifier radiography]

Obstetric pelvimetry can be performed by digital image intensifier radiography using very low exposure doses. Comparative measurements show a reduction of the entrance dose to 5% of conventional respectively 15% of high speed film-screen radiography. Phantom measurements have shown an accuracy of +/- 5 mm. In 30 patients the transverse diameter of the pelvic entrance, of the interspinous and of the intertuberous level as well as the sagittal diameter of the pelvic entrance and outlet were measured. Pelvimetry is indicated for the early recognition of certain risks if anamnestic (previous Caesarean section), clinical (eg. external pelvimetry) or fetometric features indicate the evidence of disproportion. As a radiological method the image intensifier radiography appears particularly recommendable in respect of its low exposure dose and the possibility of interactive measurements with subsequent documentation of the diameters and values.

[The "other induction"--experiences and consequences in 281 deliveries following intravaginal administration of PGE2 tablets]

186 patients have been included prospectively in a study, aimed at analysing the course of birth after induction with 3 mg PGE2-tablets given intravaginally. These data are compared with those gained from a retrospective analysis of 95 patients using a dose of 2 mg. The total of the births within our clinic in 1986/87 functions as controls. Although in every case there has been an urgent need for the termination of pregnancy and there have been also unfavourable cervix findings in the 3 mg group, no differences could be observed in comparison to the control group concerning duration of cervical dilatation and expulsion, as well as foetal outcome parameters. When comparing the 2 mg and 3 mg groups, a certain superiority of the 3 mg dosage could be noted, leading to the opinion, that trial dosages of less than 3 mg should be abandoned. C-section rate was lowest and spontaneous birth rate was highest in the 3 mg group as compared to the 2 mg and the control groups. Permanent CTG-monitoring was not necessary. CTG-controls after 2 and 6 hours proved to be sufficient. Uterine hyperstimulation occurred in 2.1% of cases in both groups. In every case, prompt antagonization by means of high dose betamimetic therapy could be achieved. Due to reducing maternal and foetal side effects, the maximal mobility of the mother after tablet application, as well as, for the smooth congruence of cervical ripening and labour induction, the clinical use of the 3 mg tablet is a modern alternative to the classic oxytocin induction.

[New aspects of radiologic pelvimetry. Digital image intensification radiography: preliminary results of validation possibilities and results in various types of pelvic disproportion]

Within 1 year with 1325 births 54 cases necessitated operative obstetric intervention due to a disproportion between fetal head and maternal pelvis. In 40 cases radiologic pelvimetry was performed, using the conventional technique. 75% of cases turned out to be due to a midplane or outlet contraction. As, on the one hand, this type of pelvic disproportion seems to be of increasing importance, on the other hand generously adoperated radiologic diagnosis is not well accepted by the patients due to X-ray burden, Digital Image Intensifier Radiography (DIR) has been introduced for pelvimetry. X-ray burden amounts to only 5% of that of the conventional technique. Enhanced postprocessing and interactive measurement possibilities are further advantages of DIR. Using the appropriate softwear, interactive measurement results are characterized by the lack of mistakes due to X-ray divergence, if only the distance between measurement level and desk surface is known. By analyzing 30 computer tomograms measurement levels of the most important pelvic distances could be calculated in relation to the position of the anterior iliac spine. These relations show a very low interindividual variation. Thus, possible errors in measurement amount to a maximum of only 3.5%. The evaluation of our cases reveals the necessity to reassess the normal ranges for pelvic parameters, for the use of those deriving from conventional pelvimetry failed to describe correctly the anatomy of birth channel. For this sake, additional measurements, esp. of sacral and pelvic outlet anatomy have to be performed. Based upon these measurements, a computer aided modelling of the birth channel and a simulation of the birth could be achieved.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The excretion of ketorolac tromethamine into breast milk after multiple oral dosing

We have studied the transfer of the analgesic ketorolac tromethamine into breast milk in ten women aged between 22 and 35 years. Ketorolac administration was started between 2 and 6 days after delivery. The breast milk was not fed to the infant because of maternal antibiotic use (6 patients) or because of jaundice of the baby. 10 mg of ketorolac was given four times daily for two days. Plasma and milk samples were collected on the two dosing days and on the first day after dosing. The plasma and milk were assayed for ketorolac concentrations by HPLC: the quantification limits were 10 ng.ml-1 and 5 ng.ml-1 respectively. The maternal plasma concentrations were within established ranges for ketorolac. In four patients the concentration of ketorolac in the milk was never above 5 ng.ml-1. At 2 h after dosing on both Days 1 and 2 there were quantifiable concentrations of ketorolac in the milk. The range was 5.2 ng.ml-1 to 7.9 ng.ml-1. The ratio of breast milk: plasma concentrations of ketorolac ranged from 0.015 to 0.037. The maximum potential amount of ketorolac that an infant may be exposed to daily could range from 3.16 mg to 7.9 mg, assuming a consumption of between 400 ml and 1 l of breast milk. On a weight-adjusted basis this is equivalent to between 0.16% and 0.40% of the total daily maternal dose.

[Elimination of nalbuphine in human milk]

In order to examine the pharmacokinetics and excretion of nalbuphine (Nubain 20) in breast milk, patients suffering from postpartum pain were given a single dose of 20 mg nalbuphine intramuscularly. During a 24-h period, the total amount of nalbuphine excreted in the breast milk was 2.3 micrograms (mean value), which is equivalent to 0.012% of the dosage. The mean milk/plasma quotient was calculated using the AUC from the milk and plasma time curves at 1.2:1. An oral intake of 2.3 micrograms nalbuphine would not show any measurable plasma concentrations in the neonate. Adverse opioid reactions, e.g. respiratory depression are not to be expected even if one assumes a lack of glucuronide production in the neonate.

[Clenbuterol and fenoterol--animal experiment comparison of 2 tocolytic agents (with special reference to cardiovascular side effects)]

During animal experiments two substances, which are used for tocolysis (Fenoterol and Clenbuterol) have been compared regarding their tocolytic efficiency (determinations of myometrial cyclic AMP after long term treatment of the pregnant rat), their effects upon myocardial high energy phosphates (determinations of maternal myocardial high energy phosphates as well as of maternal and fetal myocardial cyclic AMP after long term treatment of the pregnant rat) and upon the hemodynamic situation (acute experiments with thoracotomized dogs). While significant hemodynamic derangements could be stated when using Fenoterol, no significant evidence for such alterations could be found during Clenbuterol administration during acute experiments. Determinations of myocardial high energy phosphates however reflected an augmented myocardial workload, both after Fenoterol and Clenbuterol administration. As by means of myometrial cyclic AMP determinations Clenbuterol proved to be at least as efficient as Fenoterol, concerning the tocolytic effect, Clenbuterol can be recommended as an oral tocolytic because of its pharmaco-cinetic advantages and the encouraging results from our hemodynamic investigations. According to results from chronical experiments an additional cardioprotection by means of magnesium substitution and eventually beta 1-blockade is still recommended.

[Magnesium aspartate as a cardioprotective agent and adjuvant in tocolysis with betamimetics. Animal experiments on the kinetics and calcium antagonist action of orally administered magnesium aspartate with special reference to simultaneous vitamin B administration]

With pregnant Wistar-rats, suffering from alimentary magnesium deficiency, absorption and distributing of Mg28 has been studied, the latter having been applied as aspartate and as chloride, with and without simultaneous substitution of vitamin B6. Absorption and tissue pooling were found to be augmented when using the aspartate and even more when adding vitamin B6. These differences were significant in the blood as well as in fetal and myocardial tissue. Correlation between blood-Mg28 und Mg28-activities in various tissues shows, that blood magnesium levels indicate a magnesium deficiency at least in the tissues of interest: fetus, myocardium, uterus and placenta. Nevertheless blood magnesium levels fail to reflect an additional tissue pooling, that exerts a beneficial action in the respect of cardio protection and of saving beta-mimetic tocolytics. When measuring magnesium and calcium excretion during chronic experiments with and without oral magnesium aspartate substitution, it could be demonstrated, that the amount of substituted magnesium has been pooled almost totally. Oral magnesium substitution furthermore reduces intestinal calcium absorption. Investigation on calcium uptake into the maternal myocardium revealed, that oral magnesium aspartate substitution significantly diminishes myocardial calcium uptake, the latter among others being responsible for cardiac hazards during tocolysis with beta-mimetic substances, while the pharmacologic calcium-antagonist Verapamil failed to do so.

[The cardiac hazard of tocolysis and antagonizing possibilities. II. Communication: protection of the myocardium by means of substitution of magnesium]

In a comparative study the value of the substitution of magnesium for the evaluation of cardiac side-effects of tocolysis has been assessed with regard to haemodynamic as well as to metabolic and morphologic alterations. Haemodynamic studies at the thoracotomized dog using the technique described in the first publication showed significantly less severe haemodynamic alterations in a group with normal magnesium blood levels than in the second group with reduced magnesium blood levels. Significant differences could be found at systolic blood pressure, cardiac output, velocity and acceleration of pressure rising, total peripherial resistance, myocardial contraction status and myocardial oxygen consumption. Likewise, a beneficial tendency could be found at the parameters: heart rate, Bretschneiders index of inotropy, pulmonal arterial pressure and coronary reserve. During chronic experiments at the rat, the addition of magnesiumaspartate led to a significantly improved preservation of high-energy phosphates in the myocardium with a concomitant reduction of lactic acid output. Also the increase of body weight was significantly higher when substituting magnesium. Microscopic examination showed no irritations of myocardial structure within the magnesium-substituted group, whereas lymphocytic infiltrations and a slight fibrosis of the endocardium could be seen at the animals having received only Fenoterol. Together, these findings lead to the conclusion, that the substitution of magnesium can act prophylactically against cardiac alterations, induced by Fenoterol. Consequently, magnesium deficiency, which frequently accompanies pregnancy, should be balanced before starting a tocolytic therapy.

[The cardiac hazard of tocolysis and antagonising possibilities. I. The haemodynamic situation of the patient during tocolysis/Protection of the myocardium by means of cardioselective beta-blockade. Experimental results (author's transl)]

7 mongrel dogs underwent general anaesthesia and thoracotomy. For the assessment of the haemodynamic situation the following parameters were measured: Left ventricular and aortic pressure, coronary flow, oxygen-saturation in the coronary sinus, pulmonal arterial pressure, central venous pressure, heart rate. From these measurements cardiac output volume and myocardial oxygen consumption could be calculated. Using an ultrasound transit-time method regional myocardial function could be assessed. After the establishment of these measurements Fenoterol has been given in an increasing dosage up to the upper therapeutical range. Then additionally the cardioselective beta-antagonist Metoprolol was administered stepwise up to a total dose of 1.2 mg/kg body weight. The measurements proved evidence, that a relatively small dose of 0,2-0,4 mg Metoprolol/kg body weight is sufficient to compensate the haemodynamic situation impaired by Fenoterol, esp. the rise in myocardial oxygen consumption.