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Barker VE, Vlachodimitropoulou E, O'Brien P, Iskaros J, Rosenthal AN. Combined Bilateral Salpingo-oophorectomy and Cesarean Delivery in BRCA1/2 Alteration Carriers : A Case Series. Obstet Gynecol 2023; 142:1500-1503. [PMID: 37917945 PMCID: PMC10642698 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cumulative lifetime risk of ovarian cancer is 16-68% and 11-30% in female BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene alteration carriers, respectively. Risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) is the only proven way to reduce ovarian cancer mortality. We report a series of patients who underwent risk-reducing surgery at the time of planned obstetric-indicated cesarean delivery. CASES This is a case series of four women carrying a pathogenic germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene alteration who underwent RRSO at the time of cesarean delivery between March 1, 2018, and March 31, 2022. All women were referred during pregnancy to the University College London Hospitals Familial Cancer Clinic for consideration of RRSO at the time of obstetric-indicated cesarean delivery. Women were considered eligible for RRSO if they had a proven pathogenic germline alteration, would have completed childbearing after the cesarean delivery, and were older than age 35 or 40 years with BRCA1 or BRCA2 alterations, respectively. Operating time, blood loss, transfusion requirements, length of hospital stay, complications, and ability to breastfeed were assessed and, where possible, compared with the institutional means for similar patients who underwent cesarean delivery only, to determine whether RRSO was associated with increased morbidity. Women were contacted 11-59 months postprocedure to assess satisfaction. The mean blood loss was 687 mL (range 400-1,000 mL), mean operating time was 68 minutes, mean length of hospital stay was 3 days, and mean change in hemoglobin was -1 g/dL. No patient required a transfusion, had internal organ damage, returned to the operating room, or was readmitted. One of two women with intact breast tissue successfully breastfed, and the other chose to bottle feed. The mean contemporaneous institutional blood loss for cesarean delivery was not significantly different at 681 mL for singleton pregnancies and 872 mL for twin pregnancies. All four women reported a high level of satisfaction with the combined procedure. CONCLUSION Our results show that RRSO can be performed at the time of cesarean delivery with high patient satisfaction. This approach can be offered to appropriately counseled individuals, with the benefit of avoiding the need for two separate procedures, with potentially reduced patient morbidity and health care costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria E Barker
- University College London Hospitals, National Health Service Foundation Trust, and the Department of Women's Cancer, University College London Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Nicholls J, David AL, Iskaros J, Lanceley A. Patient-centred consent in women's health: does it really work in antenatal and intra-partum care? BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:156. [PMID: 35216563 PMCID: PMC8876066 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04493-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Legal and social changes mean that information sharing and consent in antenatal and intrapartum settings is contentious, poorly understood and uncertain for healthcare professionals. This study aimed to investigate healthcare professionals’ views and experiences of the consent process in antenatal and intrapartum care. Methods Qualitative research performed in a large urban teaching hospital in London. Fifteen healthcare professionals (obstetricians and midwives) participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews. Data were collectively analysed to identify themes in the experiences of the consent process. Results Three themes were identified: (1) Shared decision-making and shared responsibility –engaging women in dialogue is often difficult and, even when achieved, women are not always able or do not wish to share responsibility for decisions (2) Second-guessing women – assessing what is important to a woman is inherently difficult so healthcare professionals sometimes feel forced to anticipate a woman’s views (3) Challenging professional contexts – healthcare professionals are disquieted by consent practice in the Labour ward setting which is often at odds with legal and professional guidance. Conclusions Results suggest that there is a mismatch between what is required of healthcare professionals to effect an antenatal or intrapartum consent process concordant with current legal and professional guidance and what can be achieved in practice. If consent, as currently articulated, is to remain the barometer for current practice, healthcare professionals need more support in ways of enabling women to make decisions which healthcare professionals feel confident are autonomous whatever the circumstances of the consultation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Nicholls
- EGA Institute for Women's Health, Faculty of Population Health Sciences, University College London, Medical School Building, 74 Huntley Street, WC1E 6AU, London, UK.
| | - Anna L David
- EGA Institute for Women's Health, Faculty of Population Health Sciences, University College London, Medical School Building, 74 Huntley Street, WC1E 6AU, London, UK.,Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing, University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, 25 Grafton Way, WC1E 6DB, London, UK.,Research & Development, NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, 149 Tottenham Court Road, W1T 7DN, London, UK
| | - Joseph Iskaros
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing, University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, 25 Grafton Way, WC1E 6DB, London, UK
| | - Anne Lanceley
- EGA Institute for Women's Health, Faculty of Population Health Sciences, University College London, Medical School Building, 74 Huntley Street, WC1E 6AU, London, UK.,Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing, University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, 25 Grafton Way, WC1E 6DB, London, UK
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Nicholls J, David AL, Iskaros J, Lanceley A. Consent in pregnancy: A qualitative study of the views and experiences of women and their healthcare professionals. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2019; 238:132-137. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2019.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Ghionzoli M, James CP, David AL, Shah D, Tan AWC, Iskaros J, Drake DP, Curry JI, Kiely EM, Cross K, Eaton S, De Coppi P, Pierro A. Gastroschisis with intestinal atresia--predictive value of antenatal diagnosis and outcome of postnatal treatment. J Pediatr Surg 2012; 47:322-8. [PMID: 22325384 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2011.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2011] [Accepted: 11/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to evaluate (1) the predictive value of fetal bowel dilatation (FBD) for intestinal atresia in gastroschisis and (2) the postnatal management and outcome of this condition. METHODS A retrospective review of all gastroschisis cases diagnosed in our fetal medicine unit between 1992 and 2010 and treated postnatally in our center was performed. RESULTS One hundred thirty cases had full postnatal data available. Intestinal atresia was found at surgery in 14 neonates (jejunum, n = 6; ileum, n = 3; ascending colon, n = 3; multiple, n = 2). Polyhydramnios and FBD were more likely in the atresia group compared with infants with no atresia (P = .0003 and P = .005, respectively). Fetal bowel dilatation had 99% negative predictive value (95% confidence interval, 0.9-0.99) and 17% positive predictive value (95% confidence interval, 0.1-0.3) for atresia. Treatment of intestinal atresia included primary anastomosis (n = 5), delayed anastomosis (n = 2), and stoma formation followed by anastomosis (n = 7). Infants with atresia had longer duration of parenteral nutrition, higher incidence of sepsis, and cholestasis compared with infants with no atresia (P = .0003). However, the presence of atresia did not increase mortality. CONCLUSIONS Polyhydramnios and FBD are associated with atresia. Absence of FBD in gastroschisis excludes intestinal atresia. In our experience, atresia is associated with a longer duration of parenteral nutrition but does not influence mortality. These findings may be relevant for antenatal counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Ghionzoli
- Surgery Unit, Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, WC1N 1EH, England
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Voss M, Cole R, Moriarty T, Pathak M, Iskaros J, Rodeck C. Thromboembolic disease and air travel in pregnancy: a survey of advice given by obstetricians. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2009; 24:859-62. [PMID: 16147636 DOI: 10.1080/01443610400019104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to document the awareness of risk and the nature of advice given by obstetricians to pregnant women who intend to travel by air and to compare the results with the advice given in an opinion paper of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. The results were based on a self-completed questionnaire. All registered members of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists comprising 1349 individuals, obtained from a list provided by the RCOG, were invited to participate. An anonymous postal questionnaire was completed by the individuals before publication of the opinion paper of the RCOG. A total of 862 (62%) questionnaires returned, and 690 (51%) were available for analysis; 67% of obstetricians regard flying as being safe throughout pregnancy, 33% only in the 2nd and 3rd trimester. Nearly all obstetricians advised on simple prophylactic measures such as mobilisation, fluid intake and leg exercise. Fifty-three per cent would advise the use of prophylactic aspirin (75 mg), 49% the use of compression stockings; 4% recommended heparinisation; 44% believed this advice to be applicable only for the 2nd and 3rd trimester, while the RCOG emphasises that the risk of developing venous thromboembolism begins in the 1st trimester. Obstetricians as well as other health professionals need to be made aware that advice on air travel in pregnancy needs to start in the 1st trimester. Further research is needed to explore the relevance of the duration of flight when considering the application of thromboprophylactic measures as well as the value and choice of pharmacological treatment such as aspirin and heparin.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Voss
- University College London Hospitals, London. UK
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Affiliation(s)
- J Calleja-Agius
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson and Obstetric Hospitals, UCLH, London, UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Iskaros
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson and Obstetric Hospital, University College London Hospitals, London, UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Oteng-Ntim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital London, UK
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Abstract
Maternal thyroid hormone is transferred to the fetus early in pregnancy and is postulated to regulate brain development. Thyroid hormone nuclear receptor (TR) proteins are present in fetal brain, but their isoformal composition is unknown. We therefore investigated the ontogeny of TR isoforms and related splice variants in first trimester human fetal brain (n = 9) by semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis. Expression of the TRbeta1, TRalpha1 and c-erbAalpha2 isoforms was detected from 8.1 weeks gestation (wg). An additional truncated species was detected with the c-erbAalpha2 primer set, consistent with the c-erbAalpha3 splice variant previously described in the rat. All c-erbAalpha-derived transcripts were co-ordinately expressed and increased (ca. 8-fold) between 8.1 and 13.9 wg. A more complex ontogenic pattern was observed for TRbeta1, suggestive of a nadir between 8.4 and 12.0 wg. These findings point to an important role for the TRalpha1 isoform in mediating maternal thyroid hormone action during first trimester human fetal brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Iskaros
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, North Middlesex Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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MacLachlan N, Iskaros J, Chitty L. Ultrasound markers of fetal chromosomal abnormality: a survey of policies and practices in UK maternity ultrasound departments. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2000; 15:387-390. [PMID: 10976479 DOI: 10.1046/j.1469-0705.2000.00122.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the management of pregnancies where the fetus was found to have one or more sonographic markers of possible fetal chromosomal abnormality. DESIGN Prospective anonymous postal survey of UK obstetric ultrasound units. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The management of pregnancies where the fetus is found to have a sonographic marker of aneuploidy. POPULATION All 252 maternity ultrasound units in the United Kingdom. METHODS Postal questionnaire to the superintendent sonographer in routine maternal ultrasound departments. RESULTS Questionnaires were returned from 179 maternity units (71%). Of the respondents 94% offered a fetal anomaly scan at 16-20 weeks' gestation and 59% performed a dating scan at 10-14 weeks. Screening for Down syndrome was available in 99% of all maternity units. The recognition of sonographic 'soft signs' for possible fetal chromosomal abnormality varied considerably between the units. When sonographers were asked about their unit's policy regarding offering amniocentesis to women with sonographic markers, 8-78% discussed amniocentesis when the marker was isolated and 53-88% when another abnormality was found. Eighty nine percent of units documented the abnormal ultrasound findings in the hospital notes and 88% of the women were informed of the findings regardless of the intention to offer amniocentesis. CONCLUSION The practice of routine ultrasound examination is well established in UK, though precise policies vary. The existing wide variations in management policies possibly reflect a lack of data derived from low risk populations. There is a need to collect such data from low risk populations with known screening practices so that national guidelines to standardize practice can be formulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- N MacLachlan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St Helier Hospital, Jersey, Channel Islands, UK
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Iskaros J, Pickard M, Evans I, Sinha A. Thyroid hormone receptor gene expression in first trimester human fetal brain: Comparison betweenbrain medulla and spinal cord. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2000. [DOI: 10.1016/s0020-7292(00)84678-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate, in a preliminary study, the outcome of a modified pubovaginal sling operation with titanium bone anchors for recurrent genuine stress urinary incontinence (GSI) in women. PATIENTS AND METHODS This prospective study included 13 consecutive women who underwent the modified sling procedure between September 1994 and August 1996. The subjective and objective cure of urinary stress incontinence, and the occurrence of postoperative osteitis pubis, were assessed. RESULTS All 13 patients subjectively claimed complete urinary continence and 12 were objectively cured (12 patients agreed to undergo a repeat urodynamic study) during a median (range) follow-up of 26 (19-38) months. There were no cases of postoperative osteitis pubis, bladder injury or major complications. Mild suprapubic pain was a frequent and self-limiting complication. CONCLUSIONS This innovative modified sling procedure is effective for recurrent urinary stress incontinence, with no complication of osteitis pubis. We suggest that this procedure should be considered as a treatment for recurrent GSI and perhaps for primary GSI. A study incorporating a longer follow-up and more patients has been planned.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Kane
- Hemel Hempstead Hospital, Hemel Hempstead, London
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Iskaros J, Kingdom J, Morrison JJ, Rodeck C. Prospective non-invasive monitoring of pregnancies complicated by red cell alloimmunization. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 1998; 11:432-437. [PMID: 9674091 DOI: 10.1046/j.1469-0705.1998.11060432.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Our purpose was to evaluate the impact of non-invasive assessment of fetal anemia and anti-D antibody quantification on the timing and frequency of invasive procedures in pregnancies complicated by rhesus alloimmunization. Nineteen consecutive non-hydropic pregnancies referred to the fetal medicine center were assigned a prior risk category (none/mild, moderate or severe) and monitored by: (1) serial fetal measurements of umbilical vein maximal flow velocity (UVVmax), liver length and spleen perimeter measurements; and (2) serial anti-D antibody concentration. Invasive tests for fetal anemia (amniocentesis or fetal blood sampling) were deferred in the absence of abnormal ultrasound findings and/or rising antibody levels. In six cases serial non-invasive tests were normal with stable antibody levels, and no invasive tests were performed; four infants were mildly affected, one was unaffected and one required postnatal exchange transfusion. In the remaining 13 affected cases, amniocentesis was performed in nine cases for: elevated UVVmax alone (n = 3), elevated UVVmax and an increased antibody level (n = 2), or normal UVVmax with an increased antibody level (> 15 IU/ml) and severe prior risk category (n = 4). Six fetuses underwent fetal blood sampling (initial hematocrit 9-29%), and five of these had an elevated UVVmax. Liver length and spleen perimeter measurements were increased in only one anemic fetus (hematocrit 13%). Of 17 infants born alive, an elevated UVVmax prior to delivery was predictive of the need for exchange transfusion (six of seven cases with an elevated UVVmax vs. one of ten with a normal UVVmax; chi 2 = 5.73, p = 0.017 with Yates' correction). These preliminary data suggest that pregnancies with a mild or no history of fetal anemia may be monitored by a combination of serial antibody quantification and Doppler monitoring of UVVmax.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Iskaros
- Academic Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College London Medical School, UK
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the etiology and outcome of fetal hydrops of nonimmune origin diagnosed in utero during the first half of pregnancy. METHODS We reviewed 45 cases of nonimmune fetal hydrops presenting between 11 and 17 weeks' gestation over a 4-year period. RESULTS The median gestational age at diagnosis of fetal hydrops was 14 weeks. Placental edema was most commonly associated with generalized skin edema. Ascites was also observed in four cases, but no case presented with pleural or pericardial effusion. The fetal karyotype was abnormal in 35 cases (77.8%). Of the ten fetuses with a normal karyotype, four were classified as idiopathic, three had isolated atrioventricular septal defect, two were associated with maternal infection, and one had multiple pterygium. Fetal heart rate anomalies were found in both chromosomally normal and abnormal fetuses. All but one of the karyotypically abnormal pregnancies and five of ten euploid pregnancies were terminated. In all six pregnancies that continued, resolution occurred before mid-gestation. Three continuing euploid pregnancies resulted in fetal death, and only two had a normal outcome. CONCLUSION Nonimmune fetal hydrops diagnosed before 18 weeks' gestation is associated with a higher incidence of aneuploidy than hydrops diagnosed during the second half of pregnancy. In most affected fetuses with a normal karyotype, spontaneous resolution occurred before 24 weeks' gestation, although the outcome was generally unfavorable.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Iskaros
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University College London Medical School, United Kingdom
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