Neutropaenia and splenomegaly without arthritis: think rheumatoid arthritis

Felty syndrome(FS) is an uncommon, but severe, extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It occurs in patients with longstanding RA. It is extremely rare for RA to present as FS or develop after initially presenting as neutropaenia and splenomegaly. We describe a case of 47-year-old woman who was diagnosed simultaneously with FS and possible RA after testing positive for anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibody, but a negative rheumatoid factor. She had an excellent response to methotrexate. We review the existing literature of such cases and emphasise the importance of serological testing for RA in patients presenting with neutropaenia and splenomegaly, even in the absence of joint symptoms or prior diagnosis of RA.

Assessment of a newer technique for cesarean section

We present a new method for cesarean section that predominantly employs blunt techniques. We used it in 51 patients having a first cesarean section and compared the results with 51 matched controls having a standard technique first cesarean section.

Symptomatic hyponatremia following cesarean section

A rare occurrence of the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion is described in a 32-year-old previously healthy nulliparous woman who underwent a Cesarean section for non-progressive labor.

Assisted internal autorotation with vacuum extractor. Description of an original maneuver

The traditional treatment of arrest of internal rotation of fetal head is forceps. We describe a maneuver for assisted internal autorotation of fetal head with vacuum extractor. We have used this approach in 30 parturients. No neonatal or maternal complications were noted.

Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy in pregnancy: thorough comprehension of etiology and management reduces obstetricians' stress

In pregnancy and puerperium disseminated intravascular coagulopathy may accompany abruptio placenta, intrauterine fetal demise with retained dead fetus, amniotic fluid embolism, endotoxin sepsis, preecalampsia with HELLP and massive transfusion. Clinical signs and symptoms of DIC can include oozing from venipuncture sites and/or mucous membranes, red cell lysis from activation of the complement system, hemorrhage from coagulopathy and possible uterine atony, hypotension from hemorrhage and/or bradykinin release, and oliguria from end-organ insult and hypovolemia/hypotension. Treatment of DIC consists of replacement of volume, blood products, and coagulation components and cardiovascular and respiratory support with elimination of underlying triggering mechanism.

Human fetal-placental weight ratio in normal singleton near-term pregnancies

OBJECTIVE

To determine the fetal-placental weight ratio in normal near-term singleton pregnancies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

431 consecutive singleton near-term live deliveries following uncomplicated pregnancies were included in a prospective study. Mean maternal age was 28.6 years (range 17-50), mean parity was 2.9 (range 1-16). Mean gestation age at delivery was 39.7 weeks (range 33-42).

RESULTS

Mean newborn weight was 3,382.1 +/- 486.7 g (range 2,180-4,810). Mean placental weight was 613.0 +/- 123.8 g (range 319-1,266). Mean fetal-placental weight ratio was 5.6 +/- 0.96 (range 2.9-10.6) with kurtosis of 3.6 and skewness of 1.05. The ratio did not differ significantly between male (n = 253) and female (n = 176) infants, 5.7 +/- 0.89 and 5.6 +/- 1.04, respectively. There was a progressive increase in the fetal-placental weight ratio with gestational age (r = 0.87): from 5.3 +/- 0.90 at 33-36 weeks to 5.9 +/- 1.06 at the 41st week and 5.7 +/- 0.71 at the 42nd week (p < 0.05) and with birth weight distribution (r = 0.85) from 5.0 +/- 1. 06 in newborns weighing 2,000-2,499 g to 5.9 +/- 0.94 in newborns weighing >4,000 g (p < 0.05). There was a positive relationship between the fetal-placental weight ratio in teenage and elder parturients (r = 0.98): 5.2 +/- 0.98 (age 17-19), 5.7 +/- 0.88 (age 20-29), 5.6 +/- 1.08 (age 30-39), and 5.7 +/- 0.96 (age 41-50) (p < 0.05). The most contributing variable was birth weight.

CONCLUSIONS

The fetal-placental weight ratio tends to be low in teenage women, early near-term gestational age, and low fetal weight. There was a progressive increase in the fetal-placental weight ratio with gestational age and with birth weight distribution.

Epidural analgesia for labor pain is not associated with a decreased frequency of uterine activity

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of epidural and pethidine analgesia on the frequency of uterine contractions during the first stage of labor.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Delivery ward of a public hospital.

PATIENTS

Forty consecutive parturients.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The mean number of contractions in the 30 min before administration of pethidine analgesia was 8.2+/-1.7 as compared to 8.7+/-1.3 after administration of the analgesia. The mean number of contractions in the 30 min before administration of epidural analgesia was 8.0+/-1.4 as compared to 8.8+/-1.9 after administration of the analgesia. The differences between the two groups and between the number of contractions before and after the administration of both types of analgesia were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Properly and timely administered epidural analgesia during the first stage of labor has no effect on frequency of uterine activity.

Cervical balloon for dysfunctional labor following amniotomy

The conventional treatment for arrest of protracted active phase dilatation is amniotomy and oxitocin. This kind of labor dystocia is associated with an increased incidence in Cesarean delivery. We describe the use of cervical balloon after amniotomy for protracted active phase dilatation. We have used this approach in five parturients. All five patients had a spontaneous vaginal delivery. Intrapartum cervical balloon in patients with dysfunctional labor may reduce the need for Cesarean delivery.

Influence of epidural anaesthesia on the course of labour in patients with antepartum fetal death

The course of labour in 22 patients with antepartum fetal death who received epidural anaesthesia was evaluated as compared to 22 controls matched for parity and gestational age, who received narcotic pain relief. Both groups had similar preinduction cervical dilatation and the induction was performed by amniotomy and oxytocin infusion. The mean first stage of labour was 5.4 hours in the epidural group, and 8.7 hours in the controls (p = 0.0192). The mean cervical dilatation rate was 3.3 cm/hour and 1.0 cm/hour respectively (p = 0.0142). The second stage was similar in both groups. We conclude, that parturients receiving epidural anaesthesia may benefit both emotionally and physically from excellent pain relief and a shorter delivery process when going through the distressing experience of delivering a dead fetus.

Safe epidural anesthesia performed during labor by an obstetrician

One thousand seven hundred eighty-seven epidural anesthesias during labor were performed by obstetricians well trained in the technique by the anesthesiology department. The course of labor was accelerated compared to control group. Vacuum extraction rate was 11.9%. Fetal outcome was favorable. Incidence of major complications was 0.16%. We conclude that in countries where an anesthetist is not routinely available at delivery wards, a safe and efficient epidural anaesthesia could be performed by an obstetrician well trained in administration of epidural anesthesia.

The influence of pH on the intravenous delivery of lidocaine solutions

In order to evaluate the surface tension lowering effect of lidocaine 0.4% on a 5% glucose solution, drop size has been measured in intravenous sets of 60 drops per ml. The relationship between the number of drops per ml and the pH of the solution was sigmoidal, from 63 drops/ml at pH5 to 95 drops/ml at pH 10. Without lidocaine, the effect of pH on the drop count of the 5% glucose solution was negligible. The surface tension lowering effect of lidocaine may account for significant decreases in apparent bioavailability and delivered lidocaine when high pH solutions are used with drop counting infusion pumps.

Influence of ethanol on the delivery of intravenous nitroglycerin solutions

In order to evaluate the surface tension lowering effect of ethanol in intravenous nitroglycerin solutions of varying concentrations, drop size was measured in intravenous transfusion sets that should deliver 60 drops/ml. Ethanol 5% solutions led to a significant decrease in drop volume and a concomitant increase in the number of drops per unit volume, up to 79 drops/ml were observed. The surface tension lowering effect may account for decreases of up to 25% in delivered nitroglycerin when drop counting infusion pumps are used, and may be a factor in the development of apparent tolerance to intravenous nitroglycerin.

Predictive value of roll-over test in women with mild preeclampsia

Fifty women with mild preeclampsia underwent a roll-over test upon admission and again during treatment. The results of the second test showed significant correlation with the severity of the disease and the clinical course until delivery.

Meningeal involvement in IgD myeloma with cerebrospinal fluid paraprotein analysis

Myelomatous meningitis is a rare occurrence in multiple myeloma. We report 2 cases of documented IgD myeloma with cytologic evidence of meningeal involvement in 1 and detailed paraprotein analysis in both. The occurrence of meningeal involvement in this rare form of plasma cell neoplasm may be more common than previously thought.