Fetal surgery using fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion for severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a single-center experience.

Purpose: To provide a comprehensive report of the experience gained in the prenatal treatment of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) using fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion (FETO) following its implementation at a newly established specialized fetal medicine center.

Methods: Mothers of fetuses with severe CDH were offered prenatal treatment by FETO.

Results: Between 2018 and 2021, 16 cases of severe CDH underwent FETO.

First trimester biomarkers for prediction of gestational diabetes mellitus.

Purpose: To develop a first trimester prediction model for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) using obesity, placental, and inflammatory biomarkers.

Methods: We used a first trimester dataset of the ASPRE study to evaluate clinical and biochemical biomarkers. All biomarkers levels (except insulin) were transformed to gestational week-specific medians (MoMs), adjusted for maternal body mass index (BMI), maternal age, and parity.

Diagnosis of deep pelvic masses on a gynaecology service: Trans-vaginal ultrasound-guided needle aspiration of pelvic solid and cystic lesions.

Objectives: Women with undiagnosed pelvic lesions are often referred for evaluation and treatment. Transvaginal ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (TVUS-FNA) biopsy can assist in making management decisions. We describe our experience with this modality.

Nonvisualization of the Fetal Gallbladder: Can Levels of Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase in Amniotic Fluid Predict Fetal Prognosis?

Objective: In cases of nonvisualization of the fetal gallbladder (NVFGB), we investigated whether amniotic fluid levels of gamma-Glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP) can distinguish normal development or benign gallbladder agenesis from severe anomaly such as biliary atresia.

Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of pregnancies in which the gallbladder was not visualized in the second-trimester fetal anatomy scan. Levels of GGTP in amniotic fluid were analyzed prior to 22 weeks of gestation by amniocentesis.

Increased stillbirth in uncomplicated monochorionic twin pregnancies: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: To estimate the risk of stillbirth in apparently uncomplicated monochorionic-diamniotic twin pregnancies by systematic review and meta-analysis and compare it with that in uncomplicated dichorionic pregnancies.

Data Sources: We performed an electronic search (January 1985 to April 2012) of Medline, PubMed, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases.

Reference values for fetal penile length and width from 22 to 36 gestational weeks.

Objective: Current reference range values for fetal penile growth are based on length measurements. However, methodologies for measuring penile length differ among studies and from the standard technique used in children. We propose that the measurement of penile width may aid in its evaluation.

Sonographic evaluation of kidney parenchymal growth in the fetus.

Objective: The aim of the study was to establish a nomogram for renal parenchymal thickness throughout pregnancy.

Methods: One-hundred and twenty-eight healthy women with singleton, well-dated, uncomplicated second- or third-trimester pregnancies were prospectively evaluated for renal parenchymal thickness on routine ultrasound scans. The renal parenchyma was measured in transverse and sagittal sections using predefined criteria.

Hard to heal pressure ulcers (stage III-IV): efficacy of injected activated macrophage suspension (AMS) as compared with standard of care (SOC) treatment controlled trial.

The objective of this study was to compare local injections of AMS with SOC treatments for stage III and IV pressure ulcers in elderly patients. It was designed as historically prospective 2-arms non-parallel open controlled trial, and conducted in a department of geriatric medicine and rehabilitation of a university affiliated tertiary hospital. We studied 100 consecutive elderly patients with a total of 216 stage III or IV pressure ulcers, 66 patients were assigned to the AMS group and had their wounds injected, while 38 patients were assigned to the SOC group.

Reference values for gamma-glutamyl-transferase in amniotic fluid in normal pregnancies.

Objective: Nonvisualization of the fetal gallbladder by ultrasound poses a diagnostic dilemma. The aim of the study was to establish reference values for the hepatobiliary enzyme gamma-glutamyl-transferase (GGT) in amniotic fluid in normal pregnancies, and to determine the maximal week of gestation in which reference values can be determined.

Method: A cross-sectional design was used.

Accuracy of ultrasonographic fetal weight estimation in twin pregnancies.

Objective: To compare the accuracy of fetal weight estimations between normal and growth-restricted twin and singleton pregnancies in a single tertiary center.

Methods: The computerized ultrasound database of a tertiary center was searched for all fetal weight estimations made in twin pregnancies from 2001 to 2006, which were performed up to 3 days before delivery. Accuracy was compared with a control group of singleton pregnancies at a 3:1 ratio.

Ex vivo activated human macrophages improve healing, remodeling, and function of the infarcted heart.

Background: Activated macrophages have a significant role in wound healing and damaged tissue repair. We sought to explore the ability of ex vivo activated macrophages to promote healing and repair of the infarcted myocardium.

Methods And Results: Human activated macrophage suspension (AMS) was prepared from a whole blood unit obtained from young donors in a closed sterile system and was activated by a novel method of hypo-osmotic shock.

Treatment of deep sternal wound infections post-open heart surgery by application of activated macrophage suspension.

Postoperative sternal wound infection remains a significant complication and generally causes considerable morbidity and mortality. Macrophages play a major role in the process of wound healing. In order to evaluate the efficacy of local injection of activated macrophage suspensions into open infected sternal wound space, a retrospective case-control study was conducted.