The use of methotrexate in conservative treatment of placenta accreta spectrum disorders.

This article reports on a series of patients with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorder who were treated conservatively with Methotrexate (MTX) administration with or without embolization. We investigate whether there is a place for MTX in conservative treatment of PAS. We present a single-center retrospective case series of five patients.

Fertility, pregnancy and gynecological outcomes after fetoscopic surgery for congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Study Question: What is the impact of fetoscopic surgery for isolated Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) on future reproductive and gynecological outcomes?

Summary Answer: We did not observe an increase of obstetric or gynecological problems after fetoscopic surgery nor was there an increased risk for subsequent infertility.

What Is Known Already: The reproductive and gynecological outcomes of patients undergoing open maternal-fetal surgery are known. The most relevant counseling items are the elevated risk for uterine dehiscence and rupture (up to 14%).

Effects of raloxifene treatment on the phenotype of blood monocytes.

Raloxifene (RLX), a selective oestrogen receptor modulator, has oestrogen-agonist effects on bone, lipoproteins, and homocysteine and oestrogen-antagonist activity in the breast and uterus, positioning it as a potential drug for long-term prevention of coronary heart disease in postmenopausal women. To further evaluate its influence on cardiovascular risk factors, we studied the effects of 60 mg/day RLX on serum lipid levels, inflammatory (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and coagulation (fibrinogen) markers, monocytes, and fibrinolysis in 15 healthy postmenopausal women. Markers were measured at baseline, after 1 month without treatment, and after 3 months of treatment.

Antigens and granularity of blood monocytes in relation to inflammatory markers and lipids in postmenopausal women.

Objectives: The menopause is associated with an increase of inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, fibrinogen), cytokines (INFgamma, TNF, etc.) and blood lipoproteins. In vitro, CRP, LDL and fibrinogen can modulate or potentiate interleukines production by monocytes.

[Enlargement of the upper mediastinum in thoracic radiography?].

The authors report a case of asymptomatic sternocostoclavicular hyperostosis in a 69-year-old patient. SAPHO syndrome is described and discussed.

Production of PAF-acether by synovial fluid neutrophils in rheumatoid arthritis.

PAF-acether (PAF) is a pro-inflammatory phospholipid molecule potentially involved in the pathogenesis of arthritis. PAF and related metabolites have been isolated in the synovial fluid from patients with arthritis. The aim of this study was to determine fluid and blood in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Emission tomography for assessment of diffuse alcoholic liver disease.

A method of quantitative liver tomoscintigraphy (SPECT) was compared for accuracy with planar scintigraphy (PS) in a group of patients with diffuse alcoholic liver disease. SPECT sensitivity was also compared with that of transmission computed tomography (CT), US, aminopyrine breath test (ABT) and liver chemistries (LC). One hundred and fourteen alcoholic patients with proven liver disease and 17 patients free of liver disease were included.

The rheumatoid elbow: patterns of joint involvement and the outcome of synoviorthesis.

Rheumatoid arthritis of the elbow is a common condition. A group of 86 patients has been reviewed. Patterns of joint involvement are described.