[Neonatal screening for hemoglobinopathies in the Brussels region].

We realised this study in order to determine the frequency of abnormal haemoglobins and to appreciate the need for a neonatal screening for haemoglobinopathies in Brussels. Over a two year-period, 9575 cord blood samples were systematically screened. The study disclosed following results : 40% of newborns were from regions at risk for haemoglobinopathies and abnormal haemoglobins were present in 2.

[Clinical experience with a novel surgical technique: laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy].

A new surgical technique, the laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) is evaluated through the clinical course of a group of patients operated for hysterectomy in the years 1993-1995. Although the groups of patients being operated for LAVH, vaginal or abdominal hysterectomy have not been randomized, we conclude that the laparoscopic assistance allows the vaginal approach of hysterectomies that should have been otherwise operated by laparotomy. Medical and financial advantages of this technique are discussed.

[Respective diagnostic importance of hysterography and hysteroscopy in common uterine pathology].

In order to evaluate the diagnostic effectiveness of hysteroscopy and hysterography in common uterine diseases. 175 cases of hysterectomy were reviewed. The preoperative diagnosis obtained by these two examination methods was compared with the pathologist's report.

[Current program of in-vitro fertilization at the Erasmus Hospital: initial results and original ethical aspects].

The clinical results including all in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles with oocyte pick-up in 1990 are presented. Different types of treatment including classical IVF and embryo transfer, laparoscopic replacement of zygotes in the fallopian tube (ZIFT), IVF with donor sperm (IVF-D), cross fertilization test, embryo freezing, oocyte donation and IVF with epididymal sperm were performed. The total pregnancy rate obtained reaches 38% per oocyte pick-up, 30% of clinical pregnancies (including 4 pregnancies obtained with frozen and thawed embryos).

Prenatal screening for gestational diabetes throughout office hours.

A group of 1666 consecutive pregnant women attending our prenatal clinic was screened for gestational diabetes (GD). Patients with risk factors (155) underwent a classical 50 g OGTT, while 1511 patients without risk factors for GD were submitted at random throughout the day to a simplified OGTT, consisting of a single blood glucose determination 1 h after the glucose ingestion. In these patients, plasma glucose 1 h after the glucose load averaged 104 +/- 1 mg/dl and exceeded 135 mg/dl in 315 patients.