Incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus in Bahrain from 2002 to 2010.

Objective: To determine the incidence and trends of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Bahrain from 2002 to 2010, and to investigate 2 possible risk factors within the affected population.

Methods: In a retrospective survey, data on maternal body weight and age were collected from women who gave birth in government maternity units in Bahrain and who were screened for GDM during pregnancy using the 2-step approach and criteria of the US Expert Committee on the diagnosis and classification of diabetes.

Results: Among 49 552 pregnant women, 4982 (10.

Cord blood stem cells.

The discovery that stem cells (SCs) can be obtained from umbilical cord blood instead of the more controversial source of embryonic SC's, has renewed interest on the new, exciting therapeutic potentials of this technology. Several therapeutic targets have been cited as candidates for treatment such as, malignant blood disease, hematological disorders, complex neurological illnesses, genetic and autoimmune diseases, benign and malignant blood diseases, skeletal anomalies, and the ultimate promise of using this technique in delaying the process of human aging. Parallel to this rise in popularity of SC research, SC banking has become a growing commercial enterprise.

Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the endometrium, a rare aggressive tumor.

This is a report of a young infertile woman with a history of 8 years amenorrhea, who presented with history of vaginal bleeding of 2 months duration. Investigations revealed a small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the endometrium, which penetrated half of the thickness of uterine wall. We have described the clinical progress and management of this rare and highly malignant cancer.

Paraplegia in a puerperal woman due to spinal metastasis from papillary carcinoma of the thyroid gland.

We present an unusual case of paraplegia which occurred on the second postnatal day. Investigations revealed a spinal mass at D-7 level. Histopathology of the tumor showed it to be a spinal metastasis from a solitary thyroid malignant nodule.

Sickle cell disease in pregnancy. Obstetric and anesthetic management perspectives.

Recent advances in the pathophysiology, clinical investigations, and management of sickle hemoglobinopathies enables all physicians to better manage these disease states and their sequelae. Patients with sickle cell disease SCD are living longer and are thus more likely to contract unrelated diseases that require surgery and anesthesia. Patients with SCD continue to be a challenge to all branches of medicine particularly in obstetrics, surgery and anesthesia; however, the armamentarium of new knowledge and practice places a different perspective on the care of this old disease.

Unusual presentation of an abdominoinguinal schwannoma.

Schwannoma is a rare, benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor of uncertain origin. This report describes a retroperitoneal cellular schwannoma that extended into the inguinal region. Surgical dissection of a tumor in this site requires an abdominopelvic approach.

Screening for gestational diabetes by measuring fasting plasma glucose levels.

Objectives: (a) To test the sensitivity and specificity of measuring fasting plasma glucose levels (FPG) as a screening test for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). (b) To compare predicting levels of FPG levels with the one-hour, oral 50g non-fasting glucose challenge test (GCT) for predicting GDM.

Methods: One thousand and six hundred pregnant women from the Health Centres, antenatal clinics and Salmaniya Medical Complex were screened by the GCT after 50g of oral glucose during 26-32 weeks gestation, giving a 13.

Obstetric, neonatal and anesthetic considerations for preterm labor and delivery.

Preterm birth is a continuing obstetric problem that contributes significantly to the incidence of perinatal death and long-term handicap. In this context, various studies have shown preterm births account for between 69% and 83% of neonatal deaths. Despite this, the incidence of preterm birth has remained static for many years.

Unusual presentation of a deep pelvic abscess in a young girl.

Although the clinical features of appendicitis in children are well established, diagnosis can be compounded when a young girl having just had menarche presents with unusual and untoward symptoms. The gynecological and surgical diagnoses and subsequent findings will be discussed in detail, along with the respective management regimens. Pelvic abscesses in particular will be discussed relative to accessing problems.

Septic postpartum ovarian vein thrombosis.

This report describes the clinical findings and outcome of a patient suffering from septic postpartum ovarian vein thrombosis. Treatment modalities are well described and range from hysterectomy and thrombectomy to the use of vena cava filters in combination with anticoagulation and antibiotics. Defervescence with a combination infusion of tissue plasminogen and heparin were used.