A randomized controlled study comparing harmonic versus electrosurgery in laparoscopic myomectomy.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness and safety of harmonic scalpel versus electrosurgery to reduce blood loss during laparoscopic myomectomy.

Design: Prospective randomized controlled study.

Setting: Tertiary referral centers for gynecological care.

Investigation of endothelin-1 type A receptor gene polymorphism (-231 G > A) in preeclampsia susceptibility.

Objective: Preeclampsia is considered as a multifactorial disorder with a genetic predisposition. Alterations in the endothelin-1 (ET-1) system are considered to take part in triggering the vasoconstriction seen in preeclampsia.

Methods: In order to investigate the possible association of the -231 G > A polymorphism in the endothelin-1 type A receptor gene (EDNRA), previously shown to be associated with other conditions characterized by vasospasm, we examined 77 Caucasian preeclamptic women and 67 matched controls including normotensive subjects without history of thromboembolic event, abnormalities in blood pressure, proteinuria, edema and preeclampsia.

C-reactive protein in hypertensive disorders in pregnancy.

Hypertension is the most frequent medical complication of pregnancy. A recent report demonstrates the flogistic pathogenesis of pregnancy-induced hypertension. Because C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of inflammation, it can be used in the differential diagnosis of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Recent progress in the therapeutic management of pre-eclampsia.

Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy-specific syndrome of unknown aetiology, observed in 3 - 5% of all pregnancies, associated with pathological vascular lesions in multiple organs, activation of the coagulation system, and maternal multisystemic and fetal complications. Clinically, pre-eclampsia is characterised by the onset of hypertension, proteinuria and oedema, usually beginning in the third trimester. Conventionally, antihypertensive agents are the main pharmacological treatment.

Efficacy of AT in pre-eclampsia: a case-control prospective trial.

Pre-eclampsia is an extremely severe condition. It is associated with vasospasm, activation of the coagulation system and abnormal haemostasis. In pre-eclamptic patients increased plasmatic concentrations of fibronectin, laminin, von Willebrand factor (VWF) and endothelin are observed.