Amniocentesis learning curve using a low-cost simulation model to teach maternal-fetal medicine fellows.

Objective: To describe the learning curve for amniocentesis among Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) fellows using a low-cost simulation model in Mexico.

Methods: Fourteen first- and second-year MFM fellows with no previous experience in amniocentesis participated in this single-center prospective study from March to June of 2019. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at the Instituto Nacional de Perinatologia and written informed consent was obtained from all participants.

Acute Cardiac Effects of Severe Pre-Eclampsia.

Background: Pre-eclampsia with severe features (PEC) is a pregnancy-specific syndrome characterized by severe hypertension and end-organ dysfunction, and is associated with short-term adverse cardiovascular events, including heart failure, pulmonary edema, and stroke.

Objectives: The authors aimed to characterize the short-term echocardiographic, clinical, and laboratory changes in women with PEC, focusing on right ventricular (RV) systolic pressure (RVSP) and echocardiographic-derived diastolic, systolic, and speckle tracking parameters.

Methods: In this prospective observational study, the authors recruited 63 women with PEC and 36 pregnant control patients.

Direct evidence of complement activation in HELLP syndrome: A link to atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome.

HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets) is a severe variant of pre-eclampsia whose pathogenesis remains unclear. Recent evidence and clinical similarities suggest a link to atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, a disease of excessive activation of the alternative complement pathway effectively treated with a complement inhibitor, eculizumab. Therefore, we used a functional complement assay, the modified Ham test, to analyze sera of women with classic or atypical HELLP syndrome, pre-eclampsia with severe features, normal pregnancies, and healthy nonpregnant women.

An analysis of energy-drink toxicity in the National Poison Data System.

Context: Small studies have associated energy drinks-beverages that typically contain high concentrations of caffeine and other stimulants-with serious adverse health events.

Objective: To assess the incidence and outcomes of toxic exposures to caffeine-containing energy drinks, including caffeinated alcoholic energy drinks, and to evaluate the effect of regulatory actions and educational initiatives on the rates of energy drink exposures.

Methods: We analyzed all unique cases of energy drink exposures reported to the US National Poison Data System (NPDS) between October 1, 2010 and September 30, 2011.

Health effects of energy drinks on children, adolescents, and young adults.

Objective: To review the effects, adverse consequences, and extent of energy drink consumption among children, adolescents, and young adults.

Methods: We searched PubMed and Google using "energy drink," "sports drink," "guarana," "caffeine," "taurine," "ADHD," "diabetes," "children," "adolescents," "insulin," "eating disorders," and "poison control center" to identify articles related to energy drinks. Manufacturer Web sites were reviewed for product information.