Lipopolysaccharide binding protein in the early diagnosis of intraamniotic infection of pregnant women with premature rupture of the membranes.

Aims: To investigate whether lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) level is an early marker of intraamniotic infection in pregnant women with premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) and compare it to C-reactive protein (CRP).

Methods: Seventy-two pregnant women with PROM were included in the study if remained undelivered for more than 24 h. CRP and LBP concentrations were determined in 12-h-intervals and the last value before delivery was correlated with obstetrical data and placenta histology.

Excretion of vitamin A in urine of women during normal pregnancy and pregnancy complications.

Background/aims: The renal function, including the excretion of low-molecular-weight proteins, changes during pregnancy and may cause a urinary excretion of retinol-binding protein (RBP). Whether it is accompanied by a substantial loss of vitamin A (retinol) has not been established yet. We therefore determined the excretion of retinol and RBP in urine of pregnant women.

Accumulation of selected carotenoids, alpha-tocopherol and retinol in human ovarian carcinoma ascitic fluid.

Background: Patients with severe forms of cancer are reported to have reduced concentrations of micronutrients in plasma due to the chronic reduction of food intake and an increased metabolism of these components. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if an accumulation of carotenoids, alpha-tocopherol and retinol in malignant ascitic fluid in women with ovarian cancer might contribute to a loss of these components from plasma.

Methods: Blood and ascitic fluid samples obtained from 21 women with ovarian carcinomas and 17 healthy controls were analyzed for retinol, retinol-binding protein (RBP), alpha-tocopherol and carotenoids.

Effect of the stage of lactation in humans on carotenoid levels in milk, blood plasma and plasma lipoprotein fractions.

In mammals the composition of milk changes during early lactation, with a rapid decline of fat-soluble vitamins and a continuous increase in total lipids. The mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are not well understood, but might involve selective mechanisms related to mammary uptake or secretion into the milk. Since carotenoids are specifically distributed among the lipoprotein fractions in plasma, the simultaneous determination of carotenoids in plasma, lipoprotein fractions and milk might offer an opportunity to gain insight into this phenomenon.

Concentrations of carotenoids, retinol and alpha-tocopherol in plasma and follicular fluid of women undergoing IVF.

Background: Carotenoids are transferred into follicular fluid where they might serve as antioxidants and/or as precursors of retinoids which might modulate follicular or oocyte functions.

Methods And Results: In 77 women undergoing IVF differences between plasma and follicular fluid in the levels of carotenoids, retinol and alpha-tocopherol were evaluated especially with regard to fertilization success. Concentration of total carotenoids, retinol and alpha-tocopherol determined by HPLC in follicular fluid and plasma were 0.

Elevation of interleukin-6 levels in cervical secretions as a predictor of preterm delivery.

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in cervical secretions for preterm delivery before 34+0 gestational weeks in patients with preterm labor.

Methods: In this prospective study, 31 patients were enrolled with preterm labor and intact membranes. Cervical swabs were taken on admission and the concentration of IL-6 was measured.

Elevated risk for neonatal outcome following denial of pregnancy: results of a one-year prospective study compared with control groups.

Aims: Newborns following denied pregnancies are delivered after either late onset or total absence of antenatal care, with a presumed subsequently increased risk for neonatal outcome. For this specific group, several characteristic outcome parameters are investigated.

Methods: During the period July 1, 1995 to June 30, 1996, a prospective case sampling was performed for denied pregnancies in Berlin.

Condoms are not a risk factor for sensitization to latex.

The study was conducted to assess the prevalence of sensitization to latex in a group of women with a high risk for atopy and to determine whether the use of condoms is a relevant risk factor. In a prospective study, 100 atopic women (defined as having specific IgE to common aero- or nutritional allergens) were screened for specific IgE antibodies to latex after delivery: Ten of the 100 women (10%) showed specific IgE to latex. Total IgE concentrations were higher with a history of occupational exposure or of symptoms after contact with latex (p < 0.

Frequency of denial of pregnancy: results and epidemiological significance of a 1-year prospective study in Berlin.

Background: There has been an increasing number of reports on denial of pregnancy. However, only very few studies have involved a large number of patients. To date, no reliable calculation of this condition's general frequency, also from an epidemiological perspective, has been available.

Accuracy of fetal pulse oximetry.

Background: The goal of this investigation was to evaluate the agreement of fetal pulse oximetry to saturation readings from hemoximetry at low oxygen saturation.

Methods: Fetal oxygen saturation measurements obtained by pulse oximetry were compared with those obtained by hemoximetry in fetal scalp blood samplings. The prospective observational trial included fetuses with non-reassuring fetal heart rate tracings suggestive of hypoxia and requiring fetal scalp blood samplings.