Obstetrics and gynecology clinics of North America
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This article reviews the major reasons for hysterectomies and critiques some of the alternative practices, such as medical therapy to shrink fibroids, and new surgical techniques, such as laparoscopic-assisted hysterectomies. Perhaps in response to the increased attention and the new procedures and drugs that allow more conservative management, the rate of hysterectomies has actually decreased.
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Although most neurologic problems require conservative management, such as headaches and nerve compression syndromes, other demand aggressive treatment, such as plasmapheresis in Guillain-Barré syndrome and prompt surgery in those patients with hemorrhagic strokes secondary to a ruptured aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation. Myasthenia gravis, discussed in the autoimmune disease section, and epilepsy are associated with congenital anomalies, whereas the progeny of patients with multiple sclerosis are at a much greater risk than the general population of contracting this disease. ⋯ Pregnancy provides many physiologic changes that alter the course of preexisting neurologic conditions as well as increasing the risks and morbidity of other diseases. It is for this reason that a cooperative team effort, including the obstetrician, neurologist, and, if needed, the neurosurgeon, is essential for an optimal outcome.
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Disorders of the pituitary gland such as diabetes insipidus, pituitary adenomas, and hyperprolactinemia, disorders of the thyroid gland such as Graves' disease and hypothyroidism, and diseases of the adrenal gland such as adrenocortical insufficiency and Cushing's syndrome can complicate pregnancy. The goals of this article were to provide a basic scientific understanding of the normal function of these endocrine glands, their pregnancy-related changes, and suggestions for diagnosis and treatment of maternal and fetal endocrine disorders during pregnancy. Antenatal recognition and appropriate management of the disorders that especially affect the fetus (i.e., maternal Graves' disease, fetal hypothyroidism, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia) is essential in order to prevent fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.
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Obstet. Gynecol. Clin. North Am. · Jun 1991
ReviewClinical management of gravid women with peripartum cardiomyopathy.
Peripartum cardiomyopathy is an important cause for idiopathic heart failure associated with pregnancy. Current evidence suggests a potential role for myocarditis in the pathogenesis of this disease. ⋯ Another group of patients with prior history of this disease request information about pregnancy prognosis. This article focuses on current concepts about peripartum cardiomyopathy and presents a reasonable approach to this clinical challenge during pregnancy.
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Obstet. Gynecol. Clin. North Am. · Jun 1991
ReviewEvaluation and treatment of the gravida and fetus following trauma during pregnancy.
The management of trauma during pregnancy requires an interdisciplinary team approach involving surgeons, emergency medicine physicians, and obstetricians. Management principles are similar to those utilized in nonpregnant patients, but a number of unique circumstances must be considered, including physiologic changes of pregnancy, diagnosis and management of abruptio placentae and fetomaternal hemorrhage, and the management of traumatic cardiac arrest during pregnancy. The routine use of cardiotocography, Kleihauer-Betke assay, and perimortem cesarean section are discussed as new principles in the management of trauma during pregnancy.