J Formos Med Assoc
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The beta-like globin gene cluster, consisting of five genes and a pseudogene, is located on chromosome 11 and is arranged in the order 5'-epsilon-G gamma-A gamma-phi beta-delta-beta-3'. With the fast and sensitive method of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in the gradient mobile system, we studied the G gamma values of fetal hemoglobin in 34 patients with Cooley's anemia, 100 normal adults and 100 newborns. There were 84 newborns with a mean G gamma value of 67.41 +/- 2.37%, 15 newborns with a G gamma value of 83.45 +/- 1.92% and one newborn with a G gamma value of 100%. ⋯ While the G gamma values for patients with Cooley's anemia were divided into two groups, 56.23 +/- 6.55% and 80.60 +/- 3.05%. There was no case having a G gamma value of 100%. Our results suggest that the expression of the gamma gene in Cooley's anemia is similar to that of the newborns.
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From an overseas Chinese born in Thailand, an extraordinarily high level of A2 + E band (20.2%) was found during routine cellulose acetate Hb electrophoresis. With a suspicion of Hb E, the beta-globin gene was studied by using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct DNA sequencing method. ⋯ A normal sequence at the corresponding codon was noted in the other allele; hence, this patient is a heterozygote of Hb E. PCR and direct DNA sequencing provide a rapid method for detection of Hb E from a small amount of DNA.
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Case Reports
Simultaneous bilateral tubal pregnancies after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer: report of a case.
Ectopic pregnancies continue to be a major complication of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). A case of bilateral simultaneous tubal pregnancy after IVF-ET is described. The patient underwent ovum pick-up (OPU) through a laparotomy with concomitant pelvic surgery. ⋯ It is important to recognize that care in the transfer technique, with respect to the catheter position and limiting the volume of transfer medium to 20 microL, and an awareness of previous occlusion of the tubal ostia, or of a salpingectomy before IVF-ET, can help to minimize this complication rate. Two important points are the possibility of a simultaneous bilateral tubal pregnancy after IVF-ET, and the necessity of carefully examining both adnexa at the time of surgery for an ectopic pregnancy. Early and accurate diagnosis of a simultaneous bilateral ectopic pregnancy can prevent the necessity of a second operation and reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.
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When a bleeding source from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract cannot be identified with conventional diagnostic studies, it is known as GI bleeding of an obscure origin. In the past three years, in vivo Technetium 99m-labeled red blood cell scintigraphy (RBC scan) has been added to our armamentarium for the diagnosis of obscure GI bleeding. Out of a total of 26 cases, the bleeders could be detected in 12 or 46.2% by RBC scan. ⋯ False localization could be prevented by shortening the sequential imaging interval. It is concluded that an RBC scan is a very sensitive and safe tool for detection of GI bleeding of an intermittent nature, because the bleeder can be monitored for 24 hours after a single injection. It can be used as a preangiographic screening test and to guide the surgeon in surgical planning or decision-making.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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The purpose of this series is to prospectively validate the Chinese equations for predicting fetal weight developed in a previous study. A total of 640 Chinese fetuses were examined antenatally for biparietal diameter (BPD), abdominal circumference (AC) and femur length (FL) by real-time ultrasonography within two days of delivery. ⋯ Our results demonstrate that the Chinese equations developed by Hsieh et al are a better fit for Chinese fetuses than the foreign equations are. Also, the two Chinese equations predict fetal weight well between 2,000 g and 4,000 g, but further modification is needed in cases where the BW is less than 2,000 g or greater than 4,000 g.