Obstetrics and gynecology
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Obstetrics and gynecology · Mar 1990
ReviewNonimmune hydrops fetalis associated with genetic abnormalities.
The purpose of this review of the literature on nonimmune hydrops fetalis was to evaluate whether recent clinicopathologic studies have modified the relative incidence of the different associated conditions and the management of these pregnancies. We found 600 cases of nonimmune hydrops fetalis published since 1982. These cases were reviewed with particular attention to genetic causes and were compared with a literature review of 298 cases published before 1982. ⋯ The most frequently identified genetic abnormalities in our review were chromosomal disorders (15.7%), alpha-thalassemia (10.3%), skeletal dysplasia (4%), arthrogryposis multiplex syndromes (1.8%), multiple pterygium syndrome (1.5%), and lysosomal storage disorders (1.0%). These results confirm the need for systematic chromosome analysis in fetuses with nonimmune hydrops. From this review, we conclude that prenatal noninvasive and invasive techniques combined with detailed pathologic studies have improved the accuracy of diagnosis of the underlying causes of nonimmune hydrops fetalis and have influenced the management of these pregnancies.
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Obstetrics and gynecology · Mar 1990
The Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction complicating syphilotherapy in pregnancy.
Thirty-three gravidas with syphilis were monitored with hourly vital signs and examinations for 24 hours after treatment with benzathine penicillin G. Fifteen (45%) of the subjects had a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction, including all three, 12 of 20 (60%), and none of ten of those with primary, secondary, and latent syphilis, respectively. The most common symptoms were fever (73%), uterine contractions (67%), and decreased fetal movement (67%). ⋯ Prostaglandin F2 alpha and prostacyclin metabolites were elevated transiently in the one subject studied, suggesting their role in mediating the cardiovascular and uterine events in the post-treatment period. The Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction in pregnancy is similar in frequency, character, and intensity to that in nonpregnant adults, but gravidas may have increase uterine activity and transient alterations in fetal well-being. The pregnant patient with a severely affected fetus with congenital syphilis may experience preterm labor, preterm delivery, or fetal death in association with the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction.