C. J. Dewhurst

THE ANTENATAL MEASUREMENT OF FETAL URINE PRODUCTION

An ultrasonic method of assessing the hourly fetal urine production rate (HFUPR) is described. In 50 antenatal patients screened in normal pregnancy there was a gradual rise in the mean HFUPR from 12.2 ml. at 32 weeks to 28.2 ml. at 40 weeks menstrual age.

EFFECT OF DIAGNOSTIC ULTRASOUND ON MATERNAL AND FETAL CHROMOSOMES

Abstract The effect of diagnostic pulsed and continuous-wave ultrasound on maternal and fetal chromosomes was studied in patients admitted for hysterotomy for termination of pregnancy. Of the 35 patients who were insonated, 12 were exposed to pulsed ultrasound, 12 to continuous-wave ultrasound from a fetal-heart detector, and 11 to continuous wave ultrasound from a fetal-heart monitor. There was no increase in the number of chromosome aberrations in blood cultures from the mothers and fetuses who were insonated when compared with 11 mothers and fetuses who were not insonated.

Rubella epidemic in a maternity unit.

Four cases of rubella, the last confirmed by laboratory tests, occurred among the nurses of a large obstetric unit. Immediate measures were taken to prevent the spread of the infection to pregnant patients and staff, and none was in fact infected. Persons susceptible to rubella and who become infected may pose a real danger to women in early stages of gestation during the incubation period. We recommend that the immune status of medical and nursing personnel working in obstetric departments should be ascertained serologically, and that rubella vaccine should be offered to those who are susceptible.

A search for triple X females in a fertile population.

Buccal smears of 3536 puerperal women have been examined and one example of 47 XXX karyotype found in this fertile population. One other triple X female was found during the pilot survey of 100 women. Four males with the karyotype 47 XXY were found among 1811 newborn males. No sex chromosome abnormality was detected in 1678 newborn females.

Quintuplet pregnancy diagnosed and assessed by ultrasonic compound scanning.

Abstract A quintuplet pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasound at 9 weeks menstrual age. Ultrasonic examination was also used to locate the placenta and assess fetal maturity and size.

Y CHROMOSOME FLUORESCENCE IN PHENOTYPIC FEMALES

Fluorescent staining has been carried out on the cells of five phenotypic females with Y chromosome material in their karyotypes. In three cases a morphologically normal Y chromosome showed fluorescence indistinguishable from that seen in normal male cells. In two cases morphologically abnormal Y material also fluoresced.

The 30-minute Synacthen test in pregnancy and labour.

Changes in plasma cortisol levels following the 30‐minute Synacthen test were studied in 13 women throughout normal pregnancy and in the non‐pregnant state. The plasma 11 OHCS response to Synacthen was also studied during labour in 9 of the 13 patients. A rise in resting plasma glucocorticoids as pregnancy progressed was found, similar to that described by previous workers. The post synacthen response was normal in early and mid pregnancy, enhanced in the third trimester and diminished during labour. The significance of these results is discussed.