Herik Caterini

Vitamin levels in low-birth-weight newborn infants and their mothers

The cord blood of 50 normal-birth-weight neonates (more than 2,500 grams) and 50 low-birth-weight neonates (less than 2,500 grams) and the respective mothers blood were analyzed for folate, vitamin B6, riboflavin, nicotinate, pantothenate, thiamin, biotin, vitamin B12, vitamin A, and beta-carotene concentrations at parturition. No mothers had received supplemental vitamin intake. Except for vitamin A and beta-carotene, maternal vitamin levels were lower than those of neonates in all instances. Vitamin levels in the blood of low-birth-weight neonates were the same of those of normal-birth-weight infants except for significantly lower folate, vitamin B12, and pantothenate levels.

Fetal risk in hyperextension of the fetal head in breech presentation

An evaluation of the possible etiologic factors in hyperextension of the fetal head in breech presentation and a discussion of management are presented. Our seven cases plus a review of the literature led to the conclusion that hyperextension of the aftercoming head is a dangerous malpresentation that should not be underestimated. For this reason, we strongly suggest an x-ray of all breech presentations in early labor, not only to evaluate pelvic adequacy but also to determine the attitude of the head. In persistent hyperextension, cesarean section is the management of choice.

Galactorrhea-amenorrhea syndrome associated with heroin addiction

Abstract Three patients with galactorrhea and amenorrhea associated with the long-term use of heroin are reported, introducing a possible etiologic factor for the amenorrhea-galactorrhea symptom complex. The patients, heroin addicts, had copious galactorrhea and amenorrhea and demonstrated low gonadotropin values, hypoestrogenism, and normal thyroid and adrenal function. The possibility of a pituitary tumor was excluded in all the cases. The clinical picture, the laboratory, radiologic, and laparoscopic findings, and the results of the biopsies are described. The mechanism of action of heroin is probably pharmacologic blockage of the hypothalamus or the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. As a consequence, the hypophysis is not stimulated by the gonadotropin-releasing factors and is not inhibited by the prolactin-inhibiting factor, producing hypoestrogenism and secretion of prolactin, clinically manifested by amenorrhea and galactorrhea. This symptom complex is probably a temporary syndrome which will disappear or improve after cessation of heroin use.

Spinal Cord Tumors During Pregnancy

The diagnosis of and therapy for spinal cord tumors occurring during pregnancy are discussed. A case of pilocytic astrocytoma, not reported previously in the literature, is presented.

Purification and Characterization of a Sperm-Coating Antigen from Human Seminal Plasma *

A sperm-coating antigen has been purified from human seminal plasma by a combination of fractionation methods including ammonium sulfate precipitation, Sephadex G-100 gel filtration, and diethylaminoethyl cellulose ion-exchange chromatography. The purified antigen was demonstrated to be immunologically identical sperm-coating antigen, not derived from blood serum but having immunologically cross-relating antigens in milk and saliva, and a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of approximately 33,000. The purpose of purifying this antigen was discussed.

Vaginal Transposition of the Ovary in Primates (Papio Cynocephalus and Macaca Arctoides)

Summary: Experimental data indicate that the time and mechanism of ovulation play a significant role in some cases of infertility and in a broad range of reproductive abnormalities. In order to establish a new experimental model for the study of these phenomena in primates, transposition of the ovary from the pelvis into the vaginal fornix was attempted in 2 species of monkeys: (a) Macaca Arctoides and (b) Papio Cynocephalus.

COMPARISON OF STERILIZATION BY TUBAL LIGATION AND HYSTERECTOMY

A comparison was made between sterilization by hysterectomy and by tubal ligation at the time of cesarean section and as an interval procedure. All operations were done at one institution and, essentially, by the same physician population, allowing for promotion within the residency program. The major deterrent to hysterectomy was the associated high incidence of necessary blood transfusion. However, a hysterectomy does offer the benefits of a permanent and completely effective procedure and the removal of an organ which ultimately may be the source of other problems. If another pathologic condition exists, making ultimate hysterectomy likely, it is the procedure of choice for sterilization, avoiding risks, costs, and the inconvenience of another operation. Methods of elective sterilization must be individualized. If the patient is appraised of the increased risk of hysterectomy and desires this more definitive procedure on the basis of informed consent, the incidence of complications is not prohibitive. These should not deter the well trained surgeon but should mandate use of all available skills, intensive evaluation of the patient, and concerned recognition of the potential adverse consequences.

Fatal Pulmonary Embolism in Puerperal Ovarian Vein Thrombophlebitis

Caterini, H., Pelosi, M., Sama, J., Langer, A. and Devanesan, M. (Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New Jersey Medical School, 65 Bergen Street, Newark, N.J., USA).