Susanne Ruge

Can Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A (Papp-A) Predict the Outcome of Pregnancy in Women with Threatened Abortion and Confirmed Fetal Viability?

Depressed pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A (PAPP‐A) concentrations have been found in patients with threatened abortion, often weeks before spontaneous abortion while the fetus was still alive. In order to extend these findings we have developed a highly sensitive PAPP‐A radio‐immunoassay and have established a reference range in early pregnancy for PAPP‐A between week 7 and week 20 of pregnancy, based on blood samples from 240 pregnant women. The gestational age was determined by ultrasound.

Obstetric risks in obesity. An analysis of the literature.

In order to evaluate the obstetric risks in obesity a partly computerized literature search was performed. Irrespective of language, papers published between 1960 and 1982 were included, provided that they were original and controlled studies on obstetric complications among women with a stated degree of overweight. Out of 143 publications 26 fulfilled the criteria and were included. They revealed information on 10,440 cases. Most reported subjects were only moderately obese. Thirty-seven complications were stated in one or more publications as being significantly more prevalent among obese women compared with lean controls. However, as data were often scarce or highly conflicting, it is concluded that an increased risk is only sufficiently documented with regard to a minority of these complications. They are: preeclampsia as well as each separate element of this disorder, diabetes mellitus, varicose veins, and the need for caesarean section. The significantly increased birth weight of the infants did not induce increase of labor complications.

The secretory endometrial protein, placental protein 14, in women with ectopic gestation

OBJECTIVE To determine the serum level of the secretory endometrial protein, placental protein 14 (PP14) and progesterone (P) in women with ectopic gestation. DESIGN Blood samples were collected prospectively and preoperatively. Reference range was determined from a prospective population of 98 women with uncomplicated pregnancies and normal outcome. SETTING The women were admitted to a university hospital. PATIENTS Fifty-nine women with laparoscopically verified ectopic pregnancy entered the study. INTERVENTION At the time of diagnosis PP14 and P were measured. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE After observing the low serum levels of PP14 and P, a correlation analysis was made and compared with the findings in normally pregnant women. RESULTS A significant positive correlation was found between the level of PP14 and P (P less than 0.00002), not found in normal intrauterine pregnancies. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that the regulation of the PP14 production involves either a control mechanism from the ovary or is mediated by paracrine secretion.

Serum levels of hPL, PAPP‐A and PP14 in patients with early pregnancy bleeding and subchorionic hemorrhage

Objective. To investigate possible endocrine changes in patients with early pregnancy bleeding and subchorionic hemorrhage.

Malakoplakia of the Prostate Causing Fatal Fistula to Rectum: A Case Report

A fatal case of malakoplakia of the prostate is described. The malakoplakia developed after 20 years of chronic prostatitis caused by E. coli and was not prevented by careful antibiotic treatment. Three years after the histological verification malakoplakia invasion caused fistula to rectum. Autopsy revealed no signs of any debilitating diseases.

Bromocriptine in the treatment of carcinoma of the cervix: A phase II trial

Twenty patients with advanced carcinoma of the uterine cervix were treated for at least 3 months with 5 mg bromocriptine daily. No remissions were found (95% confidence limits, 0-17%), neither among normo- nor among hyperprolactinemic patients. Twelve had stable disease for 2-9 months with a median of 3 months. The results of this study does not support the hypothesis that bromocriptine possesses any antitumor effect in cancer of the uterine cervix.

Depressed serum levels of human placental lactogen in first trimester vaginal bleeding

Background. It has previously been shown that serum levels of pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A (PAPP‐A) are depressed in patients with early pregnancy bleeding and a live gestation. We examined whether human placental lactogen (hPL) levels show a similar pattern. Method. Prospective study in the 8th‐14th gestational week comparing serum levels in 69 women with early pregnancy bleeding with those in 93 control pregnancies.