W. Eppel

The influence of nicotine abuse and diabetes mellitus on the results of primary irradiation in the treatment of carcinoma of the cervix

References in the literature to the frequent occurrence of cervix carcinoma accompanied by nicotine abuse led us to investigate the effects of cigarette smoking on the results of treatment in primary irradiation of cervix carcinoma. As not only nicotine abuse but also diabetes mellitus can lead to angiopathy, we also investigated the influence of diabetes mellitus on the results of treatment. Of 410 nonsmokers with carcinoma of the cervix in Stages I and II, 260 (63.4%) reached the 5‐year limit, but only 62 of 115 smokers survived (53.9%). In Stages III and IV there were significantly less favorable rates of cure in patients with nicotine abuse. Of 626 nonsmokers with cervix carcinoma in Stages III and IV, 212 survived (33.9%); but of 153 smokers, only 31 (20.1%) could be cured (P < 0.01). The frequency of side effects of primary irradiation was distinctly higher in smokers than in nonsmokers. Reversible complications occurred in 17.5% of the smokers and 15.5% of the nonsmokers. Severe irreversible changes occurred in 28% of the smokers versus 15.2% of the comparative group of nonsmokers (P < 0.01). The injuries caused by smoking not only reduce the biologic effectiveness of ionizing radiation but also increase the rate of side effects due to the deficient capacity for regeneration of the tissue surrounding the tumor. With diabetes as a complication, however, no significant changes in frequency of side effects were noted. Five‐year survival in diabetic patients was affected in Stage I and II, but not in the advanced stages.

The effects of hormone substitution in depot form on the uterus in a group of 50 perimenopausal women — a vaginosonographic study

The aim of our study was to examine the effects of hormone replacement on the size of the uterus and the development or increase of myomatas. Fifty perimenopausal women were included in the study (53.8 +/- 5.0 years). Patients received a substitution therapy composed of a combination of 4 mg estradiovalerate and 200 mg prasteronenantate (Gynodian Depot cartridges) given as a muscular injection in 6-10 week intervals (mean 7 weeks +/- 4 days). Prior to the onset of therapy with Gynodian and after a period of 12 months (+/- 13 days) vaginosonography was performed. Measurements taken were length, thickness, height of endometrium, size of ovaries and of myomas. Data obtained were correlated with baseline findings. Within 1 year, significant increases in uterus length from 73.4 mm to 88.2 mm, in uterus thickness from 33.9 mm to 43.5 mm and in endometrium height from 4.1 mm to 6.7 mm were observed (median values). There was an increase in both the number (from 2.2 to 3.5) and the size of the myomatas (29.4-35.0 mm diameter). A statistical analysis conducted by means of the Wilcoxon matched pairs signed-rank sum test showed P < 0.001. No significant change occurred in the size of the ovaries. Our study shows that hormone substitution may have an impact on uterus growth and that therefore vaginosonographical monitoring can be recommended.

Serum prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGFM) and oxytocin levels correlate with sonographic changes in the cervix in patients with preterm labor

SummaryThis is a study on the correlation of maternal serum oxytocin and prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGFM) levels with sonographically measurable changes in the cervix and the internal cervical os in patients with preterm labor. Oxytocin levels significantly correlate (P=0.03) with the width of the internal os and the PGFM values significantly correlate with the length of the cervix (P=0.008). An increase in the oxytocin level resulted in a measurable widening of the internal os and an increase in the prostaglandin level resulted in a measurable shortening of the cervix.

Early detection of ectopic pregnancy by transvaginal ultrasound

SummaryTransvaginal (TVU; 19 patients) and transabdominal ultrasound (TAU; 24 patients) were compared in their ability to visualize an ectopic pregnancy. The direct visualization of ectopic pregnancy (EUP) was 25% with TAU and 94.7% with TVU. All women had a proven EUP in laparoscopy. TAU approach showed a significant inferiority (P<0.02) and TVU a superiority (P<0.08) in comparison to clinical examination. 83% of 43 women had spotting. Nonspecific signs for EUP like fluid in the pouch of Douglas was seen in 20.9%. Thin endometrium was seen in 6.9%, in 37.2% the thickness of endometrium was under 10 mm, in 55.8% more than 10 mm. An intrauterine pseudogestation sac was detected in 6.9%, corpus luteum formation in 37.2%.

Umbilikale Strömungsverhältnisse bei Schwangerschaftskomplikationen - 2. Teil: Pathologische Indexkonstellationen

In a study comprising a total of 700 pregnant women, umbilical resistance was examined. Measurements were taken at both sides of the cord. A decline in resistance was registered from the fetal abdominal wall to the placental insertion of the vessels. According to a collective of 500 patients with a normal development and outcome of their pregnancies a physiological constellation of the resistance indices could be confirmed. It was taken as a basis for the definition of pathological cases. Different pathologies were related quite clearly to a special (unphysiological) constellation of the indices.

[A case of Patau syndrome. Fetal heart defect and lip-jaw-palate cleft as indicators].

Diagnosis of a malformation of the heart and a facial cleft and additionally other abnormalities by means of ultrasound. The result of karyotyping was trisomy 13.

Der Einfluss von Leistungssport auf das weibliche Zyklusverhalten am Beispiel Windsurfen

Es wurden an alle weiblichen Mitglieder (n = 60) der osterreichischen Funboardvereinigung (Funboard = sportlich anspruchvollste Windsurfboardklasse) Fragebogen verschickt. Diese enthielten Fragen uber