(1,2) ניר פלד, (1,2) צ'רלס נקר, (2) שי אשכנזי, (1) פאול מרלוב

(1) המח' לילודים, מרכז רפואי רבין, קמפוס בילינסון, (2) מרכז רפואי "שניידר" לילדים, פתח תקווה, הפקולטה לרפואה סאקלר, אוניברסיטת ת"א

בשני העשורים האחרונים, נרשמו תנודות חדות בשכיחות העולמית של מחלת העגבת בכלל ועגבת הילוד בפרט. בראשית שנות התשעים, אובחנה עגבת הילוד בכל 1/10,000 לידות של ילודים חיים בארה"ב. התמותה במחלת עגבת הילוד מגיעה לכדי 40% (תוך- וחוץ-רחמית), ואף השורדים לוקים בתחלואה קשה. לפיכך, ממליץ המרכז לבקרת המחלות בארה"ב (CDC) על סקר נוגדנים בלתי סגולי לעגבת לכל אם הרה במהלך השליש הראשון להריון, או בתחילת המעקב ההריוני, הסקר נערך באמצעות תבחין בלתי-סגולי למחולל העגבת, Treponema pallidum, לרוב תבחין VDRL.

נוכח העלייה הנרשמת בשיעור חולים אלה בישראל, דנה סקירה זו במעקב ההריוני וניהול היילוד שאמו בעלת תבחין VDRL המפורש כחיובי.

אילן גל, יגאל וולמן, יוסף הרטוב, גדעון פייט, יוסף לסינג, אריאל יפו

המכון לדימות על-שמע במיילדות ורפואת נשים, ביה"ח ליולדות ליס, המרכז הרפואי ת"א

חשיבות המערכת הוורידית והחזר הדם ללב האדם הבוגר ידועה זה שנים. למעשה, השליטה העיקרית בתפוקת הלב הבוגר נקבעת על פי שינויים בזרימה ובהחזר הוורידיים. מדידות לחצים וזרימות במערכת ההחזר הוורידי ללב, משמשים כלי ניטור יומיומי ביחידות לטיפול נמרץ וטיפולים תרופתיים רבים מיועדים לשיפור זרימה זו במצבי אי-ספיקת לב. עם זאת, הזרימה העוברית וההחזר הוורידי ללב העובר לא נחקרו עד לשנים האחרונות. הסיבה לכך כפולה. ראשית, דגם עובר הכבש לבדיקת זרימת הדם שפותח בשנות השישים ייצג בעיקר, את המערכת העורקית. שנית, זיהוי מדויק של מערכת הזרימה הוורידית קשה יותר טכנית ורק עם פיתוח שיטת דופלר בצבע, ניתן היה להדגים ולמדוד בוודאות את צורת גלי הזרימה של מרכיבי המערכת ולדגום אותם. התפתחות נוספת בשנים האחרונות נובעת מהדגמה מדויקת יותר של המערכת ומאפשרת מדידת זרימת הדם במונחי מ"ל/דקה.

ראיד סלים, זהר נחום, אליעזר שלו

המח' לרפואת נשים ויולדות, מרכז רפואי העמק, עפולה והפקולטה לרפואה הטכניון - חיפה

תרומבוציטופניה (ת"ר) מוגדרת כמספר טסיות דם מתחת ל-150,000 למיקרוליטר, ושכיחה ב-7%-5% מההריונות, 75% מכלל מצבי ת"ר בהריון, הם תוצאה של תרומבוציטופניה הריונית (ת"ה), ב-20%-25% מהחולות ת"ר היא חלק מתיסמונת HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) בנשים עם רעלת הריון. ארגמנת תרומבוציטופנית חיסונית (את"ח) מהווה פחות מ-4% מסך אירועי ת"ר בהריון. אבחנה מדויקת חשובה לשם מתן טיפול הולם מחד גיסא, ולשם מניעת פעולות מיותרות ומסוכנות, מאידך גיסא.

Folic Acid for Preventing Neural Tube Defects

Ziv Gil, Adi Aran, Orna Friedman, Liana Beni-Adani, Shlomo Constantini

Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheba; Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Dana Children's Hospital, Sourasky Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv

Spina bifida and anencephaly are the most common, serious malformations in neural tube defects (NTD). Randomized trials in the last 2 decades have demonstrated that folic acid, 0.4 mg/d, reduces the incidence of NTD by more than 50%. We investigated the use of folic acid and multivitamins containing folic acid in childbearing women.

Of 221 women interviewed, 67 (30%) regularly took pills containing 0.4 mg folic acid. Women with higher educational levels were more likely to take multivitamins with folic acid than were the less educated (p=0.05). Of the women who took folic acid, only 5 (7.5%) used separate folic acid tablets, before and during their pregnancy. The rest used multivitamins containing folic acid. The 5 women who took folic acid separately were college-educated and nonreligious, and they took multivitamins in addition (p>0.05).

Of the women interviewed, 58 (26.2%) were Bedouin of the Negev. 24 (41.4%) of them took pills containing folic acid on a regular basis. This percentage is higher than that in the Jewish women in the study who took folic acid for prevention of NTD (17%; p=0.038).

Most of the women took folic acid after the first trimester. Only a minority took daily periconceptional folic acid. Multivitamins containing 0.4 mg of folic acid were more popular than folic acid tablets alone. This study emphasizes the need for continuing efforts to increase consumption of folic acid and awareness of its benefits among women of childbearing age.

Problems in Fetal Monitoring: Characteristics of Risks for Malpractice Suits

Moshe D. Fejgin, Yael Gershtanski, Talia Halamish-Shani

Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Hospital, Kfar Saba; and Medical Risk Management Co., Tel Aviv

Medical malpractice suits in obstetrics comprise about 10% of all claims against medical institutions in Israel. A significant proportion are due to failures relating to fetal monitoring. We studied the characteristics of 102 of 4125 obstetrical cases reported to the Medical Risk Management Co. as being at risk for a malpractice suit.

The cases were divided into those with medical management failures (misinterpretation of fetal monitor tracing, failure to respond promptly to fetal monitoring indicating distress, etc.) and technical failures (loss of monitor tracings, interruption in the tracing at a critical time, unreadable tracings, etc.).

The monetary quantum in fetal monitoring failures exceeded $30,000,000. The majority of these failures could have been avoided by using central electronic fetal monitoring systems with alerting and archival capabilities.

The Decision-Making Process of Abortion High Committees 

Raphael Cohen-Almagor, Yehuda Snir

Faculty of Law, University of Haifa

Factors influencing the decision-making process of the Abortions High Committees (after the 23rd week of pregnancy), and whether there are differences between decisions of different Committees were examined. A questionnaire was sent to the 45 members of these committees of whom 24 responded (53%). Some hospitals refused to cooperate because they did not want to evoke discussion about the practices of the Committees.

The significant factors that play a part in the decision as to whether or not to allow an abortion are the medical condition of the fetus, the medical and psychological state of the mother, and the week of pregnancy. The data also show that women committee members are more inclined to authorize abortion than men, and that the more religious members are less inclined to authorize abortions. No differences were found between hospitals, and the age of committee members had no influence. Members did not accord any importance to fear of litigation in their considerations.

Diabetes and Premature Delivery: Etiology and Risk Factors 

Avi Beigelman, Arnon Wiznitzer, Ilana Shoham-Vardi, Hilel Vardi, Gershon Holtcberg, Moshe Mazor

Depts. of Obstetrics and Gynecology and of Epidemiology and Health Services Evaluation, Soroka Medical Center and Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheba

Preterm birth is the leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality, while preterm labor and delivery in diabetes mellitus (DM) carries an increased risk of perinatal complications. We investigated the hypothesis that DM (gestational and pregestational) is an independent risk factor for preterm birth and evaluated the hypothesis that the risk factors for preterm birth in diabetics are different from those in non-diabetics.

The study population consisted of all singleton deliveries at this hospital between 1990-1997. Excluded were those of mothers who had not had prenatal care, or who had only partial care or multiple gestations. There were 3 subgroups: 834 women with pregestational DM, 3,841 with gestational DM, and 66,253 non-diabetics.

The combined spontaneous and induced preterm delivery rate was determined in each subgroup. Potential risk factors for spontaneous preterm deliveries were assessed by a univariate model. A logistic regression model was used to assess the unique contribution of DM (gestational and pregestational) to preterm delivery in the presence of the other risk factors, and to compare risk factors for preterm delivery between subgroups.

The prevalence of spontaneous preterm delivery was: 7.1% in non-diabetics, 10.0% in those with gestational DM and 25.5% in those with pregestational DM. When adjusted by a multivariate model for other risk factors for preterm delivery, DM still remained an independent risk factor for spontaneous preterm delivery (gestational DM: odds ratio 1.28, 95% CI: 1.1-1.48; pregestational diabetes: odds ratio 3.4, 95% CI: 2.65-4.36).

The main difference in risk factors for preterm birth between the 3 subgroups was the amount of amniotic fluid. Polyhydramnios was an independent risk factor for preterm delivery in non-diabetics and in pregestational DM, but not in gestational DM. On the other hand, oligohydramnios was associated with a higher risk for preterm delivery only in gestational DM compared to non-diabetics.

DM (gestational and pregestational) is an independent risk factor for spontaneous preterm delivery. Polyhydramnios is an independent risk factor for preterm delivery in pregestational but not in gestational DM. Oligohydramnios is a greater risk factor for preterm delivery in gestational DM compared to non-diabetics.

Relationship Between Preterm Birth and Exertion During Pregnancy

S. Gazit-Nissim, E. Sheiner, M. Mazor, I. Shoham-Vardi

Depts. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Epidemiology and of Health Services Evaluation, Soroka-University Medical Center, and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheba

The relationship between physical activity at home and at work during pregnancy and preterm birth was studied. Using a case-control design, 99 women who delivered preterm were compared with 189 women who had term deliveries. The risk of preterm birth was tested in relation to characteristics of work in and outside the home. All women were interviewed post-partum before discharge.

There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in relation to sociodemographic and obstetrical factors, but level of education was significantly lower in the study group versus the control group (p=0.001).

Women who delivered preterm had devoted less time 3 months prior to delivery to household chores (mean of 3.7 hours vs. 4.8 hours in the control group, p=0.002). They also had spent less time walking around the home than the controls (1.2 vs. 1.5 hours, p=0.02). There were no differences between the groups in relation to physical activity outside the home, not during working hours, nor in duration of work. Significantly fewer women who delivered preterm were active in sports (odds ratio 0.22; 95% confidence interval 0.50-0.65; p=0.002).

A low level of education was significantly related to the risk of preterm birth, which may have resulted from lesser compliance with their physician's recommendations. It appears that in women not used to significant physical activity but who had access to adequate prenatal care, physical effort during pregnancy was not related to a higher risk of preterm birth.

Spontaneous Bilateral Ectopic Pregnancy 

David Rabinerson, B. Kaplan, Zion Ben Rafael, Arie Dekel

Dept. of Gynecology, Beilinson Medical Center, Golda Campus, Petah Tikva, and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

Bilateral, spontaneous ectopic pregnancy is rare (1 in 125-1580 ectopic pregnancies). We describe a 30-year-old, unmarried woman with no predisposing factors for ectopic pregnancy who presented in hypovolemic shock, in the 7th week of gestation, complaining of abdominal pain. On immediate laparoscopy there were found blood and clots in the abdominal cavity, a left ampullar pregnancy (5 cm in diameter), and there was active bleeding from the fimbria of the right tube. Bilateral salpingectomy was performed and she received 3 units of packed red cells. She was discharged in good condition 3 days later. The pathologic diagnosis was pregnancy in each tube. This case emphasizes the need for thorough sonographic and laparoscopic observation in order not to miss the presence of bilateral ectopic pregnancy.

Cervical Ectopic Pregnancy

Eyal Sheiner, Ilana Yanai, David Yohai, Miriam Katz

Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pathology Unit, Soroka Medical Center and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheba

Cervical pregnancy is a rare but serious complication. The most frequent presenting symptom is vaginal bleeding, and is thus common in inevitable abortion. Examination reveals a dilated cervix containing products of conception derived from the emptied uterine cavity. The pathologic criteria are cervical glands opposite the placental site, attachment to and actual invasion of the cervix by the placenta, a portion of the placenta below the posterior reflection, and no fetal parts in the corpus uteri. Treatment ranges from hysterectomy to treatment with chemical agents, mostly methotrexate. We present a case of ectopic, cervical pregnancy with exaggerated placental site in the cervix.

Congenital Syphilis: Need for Adequate Antenatal Care

Mark Friedberg

Pediatrics B Dept., Soroka Medical Center, Beer Sheba

Congenital syphilis is well-known and treatable with penicillin. Diagnosis in the neonate and young child may be difficult and consequently morbidity and mortality can be high. Prevention in children is of utmost importance and can be achieved by proper antenatal care and adequate follow-up of pregnant women. This includes identification of pregnant women at risk for contracting syphilis. The case presented demonstrates this need.

Screening for Down's Syndrome by Measuring Fetal Nuchal Translucency Thickness

Ron Maymon, Eli Dreazen, Zwi Weinraub, Ian Bukovsky, Arie Herman

Ultrasound Unit, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

Increased fetal muchal translucency (NT) thickness at 10-14 weeks of gestation may indicate underlying fetal chromosomal abnormalities, anatomical anomalies and genetic syndromes. Between January 1997 and May 1998, 1400 women 10-14 weeks pregnant underwent sonographic screening for detection of Down's syndrome (DS). Follow-up was complete in 1208 (86%).

Maternal age ranged from 17-44 years (mean 18.0). 87% were found by screening to have a higher risk (1:380) for DS diagnosed at birth. All these fetuses were karyotyped and 8 had chromosomal abnormalities. 2 fetuses with normal NT were diagnosed later as having DS, 1 by the mid-gestation triple test and 1 by amniocentesis because of advanced maternal age.

Thus sonographic screening identified 8 out of 10 fetuses found to have chromosomal abnormalities at birth. Neonates not karyotyped before birth had no traits at birth that justified chromosomal analysis. Results of this study suggest that NT measurement, combined with maternal age, is an effective 1st trimester screening method for DS in an unselected obstetric population.

Outcome in Fetuses with Increased Nuchal Translucency Thickness

Ron Maymon, Eli Dreazen, Yosi Tovbin, Zwi Weinraub, Arie Herman

Ultrasound Unit, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

Increased thickness of fetal nuchal translucency (TNT) measured at 10-14 weeks of gestation, may suggest underlying fetal chromosomal defects, structural abnormalities or genetic syndromes. We examined the relationship between increased TNT and pregnancy outcome, especially in fetuses with normal karyotypes.

1400 pregnant women underwent first trimester scanning and screening for chromosomal abnormalities and measurement of fetal TNT. 25 fetuses (2%) with increased TNT (>3 mm) were identified. 8 (30%) had an abnormal karyotype. Of these, 5 pregnancies were aborted, 3 ended in spontaneous abortions before karyotyping, and 2 were terminated, all before detailed cardiac scanning. There was a high association between increased TNT and karyotype abnormalities. The total incidence of favorable outcome in fetuses with normal chromosomal and cardiac features but enlarged TNT was 56%.

Depression Scale for Research in and Identification of Postpartum Depression

Saralee Glasser, Vita Barell

Health Services Research Unit, Ministry of Health, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a relatively frequent and serious condition, with negative consequences for the mother, her infant, and the family. From research and clinical experience in many countries, it has been found that PPD can be identified early, and women at risk for developing PPD can be identified before delivery in the framework of primary health care service. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) has been found valid for this purpose, both in the original English version, and in translation to numerous languages. The Hebrew translation of the EPDS is presented, and it is recommended that Israeli researchers use the same translation to facilitate accumulation of knowledge regarding the epidemiology of PPD and intervention strategies in various Israeli population groups, and for comparison with data from other countries.

Operative Laparoscopy in Pregnancy

Eylon Lachman, Abraham Schienfeld, R. Boldes, Samuel Levin, Michael Burstein, Michael Stark

Depts. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Misgav Ladach Hospital, Jerusalem

The development of laparoscopic surgery in gynecology and general surgery has greatly advanced over the past decade, and recently has been successfully performed in pregnancy. In the English literature we found that of the 518 cases reported (mean age 32 years) the most common was for cholecystectomy (45%), followed by operations on the adnexae (34%), appendectomy (15%) and others (6%). To these we add 3 cases of cholecystectomy and 1 of an adnexal tumor. Of all the reported cases, 33% were performed in the 1st trimester, 56% in the 2nd and 11% in the 3rd.

This review demonstrates a definite trend to laparoscopy in pregnancy. It appears to be safe when performed by experienced surgeons, but further studies addressing safety of laparoscopic surgery during pregnancy are needed to reach definitive conclusions.