Multiple marker screen positivity in the presence of hydrops fetalis

Three cases of hydrops fetalis presented in the second trimester as screen-positive for Down syndrome using multiple maternal serum markers. One case was a karyotypically normal female; one case was a monosomy X (Turner syndrome); and one case was a trisomy 21 (Down syndrome). In each case, the maternal serum human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) was disproportionately elevated. These cases support the contention that hydrops fetalis of any aetiology may present as screen-positive when using multiple maternal serum markers for Down syndrome. Further cases will be necessary before it can be determined whether a disproportionately elevated hCG is predictive of hydrops.

Metronidazole hypersensitivity

OBJECTIVE

To report a case of a possible hypersensitivity reaction induced by metronidazole.

CASE SUMMARY

An Asian woman with a history of recurrent vaginitis had previously developed localized erythema while on intravaginal metronidazole and nystatin. While receiving oral metronidazole for treatment of a current bacterial vaginosis, she developed chills, fever, generalized erythema, and a rash within 60 minutes of the first dose. Treatment with diphenhydramine was instituted. The following day while in the hospital, the patient's condition worsened; she experienced shortness of breath and increased edema of the extremities. Methylprednisolone was administered with diphenhydramine and her condition improved over the next 5 days. The patient's vaginitis was treated with gentian violet and she was discharged on a tapering dosage of prednisone.

DISCUSSION

Metronidazole-induced cutaneous reactions and systemic hypersensitivity reactions are reviewed. Alternatives to metronidazole and other potential cross-reactive drugs are suggested for the treatment of recurrent vaginitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the patient's initial reaction to metronidazole represented a rare event, written documentation and communication in the patient's native language may have prevented the subsequent severe hypersensitivity reaction.

Amniotic band syndrome: a population-based study in two Australian states

A search for cases of amniotic band syndrome was made in two population-based Australian birth defects registries, using defined selection criteria. Over a period of 4 years in Western Australia and 5 years in South Australia, 25 cases of amniotic band syndrome had been identified as such by the two registries, and an additional 15 new cases were identified by the study selection process, giving an annual prevalence of amniotic band syndrome over the study period of 2.03 per 10,000 births. Similar proportions of male and female infants were affected, although the syndrome was more common in mothers younger than 25 years of age, and in first births. Limb defects only (upper and/or lower) were found in 24 cases, limb-body-wall defects in four cases, and complex craniofacial and other malformations in 12 cases. A heightened awareness of the syndrome should enhance the identification of amniotic band syndrome, which has implications for genetic counselling, and our understanding of the aetiology and pathogenesis of this condition.

Cryopreservation of red blood cells: effect of freezing on red cell quality and residual lymphocyte immunogenicity

AIMS

To investigate treatment with glycerol/washing as a potential substitute for freeze-thawing in the production of leucocyte depleted red cell concentrates for patients with a history of non-haemolytic reactions following transfusion.

METHODS

The standard procedure of treatment with glycerol/-80 degrees C freezing/thawing/washing was compared with a similar procedure in which freezing was omitted. The quality of the resulting red cell products was assessed in relation to: (1) standard red cell biochemical parameters; (2) leucocyte and lymphocyte subset composition using flow cytometry with fluorescent labelled monoclonal antibodies; and (3) immunogenicity of the residual lymphocytes in mixed lymphocyte culture.

RESULTS

Compared with red cells subjected to the standard freeze-thaw technique, red cells undergoing the non-freezing procedure and suspended in additive solutions had significantly better biochemical preservation after 21 days of storage (p < 0.001). Both procedures removed an average 98% of the initial leucocytes at the expense of 18-20% of the red cells. The non-freezing procedure resulted in higher residual concentrations of HLA class II bearing lymphocytes (p < 0.01), but not higher numbers of dendritic cells. Both procedures were equally effective in annulling the residual lymphocytes' ability to act as stimulator cells in one-way mixed lymphocyte culture.

CONCLUSIONS

The non-freezing procedure produces a superior product for the provision of red cells to patients with granulocyte antibodies. These products may also offer a lower risk of HLA alloimmunisation to previously unexposed patients.

Anthropometric measurements in the second trimester fetus

Normal anthropometric measurements, of accepted value for clinicians and pathologists in the assessment of the dysmorphic neonate, have not in the past been available for the second trimester fetus, in which dysmorphic features are often more subtle and objective measurements most needed. In order to establish these values 19 anthropometric measurements, comparable to those published for the larger fetus and neonate, were recorded at autopsy on each of 260 overtly normal non-macerate singleton fetuses between 13 and 26 weeks gestation. Regression lines for each parameter, and growth ratios of potential value for description and assessment of dysmorphic features, were derived. The sex ratio was 1.27 and as there was no statistically significant sex difference for any of the 19 measurements chosen, the data was subsequently pooled. There were linear correlations between gestational age and each growth parameter, all but three exceeding 0.90. The linear correlations between pairs of growth parameter were higher than the correlations between gestational age and individual growth parameters. This suggests that growth parameter pairs, expressed as a ratio, are less affected by errors in gestational age estimation. Ratios enabling the dysmorphologist to more objectively assess common observations such as abnormalities of head shape, relationship between limb and trunk length and gross proportional relationships between major body segments were derived. Collected measurements were compared with established ultrasound reference ranges. While reference ranges for biparietal diameter and head circumference showed close concordance with those derived from ultrasound measurements, the abdominal circumference was consistently lower than that measured by ultrasound possibly because of differing trunk positions in utero compared with after death. The graphs and ratios derived in this study can be rapidly applied to confirm visual impressions at clinical examination and at autopsy.

A fatal case of necrotizing enterocolitis in a neonate with polyagglutination of red blood cells

An infant of 30 weeks gestation developed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) 8 days after birth and died 2 days later after a fulminating course. During her illness she received two blood transfusions, both of which produced sub-optimal rises in her haemoglobin and were associated with evidence of haemolysis. Retrospective analysis demonstrated T antigen (Tk) polyagglutination of the infant's red blood cells and donor plasma. Although bacterial cultures were negative throughout the course of the illness in this case, T antigen exposure is associated with certain anaerobic infections and with severity of NEC. Infants with NEC should be regularly screened for T antigen exposure and if this test is positive, plasma (immunoglobulin) containing infusions should be avoided.

Blood component treatment: a retrospective audit in five major London hospitals

A retrospective audit of 200 transfusion episodes involving the use of platelets or fresh frozen plasma (FFP) was performed in five hospitals in London. It examined the currently used practices of transfusion and assessed the appropriateness of blood component treatment. It was necessary to search for an excess of case notes to provide a sufficient number of patients for review. In 61.5% of cases the reason for using the components was not stated. Inadequate documentation of the use of blood components occurred in 66% of cases. An accepted clinical indication for the use of components was evident in only 36% of the total; inappropriate use of FFP was particularly apparent. It is concluded that many aspects of transfusion practice need to be improved.

Dandy-Walker malformation (variant), cystic dysplastic kidneys, and hepatic fibrosis: a distinct entity or Meckel syndrome?

Dandy-Walker malformation is an unusual finding in Meckel syndrome, which characteristically presents with encephalocele, polydactyly, and cystic renal disease. We report on a family in which three nonviable brothers had Dandy-Walker malformations (variant) with associated enlarged cystic dysplastic kidneys and hepatic fibrosis. The consistent segregation of these abnormalities in all three sibs in the absence of polydactyly and encephalocele suggested the possibility of a distinct syndrome. The clinicopathological findings of the disorder are described and discussed in the context of the phenotypic spectrum of Meckel syndrome.

Ablation of endometriotic implants in rabbits by hematoporphyrin derivative photoradiation therapy using the gold vapor laser

In a rabbit model, endometriotic lesions were utilized to study hematoporphyrin derivative (HPD) uptake and the effect of photoradiation using the gold vapor laser. Morphological studies confirmed successful induction of ectopic endometrial growth and the lesions displayed preferential HPD uptake compared to normal intraperitoneal structures. Gold vapor laser irradiation of the lesions in HPD pretreated animals produced necrosis of the endometriotic lesions leaving surrounding tissues healthy. Results from this study suggest that HPD-mediated photodynamic therapy may be a suitable means of treating endometriosis in the human.

Dietary restriction, tyramine, and the use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors

The aim of this study is to provide clearer guidelines for rational, safe, and practical dietary restriction for use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Tyramine levels were assayed in over 100 of the controversial foods that have been associated with hypertensive reactions or reported to contain high levels of tyramine. Only a very limited number of foods appear to require absolute restriction. These include all aged cheeses, concentrated yeast extracts (e.g., Marmite), sauerkraut, and broad bean pods. Alcoholic beverages, including Chianti wine consumed in moderation, appear to be safe. Some aged meats contain relatively high levels of tyramine and require closer investigation.

Umbilical cord sclerosis as an indicator of congenital syphilis

In two cases of congenital syphilis examination of the umbilical cord showed a distinctive picture of perivascular sclerosis and inflammation. Large numbers of spirochaetes were shown in the sclerotic zone in both cases. No organisms were demonstrable in the placental disc and there were no morphological changes suggestive of syphilis. It is concluded that the finding of sclerosing funisitis, together with the clinical circumstances, should raise the possibility of congenital syphilis.

Ultrasound in the perinatal necropsy

Although plain and contrast radiology have become a well established part of the perinatal and fetal necropsy, the role of ultrasound has been less comprehensively explored. We have found a variety of ultrasonographic approaches to be of value in diagnosis, quality control, and teaching. Ultrasound is of particular help where consent for formal necropsy has been declined.

Osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism: report of a further case with manifestations similar to those of types I and III

We describe a male infant with microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism. The clinical and radiological manifestations most closely resemble those of the patient described by Winter et al. to have manifestations overlapping with both osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism types I and III. The classification of the patient within the spectrum of osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism is discussed and the distinctive neuropathology documented.

Gelatin embedding and diagnostic ultrasound in the examination of the fetal and neonatal brain

We describe a new method for the post-mortem examination of the fetal central nervous system. The brain is immobilized in gelatin prior to ultrasonic examination. Correlation with prenatal ultrasound is excellent and subsequent pathological examination is enhanced and facilitated.

Pulmonary agenesis as part of the VACTERL sequence

Pulmonary agenesis is an uncommon anomaly that has been reported in isolation and in association with other congenital defects. Such defects include oesophageal atresia, cardiac malformation, horseshoe kidney, and anal atresia. Over a period of three years we have seen five neonates or fetuses with unilateral agenesis of the lung. All the cases had three or more anomalies seen in the VACTERL sequence in addition to the pulmonary atresia. None had a tracheo-oesophageal fistula. None were the products of consanguineous marriages. There had been no recurrence of this range of defects in any of the families at the time of writing. We suggest that pulmonary agenesis may occur as an alternative to tracheo-oesophageal fistula in the VACTERL sequence.

Examination of products of conception terminated after prenatal investigation

A large number of district general hospitals have access to diagnostic ultrasonography and other methods of prenatal diagnosis, resulting in an increased supply of freshly terminated malformed fetuses to general histopathology departments, and there is now more open discussion of malformation and greater concern over fetal wastage. General pathologists are therefore under greater pressure to produce complete and detailed descriptions of a wide range of often complex anomalies. The dismissal of specimens as "multiple congenital anomalies" is becoming increasingly unacceptable to couples who wish to embark on further pregnancies and to their medical attendants. As in other fields an understanding of the methods and terminology in clinical use and a consistent diagnostic approach should help pathologists to extract sufficient information for accurate counselling.

A new category of lethal short-limbed dwarfism

We describe a first cousin marriage between Asians which resulted in 13 pregnancies; 4 of the offspring were normal, 5 were stillborn dwarves, 3 pregnancies resulted in miscarriage, and one was terminated for dwarfism detected prenatally. The radiology and histology are unique and the pedigree suggests autosomal recessive inheritance.