Feasibility of performing a virtual patient examination using three-dimensional ultrasonographic data acquired at remote locations

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility of performing three-dimensional ultrasonographic studies that meet American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine and American College of Radiology ultrasonographic examination guidelines with review off-line and at remote locations.

METHODS

One hundred patients were studied at 2 institutions using high-end two-dimensional clinical ultrasonographic scanners and commercially available three-dimensional ultrasonography for a variety of organ systems (first- and second-trimester fetus, abdomen, and female pelvis). We evaluated several parameters, including measurements, completeness of organ visualization, abnormalities identified, image quality, number of volumes required, and discrepancies between interpretations.

RESULTS

Overall, three-dimensional ultrasonography could produce diagnostic-quality results comparable with those of two-dimensional ultrasonography. Three-dimensional ultrasonographic image quality was lower than that of two-dimensional ultrasonography. Two- and three-dimensional ultrasonographic measurements were comparable (<5% difference), as was the extent of organ visualization, although some structures were challenging for both two- and three-dimensional ultrasonography. In general, organs completely imaged in the scanner field of view required 1 to 1.5 volumes, whereas larger organs required between 3 and 6 volumes. Differences among reviewers' interpretations highlighted the need for standardization of acquisition and reviewing protocols for sonographers and physicians.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that it is clinically feasible to acquire three-dimensional ultrasonographic data at one site and to obtain accurate interpretation by off-line review at another within the context of providing high-quality clinical diagnostic studies.

Reduction in fat intake is not associated with weight loss in most women after breast cancer diagnosis: evidence from a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

A reduction in dietary fat intake has been suggested as a method to promote weight loss in women at risk for breast cancer recurrence.

METHODS

Weight change in response to diet intervention was examined in 1010 women who had completed treatment for Stage I, Stage II, or Stage IIIA (American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system) primary operable breast cancer during their first year of participation in a randomized, controlled, diet intervention trial to reduce risk of recurrence. Diet intervention was performed by telephone counseling and promoted a low fat diet that also was high in fiber, vegetables, and fruit. The comparison group was provided with general dietary guidelines to reduce disease risk. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine the relations among demographic and personal characteristics, changes in diet composition and exercise level, and change in body weight or body mass index.

RESULTS

The average weight change in the 1-year period was 0.04 kg for the intervention group and 0.46 kg for the comparison group. For the total group, body weight was stable (+/- 5% baseline weight) for 743 women (74%), whereas 114 (11%) lost weight, and 153 (15%) gained weight. These distributions were similar in the two study groups inclusive of all study participants and for only those women with a baseline body mass index of > or = 25 kg/m2. Initial body mass index and changes in fiber and vegetable intakes, but not change in percent of energy obtained from fat, were associated independently with change in weight or body mass index.

CONCLUSIONS

For most women at risk for breast cancer recurrence, diet intervention to promote a reduction in fat intake was not associated with significant weight loss. Testing the effect of a substantial change in diet composition on risk for breast cancer recurrence is unlikely to be confounded by weight loss in subjects who were the recipients of intensive intervention efforts.

Eating pathology and obesity in women at risk for breast cancer recurrence

OBJECTIVE

This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship among obesity, depressive symptoms, eating attitudes and behaviors, and dietary intake. It compared women at risk for recurrence of breast cancer and women who had not been diagnosed with breast cancer and were recruited from the same community and age group (middle-aged and older).

METHOD

Body mass index (BMI), dietary intake, self-reported depressive symptoms, and eating disorder psychopathology (assessed with the Eating Disorder Examination - Questionnaire [EDE-Q]) were examined in women who had been diagnosed with breast cancer (n = 56) and the comparison group of women with no breast cancer history (n = 52). Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify factors independently associated with global and subscale EDE-Q scores and BMI.

RESULTS

BMI and depressive symptoms were significantly and independently associated with global and subscale EDE-Q scores in women at risk for breast cancer recurrence and women with no breast cancer history. Dietary restriction was also significantly associated with EDE-Q scores in the group with no breast cancer history.

CONCLUSIONS

An association among obesity, depressive symptomatology, and abnormal eating attitudes and behavior may affect response to standard nutritional interventions in women at risk for breast cancer recurrence.

Use of prenatal services by Hispanic women in San Diego County. A comparison of urban and rural settings

The purpose of this study was to investigate patterns of prenatal care use among urban and rural Hispanic women in San Diego County, California. A cohort study of Hispanic women delivering at one of five San Diego County hospitals between July 1991 and January 1992 was conducted (N = 587). Data were collected by in-person interview and medical record abstraction. Logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with late entry into prenatal care, while simultaneously adjusting for important confounding variables. Three factors were found to be significantly associated with late entry into prenatal care. Women who resided in urban areas were two times more likely to enter prenatal care late as compared to women who lived in rural areas (odds ratio = 2.11; 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.12, 4.0). Women who reported not having initially "wanted" the pregnancy were 2.2 times more likely to enter prenatal care late (95% CI = 1.05, 4.59). The risk of entering prenatal care late increased by 20% for each additional barrier to care that was reported (95% CI = 1.09, 1.34). Results indicate that timely entry into prenatal care may be improved among San Diego Hispanic women by targeting specific barriers to prenatal care identified in this study and by providing greater family planning assistance to this population to decrease unwanted pregnancies.

Placental cord insertion visualization with prenatal ultrasonography

Color Doppler and gray scale sonography can be used prenatally to identify the location of the cord insertion into the placenta. The purposes of this paper were to (1) relate sonographic identification of placental cord insertion with placental pathology; (2) evaluate the possibility that a marginal cord insertion may evolve into a velamentous cord insertion; and (3) determine the frequency and factors affecting sonographic visualization of cord insertion. Our results show that the sonographic assessment of cord insertion correlated with the pathologic outcome in 83% (106 of 128) of singleton pregnancies and at least one of the fetuses in 72% (8 of 11) of twin or triplet pregnancies. Although the sensitivity for identification of an abnormal cord insertion was low (42%), the specificity was high (95%). Our data suggest that marginal cord insertion evolved into velamentous cord insertion in one singleton and one twin. Our results showed that cord insertion was visualized in 54% of fetuses scanned in a routine clinical practice. Cord insertion visualization was possible at all gestational ages, although it was more difficult at later gestational ages. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that (1) ultrasonography (either gray scale or color Doppler) is useful in identifying normal, marginal, and velamentous cord insertion; (2) marginal cord insertion may evolve into velamentous cord insertion as pregnancy progresses; (3) in clinical practice the cord insertion site was visualized in just over half of the cases, and (4) prenatal identification of marginal and velamentous cord insertion potentially may be useful for planning obstetrical management.

Practice styles. A comparison of obstetricians and nurse-midwives

Iain Chalmers and the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Oxford, England, developed a comprehensive listing of perinatal care procedures shown to reduce the frequency of adverse outcomes during pregnancy and childbirth. This list was used as a framework for a pilot study conducted in 1992 that reviewed similarities and differences in opinion and practice style between certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and obstetrician/gynecologists. Twenty CNMs and 57 obstetrician/gynecologists who were active clinical practitioners in San Diego commented on 24 items drawn from Chalmers' work. The CNMs were more likely to favor the availability of social and psychological support variables and to use them in their practice. The groups were more alike than different in their views concerning preventive interventions during the prenatal period. CNMs were more likely to support the availability of alternatives to maternal positions for labor and birth, exhalatory breathing, and delayed pushing and less likely to support the availability of electronic fetal monitoring, epidural anesthesia, episiotomy, and active management of the third stage. A small sample size and limited response rate restricted interpretation and generalizability of these data. Nevertheless the data offer support for other studies with similar findings. They also suggest that health system administrators should inform women and families about differences in practice styles before families select from among the various insurance options that may, in the end, restrict the choice of provider or birth setting.

Short contact 70% glycolic acid peels as a treatment for photodamaged skin. A pilot study

BACKGROUND

Glycolic acid has been one of the more commonly used alpha hydroxy acids for the treatment of photodamaged skin. Its value as a quick "skin refreshing" peeling agent has been widely touted. This type of peel differs from a conventional therapeutic peel (eg, phenol, trichloroacetic acid, or a longer time exposure alpha hydroxy acid peel) in that there is little skin reaction and patients can go about their daily routine without concern.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the potential value of glycolic acid-based refresher peels as a cosmetic procedure.

METHODS

Twelve healthy subjects with at least a moderate degree of photodamage were treated with monthly serial 70% glycolic acid peels over a period of 4 months. In addition to the "peels," six subjects were randomized to a 10% glycolic acid-based moisturizer twice daily. Patients were evaluated monthly and graded on a clinical scale using objective measures.

RESULTS

No conclusive differences were noted on histologic evaluation. Ninety percent (9/10) of patients felt that overall they noticed significant improvement, however, there was no distinction between the two treatment options. The improvement in fine wrinkling and pigmentation was primarily seen in the patients who additionally received 10% glycolic emollient twice daily.

CONCLUSION

In this limited pilot study, no specific benefit could be assigned to the concomitant use of monthly glycolic acid refresher "peels" in the treatment of photodamaged skin.

Evaluation of normal and abnormal lips in fetuses: comparison between three- and two-dimensional sonography

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine if three-dimensional (3D) sonography could improve prenatal evaluation of fetal lips in comparison with conventional two-dimensional (2D) sonography.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-one high-risk pregnant women and 10 low-risk pregnant women were examined with conventional 2D sonography followed by 3D sonography with a volume transducer. The ability to visualize cleft lips and normal lips was compared between the two techniques.

RESULTS

Of the 71 fetuses studied, faces were seen in 68 and not seen in three by either 2D or 3D sonography. Abnormal lips were seen in five fetuses on both 2D and 3D sonograms. Of the remaining fetuses, 3D sonography was able to confirm the presence of a normal lip in 92% (58/63) compared with 76% (48/63) with 2D sonography. In the subgroup of fetuses less than 24 weeks' estimated gestational age, 3D sonography confirmed a normal lip in 93% (38/41) of fetuses as compared with 68% (28/41) for 2D sonography. There was no difference between 3D and 2D in the subgroup of fetuses older than 24 weeks. One false-positive finding of cleft lip was observed at 36 weeks' gestational age with the rendered surface display on 3D sonography, whereas the 3D planar views of the same volume showed the lips to be normal.

CONCLUSION

3D sonography was able to confirm the presence of normal lips more frequently than did 2D sonography in fetuses less than 24 weeks' gestational age. Abnormal lips were seen on both 2D and 3D sonograms; however, 3D images of cleft lip were easier to understand for both the family and clinical colleagues.

Cigarette smoking and bone mineral density in older men and women

OBJECTIVES

The association between cigarette smoking and bone mineral density was examined prospectively in a population-based study of older Caucasian men and women.

METHODS

Smoking patterns were determined at a 1972-1974 baseline evaluation and, again, 16 years later when 544 men and 822 women had bone mineral density measurements taken.

RESULTS

Men and women who were cigarette smokers at baseline demonstrated significantly reduced bone mineral density of the hip compared with nonsmokers. Baseline smoking was not associated with significantly lower bone density at non-hip sites. Women demonstrated a significant dose-response relationship between baseline smoking status at all hip sites measured. Both sexes exhibited significant dose-response relationships between hip bone mineral density and change in smoking status between baseline and follow-up, demonstrating that smoking cessation in later life was beneficial in halting bone density loss associated with smoking.

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking was positively and significantly associated with decreased hip bone mineral density in old age. Bone loss associated with smoking would be expected to predict an increased risk of hip fracture in those who do not succumb earlier to another complication of tobacco use.

Induction of labor and risk of sudden infant death syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether induction of labor is related to the occurrence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) using a population-based, case-control study.

METHODS

Cases comprised infants born between 1984-1988 in Washington state who died of SIDS according to their death certificate (ICD-9-CM 798.0) (N = 728). For comparison, we randomly selected a group of infants born in these same years who did not die of SIDS (N = 3021). Information regarding the pregnancy, labor, delivery, and condition of the newborn was obtained from the infants' birth certificates.

RESULTS

Among the indications for induction that were examined, we found a slightly elevated risk of SIDS associated with advanced gestational age (greater than 41 completed menstrual weeks) (odds ratio [OR] 1.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0-1.8). A similar proportion of cases and controls had induced labors (OR 1.2, 95% CI 0.7-2.1). Although there was little or no apparent risk associated with induction among infants who had term gestations (37-41 completed menstrual weeks; OR 1.2, 95% CI 0.6-2.2), an increased risk was found among infants who had gestations of 42 weeks or greater (OR 3.0, 95% CI 0.7-12.5). We did not observe this trend with augmentation of labor.

CONCLUSION

Our findings do not support an overall association between the methods used for induction of labor in the United States and the occurrence of SIDS. The elevated risk of SIDS observed in relation to induction of labor among infants who had post-term gestations raises the possibility that infants who do not spontaneously initiate labor may suffer some neuroregulatory or other abnormality involved in the pathogenesis of SIDS.

Pregnancy and lactation as determinants of bone mineral density in postmenopausal women

The relation of pregnancy and breast feeding to bone mineral density of the wrist, radius, hip, and spine was examined in a white, upper middle-class, homogeneous sample of 741 postmenopausal women ranging in age from 60 to 89 years. Number of pregnancies ranged from 0 to 14, with a mean of 2.0 pregnancies and 1.5 live births. Almost two thirds of the women who had had a live birth reported breast feeding. Unadjusted comparisons indicated that bone mineral density of the wrist, radius, and hip increased with increasing numbers of pregnancies, and women who had breast-fed had higher bone mineral densities at these sites. However, after adjustment for age or age and body mass index, these associations were no longer significant. Multiple regression analyses adjusted for age, age at menopause, obesity, cigarette smoking, and estrogen and thiazide use also indicated that number of pregnancies and breast feeding were not significantly associated with bone mineral density at any of the four sites measured. Results of the present study suggest that reproductive history and breast feeding are not long-term determinants of bone mineral density.

Transcervical chorionic villus sampling and midtrimester oligohydramnios

To study the possible association between transcervical chorionic villus sampling and midtrimester oligohydramnios, we conducted a prospective cohort study of all women who were seen for genetic counseling in the first trimester during a 2-year period. Women who chose chorionic villus sampling were compared with women who chose traditional amniocentesis for incidence of midtrimester oligohydramnios. Of 442 women exposed to chorionic villus sampling with a normal fetal karyotype, severe oligohydramnios developed in 12 (2.7%) at 16 to 23 weeks' gestation. None of the 391 women with normal fetal karyotypes who were counseled at the same time in pregnancy but who chose amniocentesis had oligohydramnios at the time of amniocentesis (p = 0.01). A nested case-control analysis was performed within the chorionic villus sampling group to evaluate risk factors associated with midtrimester oligohydramnios. Midtrimester oligohydramnios occurring after chorionic villus sampling was associated with postprocedure bleeding and elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (p less than 0.01). There were no perinatal survivors with midtrimester oligohydramnios.

Maternal smoking and placenta previa

We conducted a case-control study of the relation between smoking and placenta previa, using Washington State birth certificate data from 1984 through 1987. The study population was comprised of live, singleton births to women whose pregnancies were complicated by placenta previa (N = 598) and randomly selected controls (N = 2,422) from the same time period. We used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Maternal smoking approximately doubled the risk of placenta previa after adjustment for the confounding effect of maternal age (OR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.7-2.5).

Cesarean section before the onset of labor and subsequent motor function in infants with meningomyelocele diagnosed antenatally

Background. Meningomyelocele can now be detected before birth. Few data are available on its natural history, however, and optimal management at the time of delivery is controversial, although it has been suggested that labor and vaginal delivery may cause pressure on exposed nerve roots, resulting in additional loss of neural function. Methods. To assess the effect of labor and the type of delivery on the level of motor function in fetuses with uncomplicated meningomyelocele, we identified 200 cases of this disorder, accounting for 95 percent of the cases that occurred in the state of Washington during our 10-year study period. We compared the outcomes of 47 infants delivered by cesarean section before labor began, 35 delivered by cesarean section after a period of labor, and 78 who were delivered vaginally (another 40 were ineligible for the study). In cases of meningomyelocele detected prenatally, cesarean section was performed before the onset of labor if isolated meningomyelocele without severe hydrocephalus was present. The infants delivered in this manner were compared with those who were delivered either vaginally or by cesarean section after labor began. Results. At two years of age, the infants who had been exposed to labor were 2.2 times more likely to have severe paralysis than those delivered by cesarean section without labor (95 percent confidence interval, 1.7 to 2.8). Infants delivered by cesarean section before the beginning of labor had a mean (+/- SD) level of paralysis 3.3 +/- 3.0 segments below the anatomical level of the spinal lesion at two years of age, as compared with 1.1 +/- 2.3 for infants delivered vaginally and 0.9 +/- 4.1 for infants delivered by cesarean section after the beginning of labor (P less than 0.001 for both comparisons). Exposure to labor did not affect the frequency of neonatal complications or later intellectual performance. Conclusions. For the fetus with uncomplicated meningomyelocele, delivery by cesarean section before the onset of labor may result in better subsequent motor function than vaginal delivery or delivery by cesarean section after a period of labor.

Use of electric blankets and risk of testicular cancer

Electric blankets are an important domestic source of electromagnetic fields (EMF) because of the relatively high intensity of emission, prolonged exposure, and intimate contact with the source. In a case-control study of testicular cancer in western Washington during 1981 to 1984, the relation between EMF exposure from electric blankets and the occurrence of testicular cancer was examined. The respective proportions of cases and controls who reported the use of an electric blanket were almost identical (age-adjusted rate ratio (RR) = 1.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.7-1.4). Distributions of the duration of use were also very similar in cases and controls. Compared with controls, the frequency of use of an electric blanket was slightly lower in men with seminoma (RR = 0.7, 95% CI 0.5-1.2) and slightly higher among men with nonseminoma germ cell tumors (RR = 1.4, 95% CI 0.9-2.3). Overall, the results of this study suggest that increased exposure to EMF from electric blankets contributes little, if at all, to the risk of testicular cancer in adult white men.

The relationship of abruptio placentae with maternal smoking and small for gestational age infants

A population-based case-control study was conducted to examine the relationship between maternal smoking and the occurrence of abruptio placentae and to assess the joint relationship of smoking and small for gestational age (SGA) status with abruption. Cases (N = 1089) reported on Washington state birth certificates from 1984-1986 were compared with randomly selected births (N = 2323) from the same period. The occurrence of placental abruption was associated with both smoking (relative risk = 1.6; 95% confidence interval 1.3-1.8) and SGA status (relative risk = 2.6; 95% confidence interval 2.0-3.3). The association with SGA status was identical for smokers and non-smokers. Thus, the increase of SGA infants in women whose pregnancies are complicated by abruption is not explained by maternal smoking, and in some cases may result from placental dysfunction induced by the process of placental separation.

Femur length shortening in the detection of Down syndrome: is prenatal screening feasible?

The potential utility of screening for femur length shortening in prenatal detection of Down syndrome (trisomy 21) was evaluated by comparing 49 consecutive fetuses with Down syndrome with 572 chromosomally normal fetuses before genetic amniocentesis. Ratios of measured femur length/predicted femur length and biparietal diameter/femur length were calculated for each fetus. The predicted femur length was calculated from a regression equation relating the biparietal diameter and femur length derived from a sample control group. With this normal regression equation, 7 of 49 (14.3%) fetuses with Down syndrome had short femur lengths (measured femur length/predicted femur length ratio of less than or equal to 0.91) compared with 35 of 572 (6.1%) fetuses with a normal karyotype (p less than 0.05). However, the maximum positive predictive value for identification of Down syndrome based on short femur lengths was only 0.93% for a high-risk population (prevalence of Down syndrome, 1:250) and 0.33% for a low-risk population (prevalence of Down syndrome, 1:700). We conclude that ultrasonographic screening of short femur length is less effective for prenatal detection of Down syndrome than initially suggested.

The association between decreased amniotic fluid volume and treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents for preterm labor

From a cohort of women treated for preterm labor at the Swedish Hospital Medical Center for a 1-year period, 58 patients were identified as receiving one or more tocolytic agents. Twenty-seven of the 58 patients met study criteria for the determination of the effects of tocolytic therapy on amniotic fluid volume both before and during treatment by means of ultrasound examination. Fourteen of 17 patients (82.3%) treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs demonstrated a decrease in amniotic fluid, whereas none of the 10 patients treated with other tocolytic agents experienced a decrease in fluid volume. Decreased amniotic fluid associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug treatment was reversible in seven of eight patients when treatment was discontinued and ultrasound examinations were performed after treatment.