Journal of Reproductive Medicine 

About: Journal of Reproductive Medicine is an academic journal. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Pregnancy & Population. It has an ISSN identifier of 0024-7758. Over the lifetime, 7099 publications have been published receiving 122150 citations.

Amniotic fluid volume assessment with the four-quadrant technique at 36-42 weeks' gestation.

Abstract: An ultrasound approach was developed to identify normal amniotic fluid volume. The uterine cavity was divided into four quadrants. With the use of linear-array, real-time B-scanning, the vertical diameter of the largest pocket in each quadrant was measured. The sum of these four quadrants was used to provide a single number for the amniotic fluid volume and termed the amniotic fluid index. This approach is simple, requires little time and gives a semiquantitative estimate of amniotic fluid volume. Based on our observations, the normal amniotic fluid index in term gestation is 12.9 +/- 4.6 cm. Evaluation of the relationship between amniotic fluid volume and fetal outcome is under investigation.

Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome.

Abstract: Eighty-six patients were treated for vulvar vestibulitis syndrome. Prospective history forms and retrospective questionnaires were used to identify the frequency of various features of this condition and to assess the subjective responses of the patients to various methods of therapy. The term vulvar vestibulitis syndrome should be adopted as the standard description of this disorder.

Amniotic fluid index measurements during pregnancy

Abstract: Amniotic fluid volume assessment has become an important part of antepartum fetal surveillance The amniotic fluid index (AFI), or four-quadrant technique, has been suggested for this purpose While previous reports have outlined this technique and correlated the results with pregnancy outcome, none have reviewed the changes in AFI throughout pregnancy We studied AFI changes from 11 through 43 weeks' gestation As part of the entry criteria, only patients with good dates were evaluated The AFI was determined by the summation of the vertical diameter of the largest pocket in each of the four quadrants All amniotic fluid studies were conducted using real-time linear array B-scan During the study period, 197 patients with good dates confirmed clinically and sonographically underwent 262 AFI assessments From 11 to 26 weeks the AFI rose progressively Thereafter until term, the AFI remained approximately 162 +/- 53 cm After 38 weeks the AFI appeared to gradually decline Data obtained from this study population corroborate previously defined normal amniotic fluid volumes These results also suggest that serial measurements of the AFI may be an effective means of assessing fetal status throughout pregnancy

Laparoscopic appendectomy using a single umbilical puncture (minilaparoscopy).

Abstract: The surgical outcome of the first 25 patients in whom the Pelosi single-puncture laparoscopic appendectomy technique was employed demonstrates the new approach as a safe, inexpensive and effective alternative to the currently used multiple-puncture method. The results suggest single-puncture (minilaparoscopy) operative endoscopy as the ultimate goal in the progression of minimally invasive surgery.

Uterine leiomyomas. Racial differences in severity, symptoms and age at diagnosis.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE : To investigate racial differences in the presence of leiomyomas, condition severity, associated symptoms and age at diagnosis between black and white hysterectomy patients. STUDY DESIGN : This study included 409 black women and 836 white women aged 18 or older who underwent hysterectomy for noncancerous conditions at 28 hospitals in Maryland. Patients were interviewed shortly before surgery, and hospital records were abstracted after discharge. RESULTS : Overall, 89% of the black women and 59% of the white women were found to have leiomyomas. Among those with a confirmed presurgical diagnosis of leiomyomas, the average age at diagnosis was 37.5 years for black women and 41.6 for white women, and the average age at hysterectomy was 41.7 for black women and 44.6 for white women. The average uterine weight for black women with leiomyomas was 420.8 g and for white women was 319.1 g. Black women were more likely to have seven or more leiomyomas (57%) in comparison to white women (36%). Black women with leiomyomas were more likely to be anemic (56%) than white women (38%) and more likely to report having very severe or severe pelvic pain (59%) than white women (41%). CONCLUSION : Black women having hysterectomy had larger and more numerous leiomyomas, and the leiomyomas were more symptomatic than in white women despite a younger age at diagnosis and hysterectomy.