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To identify and discuss the advantages of the different methods of entry into the peritoneal cavity during gynecological laparascopy in patients who have previously undergone abdominal surgical procedures. Literature review comparing the strengths of each method of entering the peritoneal cavity during gynecological laparoscopic procedures. Adhesions increase the risks of access into peritoneal cavity during laparoscopy. Many techniques or safety rules have recently been described or re-evaluated as an alternative to using the traditional combination "Veress needle and blind introduction of the first trocar". The most relevant were the "open laparoscopy", the use of optical trocar, the double laparoscopy and the use of microlaparoscope. There remains no clear conclusion regarding the optimal form of laparoscopic entry in high risk patients. Relevant data emphasizes that critical to the surgeon's choice of technique is the immediate ability to recognize accidental injury and the capacity to avoid the scarred area. According to the literature review on the procedures used for entering the peritoneal cavity in high risk patients, we conclude that double laparoscopy may indeed be an underused procedure in such cases.

Objective: To evaluate perinatal outcome in pregnancies in women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and the influence of preconception care 10 years after the St. Vincent's declaration., Research Design and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 12 perinatal centers in France in 2000-2001. The main investigated outcomes were perinatal mortality, major congenital malformations, and preterm delivery., Results: Among 435 single pregnancies, 289 (66.4%) were from women with type 1 and 146 (33.6%) from women with type 2 diabetes. Perinatal mortality rate was 4.4% (0.7% national rate), severe congenital malformations rate was 4.1% (2.2% national rate), and preterm delivery rate was 38.2% (4.7% national rate). Preconception care was provided in 48.5% women with type 1 diabetes and in 24.0% women with type 2 diabetes. Women whose first trimester HbA(1c) was >8% had higher rates of perinatal mortality (9.2 vs. 2.5%; odds ratio 3.9; 95% CI 1.5-9.7; P < 0.005), major congenital malformations (8.3 vs. 2.5%; 3.5; 1.3-8.9; P < 0.01), and preterm delivery (57.6 vs. 24.8%; 1.4; 1.1-1.7; P < 0.005) than those with first trimester HbA(1c) <8%. These results are similar to those reported in France in 1986-1988., Conclusions: Pregnancies in women with diabetes are still poorly planned and complicated by higher rates of perinatal mortality and major congenital malformations. Despite knowledge of the importance of intensified glycemic control before pregnancy, reaching the St. Vincent's target needs further implementation in France.

Objective: The aim of this study was to conduct a statistical analysis to determine the outcome of conservative treatment after delivery of a first fetus in multiple pregnancy and thus define new prognostic factors., Study Design: Multicentre retrospective study involving 12 centers over a 10-year period., Results: Twenty-eight twin pregnancies and seven triplet pregnancies which were managed conservatively. In twin pregnancies, 79% of the delayed-delivery fetuses survived; only 7% of the first delivered fetuses survived. The mean interval between deliveries was 47 days. No statistical difference was found concerning cerclage, antibiotic therapy, tocolysis and hospitalization. Earlier delivery of the first twin and premature rupture of membranes for the second twin were significantly related to a longer interval between deliveries., Conclusion: Delayed delivery in multifetal pregnancies can be successful if there are no contraindications and these pregnancies are managed in a tertiary perinatal center. Publications limited to successful cases have undoubtedly introduced some bias in assessment.

We describe the case of a rudimentary horn pregnancy coexistent with an intrauterine pregnancy. This situation is usually associated with rupture of the rudimentary horn and death of the correspondent twin. This is the first report on a multiple gestation with the two siblings successfully delivered by caesarean section in the two horns of a unicornuate uterus with rudimentary horn before any complication. Since the maternal mortality is higher in this situation, early ultrasound diagnosis is important to make the right decisions.

Uterine artery embolization could be useful in the treatment of myoma, either before surgery to facilitate dissection, or totally in place of surgery. Nowadays, this technique seems attractive, considering the development of a conservative and non-invasive medicine. However the question of fertility in women of childbearing-age remains. The case of a pregnancy following uterine artery embolization is here described. All pregnancies from the literature have been reviewed and the discussion includes benefits and drawbacks of this method.

Objectives: To analyze risk factors for pregnancy outcome among HIV-infected women before and after introduction of AZT prophylaxis in 1994., Study Design: A prospective, two-center observational study conducted from 1 January 1985 to 31 December 1997., Patients: Pregnant HIV-infected women followed in one of the obstetrics units during the study period., Main Outcome Measures: pregnancy outcome (normal delivery, ectopic pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, voluntary termination of pregnancy (TOP) according to year of pregnancy, age at pregnancy professional status, marital status, ethnic origin, mode of contamination, stage of disease, partner's human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status and prior pregnancy., Results: One thousand one hundred and three pregnancies among 937 HIV-infected women were studied. Mean age of patients was 28.1 +/- 4.9 years. Pregnancy outcomes were distributed as follows: 473 normal deliveries, 589 TOP, 9 ectopic pregnancies and 32 spontaneous abortions. The proportion of TOP decreased from 59.4% before 1994 to 37.5% from 1994 (P < 0.001). In univariate analysis, mode of transmission, marital status, ethnic origin, partner's HIV status and prior pregnancy were also significantly correlated with pregnancy outcome. However, after adjustment by logistic regression for each period (before and after 1994), mode of transmission no longer appeared to influence pregnancy outcome., Conclusion: Effective prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection appears to have influenced HIV-infected women's decisions on continuing their pregnancy to term. Incidence of voluntary TOP has decreased significantly after introduction of AZT., (Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.)

Congenital ichthyosis, otherwise known as harlequin fetus, is a severe, generally lethal, anomaly. Prenatal diagnosis is usually possible in families at risk but requires invasive fetoscopy for skin biopsy. The application of three-dimensional ultrasound enables a greatly improved analysis of the facial morphology and thus provides an important contribution to prenatal diagnosis. Although such three-dimensional diagnostic procedures are performed in specialized centers, sonographers should be aware of the signs observed at routine two-dimensional ultrasound examination in order to ensure appropriate referral for diagnosis. We describe two consecutive pregnancies of the same parents in which two- and three-dimensional ultrasound were used in the prenatal diagnosis of harlequin fetus.

The authors report three cases of endometriosis of the rectus abdominis muscle, presenting as a mass of the abdominal wall associated with pain during menstruation in women with a history of cesarean section. Treatment consisted in wide surgical resection followed by prosthetic abdominal wall repair in one recurrent case. Abdominal wall endometriosis is a rare disease that can be explained by grafting of endometrial cells to the abdominal wall during laparotomy for pelvic surgery, particularly cesarean section. Isolation of the abdominal wall during cesarean section and irrigation of the abdominal wall at the end of the operation are two theoretical measures designed to prevent endometrial cell engraftment. When abdominal wall endometriosis occurs, only radical surgical resection can prevent recurrence.

Maternal infections with hepatitis C virus, human cutomegalovirus and HIV and their management problems continue to raise concern in obstetrics. What should we recommend to decrease the incidence of hepatitis C virus congenital infection? We know that congenital human cytomegalovirus infection can lead to major neurological disease with sensorineuronal loss. The current lack of trusted prognostic elements to predict impact on the infected fetus makes any prenatal diagnosis questionable. Should we thus track the initial maternal antibody status and the newborn infection? For the last 10 years, HIV mother-to-infant transmission has decreased from 25% to less than 3%. The new problem is how to answer the more and more frequent request for pregnancy from an infected woman. The treatment must be adapted to the pregnancy in order to reduce the risks for the mother and the infant. All these questions emphasize the problems of viral infection which will require answers in the years to come.

Background: Sympathetic reflex dystrophy is an uncommon cause of pelvic pain not to be overlooked in pregnant women., Case Report: At 8 months pregnancy, a 27-year-old woman complained of invalidating pain of the left hip. Magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis performed the day after delivery evidenced a non-displaced fracture of the femoral neck and a typical aspect of sympathetic reflex dystrophy., Discussion: The true frequency of sympathetic reflex dystrophy during pregnancy is probably underestimated. Approximately one hundred cases have been reported. The hip joint is involved in 9 out of 10 cases. Such localizations are uncommon outside pregnancy, accounting for 14 to 17% of all cases.

Azidothymidine is effective and recommended for the prophylaxis of vertical HIV transmission. Data regarding this treatment have been collected over the last decade, leading to it being widely prescribed despite the lack of information concerning its long term toxicity. Antiretroviral drug combinations administered during pregnancy appear to ensure a better protection of both mothers and their offspring. However, data available on the adverse effects of these therapies during pregnancy are scarce and mainly obtained from in vitro or animal models. Therefore there is a need for multicentric trial including long-term follow-up of exposed patients.

In some countries, the incidence of obesity doubles every 10 years. For the obstetrician-gynecologist, there are many different situations where the patient's excess body weight calls for an adapted diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Obesity does not in itself appear to be a factor lowering fertility. However obesity-induced hormone disorders could contribute, in certain cases, to biological imbalance and thus favor the development of ovulation dysfunction. Pregnancy in obese women should be managed as a high risk pregnancy. The incidence of gestational diabetes and hypertension is increased. Macrosomatia is frequent. There is a 2- to 3-fold increase in the rate of cesarean sections with more complications. Fetal morbidity does not appear to be changed when maternal weight gain is limited. With obesity, there is an increased risk for breast and endometrial cancer due, for most authors, to elevated levels of circulating estrogens resulting from aromatization of male sex steroids in adipose tissue and decreased levels of sex hormone-binding globulin. Anesthesia and surgery in obese patients can be problematic and special care must be taken to prevent further morbidity. Laparoscopic surgery is possible under certain conditions, although its role remains to be determined. Prescription of hormone replacement must take into consideration several parameters which determine its usefulness and surveillance. Obesity is not a contraindication for hormone replacement therapy but is frequently a non-indication.

A retrospective (1987-1995), single-center study was conducted to evaluate the IVF success rate in women who were 40 years and over. Controls were randomly selected patients who were 35 years or younger from the same center. The main evaluation criterion was the number of pregnancies initiated in each group and especially the number of full-term deliveries (take-home baby rate). Differences were considered as statistically significant for P < or = 0.05: A total of 194 IVF attempts in women 40 years or over were compared to 209 attempts in the control group. The mean ages of the two groups was 40.9 vs. 29.3 years (P < 0.001). The duration of follicle stimulation was 12.9 vs. 13.1 days (not significant, NS). The number of ampules was 29.6 vs. 29.2 (NS). Serum estradiol levels were 1435.8 vs. 2020.8 pg/ml (P < 0.001). Oocytes: 4.6 vs. 7.3 (P < 0.001). Embryos: 1.7 vs. 2.8 (P < 0.0001). Full-term deliveries: 3.6 vs. 13.4% (P < 0.05). Better oocyte retrieval was achieved (5.3 vs. 3.3; P = 0.001) in the group that was 40 years or over, but there were no differences in the rate of embryo transfer (1.9 vs. 1.3; NS) and full-term deliveries (4.2 vs. 2.9%) in a long protocol compared to a short one. The results of the study are similar to those found in the literature. Indications for standard IVF without oocyte donation should be carefully thought out and couples should be warned of the low success rate.

We present a case report of cervical pregnancy with medical treatment. Medical treatment consisted in injection of methotrexate (50 mg) into the pregnancy, on the first, third and seventh day. Ultrasound and Doppler give important information for follow up. The pregnancy totally resolved and the patient did not need any further treatment.

Objectives: To assess knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women towards HIV infection and testing, and to compare them according to the outcome of the pregnancy (elective abortion vs delivery)., Methods: Between March 30 and April 26, 1992, all women ending their pregnancy in a medical center located in South Eastern France, were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire: 3,589 (89.6%) responded: 2,825 women who delivered and 764 who chose abortion., Results: 61.7% of the women who delivered and 24.1% of the women who chose abortion declared having been tested for HIV during pregnancy (p < 0.001). Among women who reported not having been tested, very few did so because they refused the test (2% among women who deliver and 1.5% among women who terminated pregnancy). A total of 2.6% of women tested during prenatal care and 19.6% in the context of abortion did not know the result of their test (p < 0.001). Knowledge about HIV transmission among women who delivered dit not differ significantly from that of women who terminated pregnancy. However risky behaviors were more frequent among the latter group (38.8% vs 17.7%, p < 0.001)., Conclusion: This research confirms that systematic HIV screening during prenatal care was already diffused in France but remained mainly motive by foetal concerns and was not always associated with adequate preventive counselling, specially for migrant women and women with a low level of education. HIV screening and counselling is not guaranteed for women coming for elective abortion although they are more at risk for HIV infection. In spite of psychological difficulties, systematic proposal of HIV screening should be extended to the context of elective abortion.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN)., Design: A prospective study to determine the prevalence of cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia in 111 HIV-positive women., Methods: In total, 111 HIV + women were enrolled and underwent cervical biopsy and CD4 T-lymphocyte determination. Of the 111 women, 26 (23.4%) had CIN and another 26 (23.4%) had histologic evidence of cervicitis., Results: No significant difference was found between transmission group, CDC stage of disease, CD4 T-lymphocyte count and pregnancy. There was a significant association with concomitant human papillomavirus (HPV) infection (P < 0.001)., Conclusion: Public health measures are needed to provide Papanicolaou smear screening and appropriate clinical follow-up and treatment of women infected with the human immunodeficiency virus.

Objective: To define the rate of maternal death on the basis of maternal deaths recorded from January 1986 to May 1993. To determine whether the patients had received "standard" quality health care., Method: A Reproductive Age Mortality Survey was performed retrospectively on causes of death in women from 14 to 45 years of age; death registries and clinical records at the Nice University Hospital were used., Results: There were 23 cases of pregnancy-associated death. Maternal mortality was 32.9 per 100000 live births. According to the INSERM survey, the "real" national rate would be 18.3 per 100000. This is a classical underestimation. The overmortality in Nice is partially explained by the AIDS epidemic which was the major cause of female deaths between 14 and 45 years (96/322). Nevertheless, there was an unsatisfactorily large number of cases in which standard obstetrical practises were not applied. This was often due to a combination of factors including poor obstetrical surveillance, insufficient attention by physicians, poor organisation of obstetrical care in the emergency room and referrals. Cesarean section was implicated in 7 out of 12 maternal deaths during the third trimester of pregnancy (58%). The cause of certain maternal deaths remained unexplained; amniotic embolus was always suggested. Unfortunately, an autopsy was performed in only 36% of the cases and its quality was insufficient to determine certain diagnosis.

Umbilical endometriosis is a rare site of the disease. The authors report a case of umbilical endometriosis only. Umbilical involvement is estimated at 0.5 to 1% of all site of the disease. This is a disorder affecting women of childbearing age, with a mean age of about 40. Medical treatment by progestogens or Danazol is inconstantly and partially effective regarding umbilical endometriosis. Surgical excision remains the only effective treatment: omphalectomy with wide removal of the tumor and reconstruction of an umbilicus. Surgery enables histologic study and, in the presence of suggestive symptomatology, search for and treatment of other genital sites.

HIV infection in children is mainly the result of a mother-to-child transmission. The contamination during pregnancy is well known but intrapartum vertical transmission may also occur through ascending infection, blood exchange between mother and child, or direct contact with vaginal or cervical secretions. In addition HIV can be transmitted via breast milk. The reported rates of vertical transmission are highly variable: 14.4% in a European study, 18.3% in a French survey, 20 to 25% in the USA, 35 to 50% in Africa. It is unclear whether such a large variation of the rate of transmission is due to methodological differences or to different distributions of risk factors in the populations. There are some known predictive factors of HIV transmission such as low CD4 cells count, positive p24 antigenaemia and elevated concentrations of virus. The role of other factors is still debated: prematurity, virus (CMV, HTLV-1, HVB, HVC), C section prior labour, rupture of membranes. The prevention of HIV infection in infants is mainly based on contra-indication of pregnancy in infected women, desinfection of the vagina at the beginning of labour, early protection of the newborn by avoiding skin lesions and immediate washing, preventive treatment by zidovudin during pregnancy.

Urinary incontinence is a frequently encountered and highly disabilitating disorder in women, especially after menopause. Several causes, sometimes associated, have been identified. After menopause, lower oestrogen levels lead to general cellular, biochemical, bacteriological and anatomic modifications in the urinary tract resulting in vaginal atrophy, diminished sphincter tone and increased bladder sensitivity. Treatment should always be based on results of urodynamic studies and adapted to the aetiologic diagnosis and patient demands. Medical treatment is usually associated with behavioural and physical therapy techniques. Drugs with an effect on bladder instability include: parasympathicolytic or anticholinergic agents which lower bladder pressure by inhibiting bladder receptors; tricyclic antidepressant for their central and peripheral anticholinergic effects; non-steroid anti-inflammatory agents which decrease urethral tone; antispasmodics; and oestrogens in menopaused women. Beta-mimetics, calcium inhibitors, opioids and myorelaxants are also used but in a limited number of cases due to side effects. Urethral instability may respond to tetracycline in case of infection or non-steroid antiinflammatory drugs. Oestrogens play an important role in improving urethral trophicity and sensitive response to alpha-stimulants. Surgery may be indicated in a limited number of specific cases.

The object of this study supported by the French Agency for AIDs Research (ANRS) was to assess knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women towards HIV infection and testing, and to compare them according to the outcome of the pregnancy (elective abortion vs delivery). Between March 22 and April 26, 1992, all women ending their pregnancy and attending one of the 72 medical centres located in South-Eastern France were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire (n = 4303). 3,854 (89.6%) responded: 2,825 women at delivery (WD) and 764 who chose an elective abortion (WA). 61.7% of WD and 24.1% of WA declared having been tested for HIV during pregnancy (p < 0.001). Among women who reported not having been HIV tested, very few did so because they refused the test (1.7% among WD and 1.4% among WA-NS). Prior HIV testing was less frequent among WA than among WD (45.8% vs 58.8%--p < 0.001). 2.8% of women tested during prenatal care and 20% in the context of abortion did not know the result of their test (p < 0.001). Knowledge about HIV transmission declared by WD did not differ significantly from that declared by WA. However, risky behaviours were more frequent among WA than among WD (38.9% vs 17.7%--p < 0.001). This research shows that French screening HIV policy in the context of pregnancy remains mainly motivated by foetal concerns. Although women who abort voluntarily report risky behaviours more frequently, the opportunity of information and counselling towards them is relatively neglected in comparison with women who deliver.

There have been no other cases of migration of an intrauterin device reported to have caused venous compression. In the case reported here, the intrauterin device was removed surgically together with a portion of the damaged vein. A venous graft from the internal jugular vein was performed. The mechanisms of perforations, different localizations are discussed and diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are proposed.

The effects of oral micronized progesterone on the endometrium and bleeding pattern have been assessed in a multicenter study of 101 postmenopausal patients. During a minimum of 6 cycles, the participants received either percutaneous 17 beta-estradiol (1.5 mg/day) associated with micronized progesterone (100 mg/day), given at bedtime for 21/28 days or 25 days/calendar month (n = 98) [1], or E2 (3 mg/day) for 25 days associated with progesterone (300 mg/day), from day 16 to day 25 (n = 3) [2], according to their willingness to induce, or not, cyclic withdrawal bleeding. Each endometrial biopsy performed at 6-month minimum was assessed by two independent pathologists: results showed 61% quiescent without mitosis, 23% mildly active with very rare mitoses and 8% partial secretory endometrium. The remaining biopsies showed inadequate tissue (4%) or a sub-atrophy (4%). No hyperplasia was found by any pathologist. In the case of inadequate material, the mean thickness of endometrial mucosa measured by ultrasonography was 3.9 mm. Amenorrhea incidence was 93.3 and 91.6% at the 3rd and 6th month of therapy, respectively. No bleeding occurred in more than 80% of women. The results show that a low dose of oral progesterone (100 mg/day), given during 25 days, efficiently protects the endometrium by fully inhibiting mitoses and induces amenorrhea in the majority of postmenopausal women, allowing better compliance to long-term therapy.

Objectives: Our purpose was to evaluate the prevalence of thrombocytopenia related to human immunodeficiency virus among seropositive pregnant women and its impact on maternal and neonatal outcome., Study Design: A retrospective survey of all deliveries of women infected with human immunodeficiency virus in 14 maternity units in France over a 6-year period collected data on mothers who had thrombocytopenia < 100.10(9)/ and their infants., Results: Among 890 women, 29 were thrombocytopenic (3.2%, 95% confidence interval 2.1% to 4.3%). Thrombocytopenia appeared directly related to human immunodeficiency virus infection in 25 of these women. During pregnancy 16 patients were treated for thrombocytopenia with zidovudine, corticosteroids, or high-dose intravenous gamma globulin. Zidovudine was effective in five of seven cases, and intravenous gamma globulin was effective in five of 11 cases. Cesarean sections were performed in 13 of 29 women. Abnormal intrapartum or postpartum bleeding was recorded in five cases. Among 28 infants for whom neonatal platelet counts were available, only one had thrombocytopenia < 100.10(9)/L at birth; he went on to have early-onset acquired immunodeficiency syndrome., Conclusions: The incidence of fetal or neonatal thrombocytopenia appears low and may not justify invasive sampling or routine cesarean delivery. Therapy with zidovudine or intravenous gamma globulin should be considered for women with severe thrombocytopenia, because of the risk of maternal hemorrhage.

The management of pregnancy in a seropositive woman implies awareness of the effects of the disease on pregnancy and, inversely, of the pregnancy on HIV infection. It is important to be aware of the risk of materno-fetal transmission, as well as of the recent positive results of therapeutic trials of AZT during pregnancy regarding the prevention of such transmission. This quite stereotyped management approach is relatively simple, both clinically and regarding laboratory investigations, and in particular when the patient is at an asymptomatic stage of the disease. Obstetric management is, for the present, the same as in normal women. It is important to stress the need for specialised management of the newborn infant and of taking advantage of the postpartum period to ensure future effective contraception.

HIV transmission risks were specified during infertility treatment. An investigation was performed by gynecologists who work in IVF. Most of gynecologist refuse to treat infertility in these cases.

A case of twin pregnancy in a bicervical uterus with double vagina is reported. The malformation was known before conception. Caesarean section was performed for premature rupture of the membranes at 34 weeks. This enabled the extraction of two low-birth-weight premature infants free of any particular pathology. The possibility of twin pregnancy in a bicervical bicornuate uterus is 1/1,000,000 and implies the maturation of at least two oocytes. This is a high risk pregnancy. Spontaneous abortions, prematurity (40%), low-birth-weight (25%) are the most notable complications. Although the probability of dynamic dystocia is multiplied by 7, vaginal delivery is not excluded when the obstetric past history is satisfactory and the presentation of both twins cephalic. Caesarean involves hysterotomy of each horn and raises no special technical problems. Double delivery increases the risk of hemorrhage.

Aims: Study of influence of different sequences of oral micronized progesterone (Pg) on endometrial morphology and the incidence of bleeding., Design: Prospective comparative multicentric study conducted in 101 post-menopausal patients., Patients and Methods: 98 patients who did not wish any regular withdrawal bleeding were given percutaneous oestradiol 17-beta (E2) (1.5 mg/d) associated with micronized Pg (100 mg/d) at bedtime during either 21 out of 28 days (group I), or 25 days per calendar month (group III), during a minimum of 6 months. For those wishing withdrawal bleeding (n = 3), E2 (3 mg/d) during 25 days was associated with Pg (300 mg/d) from the 16th to the 25th day of the month (group III). Endometrial biopsies were performed after 6 months of the same treatment and blindly analysed; transvaginal ultrasonography (measurement of endometrial mucosa thickness) was done in case of insufficient amount of tissue., Results: Groups I and II: 61% of the endometrium were quiescent without mitosis, 23% were slightly active with rare mitoses, 8% partly secretory and 4% subatrophic. Sampling was inadequate in the remaining 4%. Mitotic activity of glands was low on the overall samplings (average < 0.53/1,000 cells). The average mucosa thickness was at 3.9 mm. No bleeding (spotting or withdrawal bleeding) occurred in 73.3% and 82.1% of cycles at the 3rd and 6th months of administration, respectively. Group III: endometrium were quiescent or slightly active and combined with frequent withdrawal bleeding., Conclusions: A relatively low dose of oral progesterone (100 mg/d) combined with E2 during 21d/28d or 25 d/month efficiently controls proliferation, induces a very low endometrial cyclic activity--while reducing spottings--and maintains an amenorrhea in the majority of women. This simple treatment is likely to improve compliance.

Two cases of thrombophlebitis of the right ovarian vein, one occurring after cesarean section and the other after natural childbirth, are reported. The clinical diagnosis was based on the symptoms of postpartum fever in association with right flank pain and confirmed by abdominal CT scans. In both cases the thrombosis extended into the inferior vena cava and was associated with a free-floating thrombus extending up to the renal veins. Thrombectomy of the inferior vena cava and ligation of the right ovarian vein were performed with good results in both cases, as shown by late follow-up CT scans. This and alternative therapeutic strategies are discussed.

The effects of oral micronized progesterone-administered at a low dose-on the endometrium and on bleeding pattern have been evaluated during a multicenter study in which 101 patients were involved. For a minimum of 6 months, patients who did not wish to have withdrawal bleeding (98) received the association of 17 beta-percutaneous estradiol (1.5 mg/d) and oral micronized progesterone (100 mg/d, at bedtime) during 25 days per month (or 21 d/28). The few women (3) who wished regular bleeding were given progesterone (300 mg/d) with estradiol (3 mg/d), from the 16th to the 25th of the month. No hyperplasia was observed among the endometrial biopsies performed after 6 months minimum of treatment. 8% of the endometria were partially secretory, 4% were sub-atrophic, 23% were mildly active with rare mitoses and 61% were quiescent without mitoses. The remaining 4% were considered inadequate. Mitotic activity of the glands was minimal in all samplings (mean < 0.53/1,000 cells). The average thickness of the mucosa was measured by ultrasonography at 3.9 mm, in the cases of insufficient samplings. No bleeding (or spotting, or cyclic bleeding) occurred in 73.3% and 80.9% of the cycles, in the 3rd and 6th month of therapy. Therefore a low dose of oral Pg (100 mg/d) combined with E2 during 25 days/month efficiently controls endometrial proliferation, while allowing a very weak cyclic activity. This situation makes it possible to minimize spottings and to maintain an amenorrhea in the majority of patients, thus letting us hoping for an improvement in the observance of this simplified therapy.

The authors report two cases of puerperal right ovarian vein thrombophlebitis (POVT) with floating thrombus in the inferior vena cava (IVC). The originality of this report lies in the first line surgical treatment approach. POVT is recognized as presenting usually within the first week post-partum after about 0.05% of deliveries. The syndrome consists of lower abdominal or flank pain, unexplained fever and a tender abdominal mass. Abdominal or pelvic findings are often scanty. In some cases, the thrombus may extend to the inferior vena cava, leading to the risk of pulmonary embolism or low grade renal insufficiency. Diagnosis has been difficult in the past. Since acute appendicitis is the commonest differential diagnosis, laparotomy is frequent. CT scan provides a readily available, accurate, non invasive technique for the diagnosis of POVT. Criteria are: enlargement of the vein, a low density lumen within the vessel wall and a sharply defined vessel wall enhanced by contrast media. The treatment of POVT is initially medical. Antibiotics should be given to cover the commonest infecting organisms. Heparin should also be prescribed at therapeutic IV doses to be followed by oral anticoagulants for at least six weeks. Surgery is usually only recommended when the patient remains symptomatic despite proper medical management, develops clinical, scan or arteriographic evidence of pulmonary embolism, or cannot be anticoagulated. The recommended surgical technique is to clamp the anastomosis of the ovarian vein with the vena cava.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)