A Simple Immunologic Test for Pregnancy

Experience with a latex agglutination-inhibition slide test for human chorionic gonadotrophin which allows pregnancy to be diagnosed in three minutes is described. Among 350 tests performed, 115 were in patients who presented with some complication of a presumed pregnancy, and 132 patients presented diagnostic problems in which pregnancy was to be ruled out. Clinical follow-up confirmed the accuracy of the test and its usefulness in the management of such clinical problems. In addition, among 48 patients with normal pregnancy between 42 and 120 days in duration, the only false-negative test was in one patient who was exactly 42 days from her last normal menstrual period.     

Comparison Between Elisa and Dye Test for Detection of Naturally Acquired Toxoplasma Gondii Antibodies in the Goat

Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies were measured in 212 goat sera, comparing the Sabin-Feldman dye-test and a three-layer sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). With 98 % concordance obtained between these 2 tests, the results are at the same paragon as for human sera. Accordingly, the ELISA sandwich procedure appears to be suitable for large-scale analysis of goat sera. The discordant 2 % were ELISA positive and dye-test negative. One possible explanation of the divergent titres is given using an immunized goat model.     

Graves Hyperthyroidism and Pregnancy: A Clinical Update

ObjectiveTo provide a clinical update on Graves’ hyperthyroidism and pregnancy with a focus on treatment with antithyroid drugs.MethodsWe searched the English-language literature for studies published between 1929 and 2009 related to management of hyperthyroidism in pregnancy. In this review, we discuss differential diagnosis of hyperthyroidism, management, importance of early diagnosis, and importance of achieving proper control to avoid maternal and fetal complications.ResultsDiagnosing hyperthyroidism during pregnancy can be challenging because many of the signs and symptoms are similar to normal physiologic changes that occur in pregnancy. Patients with Graves disease require prompt treatment with antithyroid drugs and should undergo frequent monitoring for signs of fetal and maternal hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Rates of maternal and perinatal complications are directly related to control of hyperthyroidism in the mother. Thyroid receptor antibodies should be assessed in all women with hyperthyroidism to help predict and reduce the risk of fetal or neonatal hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. The maternal thyroxine level should be kept in the upper third of the reference range or just above normal, using the lowest possible antithyroid drug dosage. Hyperthyroidism may recurin the postpartum period as Graves disease or postpartum thyroiditis; thus, it is prudent to evaluate thyroid function 6 weeks after delivery. Preconception counseling, a multidisciplinary approach to care, and patient education regarding potential maternal and fetal complications that can occur with different types of treatment are important.ConclusionPreconception counseling and a multifaceted approach to care by the endocrinologist and the obstetric team are imperative for a successful pregnancy in women with Graves hyperthyroidism. (Endocr Pract. 2010;16:118-129)     

A Comparison of Algorithms for the Computation of the Mann-Whitney Test

An algorithm is proposed for the computation of the Mann-Whitney Test which only requires the separate ordering of the individual samples and is therefore more suitable than the usual one. It is also more suitable as to computation time than the algorithm described by KUMMER , 1981, if the two sample sizes are of the same magnitude.