The action of VEGF in angiogenesis

Ralli C, Kontomanolis E., Liberis V

Angiogenesis is a complicated process where new blood vessels are being formed from already pre-existing vessels. For tumor growth and metastases to distant organs, angiogenesis is a biological prerequisite. Tumor cells produce angiogenic factors, including Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor( VEGF), basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF), Platelet-Derived Endothelial Cell Growth Factor (PD-ECGF) …

Obstetric analgesia and anesthesia in the 19th century in Greece

Papathanakos G, Arnaoutoglou E, Korre M, Papadopoulos G

The aim of our study was to present the development of pain management during childbirth in Greece in the 19th century. The medical journals “Asclepius”, “New Asclepius”, “The Athens Medical Bee”, “The Athens Bee”, “Hippocrates”, “Galen” and textbooks of Pharmacology and Obstetrics were studied. The oldest source for the management of the pain of childbirth was found on a 1845 manual …

The consequences of cesarean section on neonates, infants and children

Koukoura O, Garas A, Messinis I

Cesarean section is considered the least traumatic and stressful mode of delivery and, thus, it is often indicated in cases where fetal well being is compromised. During the past decades there was a steep rise in cesarean section rate. Cesarean section is associated with reduced rates of birth trauma and meconium aspiration. However, its impact on the respiratory function of neonates …

The role of infection and inflammatory response of the mother in preterm premature rupture of membranes: pathophysiologic data

Evangelinakis N, Polyzou E, Kassanos D

Preterm birth, caused either by preterm onset of contractions (before 37 weeks’ gestation) or by preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM), accounts for ~80% of preterm deliveries. pPROM is associated with 30-40% of preterm deliveries and its incidence has increased during the past decade. A fundamental question that has to be addressed is why some women experience preterm pPROM …

Severe mitral valve stenosis diagnosed two days after cesarean section

Micha G, Stamatakis E, Pamboucas C, Valsamidis D

We present the case of a 29 year old pregnant woman of Pakistani origin who was admitted into the obstetric clinic due to intrauterine growth retardation, fetal bradycardia and preeclampsia. Preoperative evaluation was negative for any preexisting pathology and emergency cesarean section was consequently decided. The patient could only speak the Pakistani language and no information …