vered eisenberg - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by vered eisenberg
Harefuah, 2018
INTRODUCTION Pelvic floor damage can occur during pregnancy, during childbirth or post-partum, an... more INTRODUCTION Pelvic floor damage can occur during pregnancy, during childbirth or post-partum, and may be expressed by symptoms such as urinary incontinence, fecal and gas incontinence, sexual dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse and chronic pelvic pain. Some of the symptoms, which manifest later in a woman's life, will go unrecognized in the immediate postpartum period. Most women do not mention their general health, unless specifically asked. Physiotherapists, who are adept with the anatomy of the musculoskeletal system and the ability to diagnose unique differences, can aid in the diagnosis and treatment of postpartum pelvic floor problems. Monitoring, pelvic floor physiotherapy and exercise can be effective both in treatment and prevention of functional disorders of the pelvic floor. In this article, we will discuss pelvic floor problems and their appearance throughout pregnancy and childbirth, and the means of treatment from the physiotherapist's perspective. We raise the...
Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine
OBJECTIVES Abnormal fetal tongue size is a phenotypic feature of various syndromes including Beck... more OBJECTIVES Abnormal fetal tongue size is a phenotypic feature of various syndromes including Beckwith-Wiedemann, Pierre-Robin, oromandibular limb hypoplasia, chromosomal aberrations, etc. Current data regarding normal fetal tongue size are limited. Hence, micro/macroglossia are subjectively determined. The aim of the study was to construct a contemporary fetal tongue nomogram and to assess its clinical contribution. METHODS A prospective cross-sectional study was performed in well dated, low risk, singleton pregnancies. Fetal tongues were measured by 5 trained sonographers. Highest quality images were selected. Intra- and interobserver variability was assessed. Tongue length, width, area, and circumference 1st to 99th centiles were calculated for each gestational week. Based on the normal tongue size charts, we created a Tongue Centile Calculator. RESULTS Over 18 months, 664 tongue measurements were performed. A cubic polynomial regression model best described the correlation between tongue size and gestational age. The correlation coefficient (r2 ) was 0.934, 0.932, 0.925, and 0.953 for tongue length, width, area, and circumference, respectively (P < .001). Intra- and interobserver variability had high interclass correlation coefficients (>0.9). Using the new charts, we were able to identify 2 cases of macroglossia, subsequently diagnosed with Beckwith-Wiedemann, and 4 cases of microglossia, 3 associated with Pierre-Robin sequence, and 1 associated with persistent buccopharyngeal membrane. CONCLUSIONS We present novel fetal tongue size charts from 13 to 40 weeks of gestation. Clinical application of these nomograms may be beneficial in the prenatal diagnosis of syndromes or malformations associated with abnormal fetal tongue size.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
The goal of our study was to evaluate the burden of endometriosis in the community by comparing h... more The goal of our study was to evaluate the burden of endometriosis in the community by comparing healthcare resource utilization, total direct medical costs, infertility, and comorbidity rates of women with and without a diagnosis of endometriosis. A retrospective case–control study was performed using the databases of a 2.1 million-member nationwide healthcare plan. The study population included women aged 15–55 years enrolled in the healthcare plan. Women with a diagnosis (ICD-9) of endometriosis were compared to controls without diagnosed endometriosis. Women were individually matched (1:4) on age and residence area. Patient characteristics were described, including infertility, comorbidities, and annual healthcare resource utilization. Total direct medical costs were analyzed in a generalized linear model adjusting for age. Women with endometriosis (n = 6146, mean age ± SD: 40.4 ± 8.0 y) were significantly more likely than controls (n = 24,572) to have a lower BMI and a higher so...
Journal of Clinical Medicine
The study aimed to perform external validation of the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA)... more The study aimed to perform external validation of the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) classification of adnexal masses as benign or malignant in women with suspected endometrioma. A retrospective study including women referred to an endometriosis tertiary referral center for dedicated transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS). Adnexal masses were evaluated using the IOTA classification simple descriptors, simple rules and expert opinion. The reference standard was definitive histology after mass removal at laparoscopy. In total, 621 women were evaluated and divided into four groups: endometrioma on TVUS and confirmed on surgery (Group 1 = 181), endometrioma on TVUS but other benign cysts on surgery (Group 2 = 9), other cysts on TVUS but endometrioma on surgery (Group 3 = 2), masses classified as other findings or suspicious for malignancy on TVUS and confirmed on surgery (Group 4 = 5 potentially malignant, 11 benign). This gave a sensitivity 98.9%, specificity 64%, positive 95.3% a...
Objective: To describe our experience with late first and early second trimester, prenatal diagno... more Objective: To describe our experience with late first and early second trimester, prenatal diagnosis of abnormalities in the three-vessels and tracheal view (3VT) of the heart, utilizing high-resolution ultrasonography and color Doppler techniques. Materials and Methods: Fetuses with structural heart defects detected at late first and early second-trimester prenatal screening, which were diagnosed with an abnormality on the 3VT. Color Doppler was added in all cases. All patients received genetic counselling and pediatric cardiology consultation. Results: Twenty-one fetuses had an abnormality detected on the three-vessels and tracheal view. The median gestational age was 15 weeks (range 12-18). Lesions diagnosed included abnormal aortic size (hypoplastic left heart syndrome, narrow aorta, coarctation of the aorta); right aortic arch; abnormal pulmonary artery size (tetralogy of Fallot, pulmonary atresia); abnormal vessels arrangement (transposition of the great arteries); two vessels...
Ultrasound in obstetrics & gynecology : the official journal of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2010
To determine the prevalence of levator ani injury in patients with different types of cystocele, ... more To determine the prevalence of levator ani injury in patients with different types of cystocele, as defined by translabial ultrasound, in order to shed light on potential pathophysiological mechanisms. The datasets of 222 women who had undergone a physical examination, urodynamic testing and four-dimensional (4D) pelvic floor ultrasound were evaluated offline for prolapse, levator ani hiatal dimensions and levator ani trauma using tomographic ultrasound imaging (TUI), blinded against all clinical and urodynamic data. Cystoceles reaching below the symphysis pubis on ultrasound examination were classified based on bladder neck position, retrovesical angle (RVA) and urethral rotation as Green II (cystourethrocele) or Green III (cystocele with intact RVA). Of 102 women who had a cystocele reaching below the symphysis pubis, 63 were classified as a Green type II cystocele and 39 as a Green type III cystocele. Women with Green type III cystoceles were older (59.4 vs. 48.7 years, P < 0....
Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2009
Objectives: Much data relating to ovarian pathology is based on masses selected for surgery. Howe... more Objectives: Much data relating to ovarian pathology is based on masses selected for surgery. However optimal management of small and asymptomatic cysts such as dermoids is unknown. Our objective was to assess the natural history of dermoid cysts with reference to torsion and malignancy rates. Methods: A retrospective review of 304 contemporaneous electronic records was performed of consecutive women characterized as having a dermoid cyst from classical TVS features. The natural history was followed for up to 11yr through electronic scan and hospital records. Histopathological outcomes were correlated with TVS findings. Results: 84 (28%) women presented with pelvic pain and the remaining 220 were diagnosed incidentally during investigation of other gynae/nongynaecological problems. Median age was 32.8 (15.5-74.4). Median mean cyst diameter was 47.3mm (4-197mm) and 15 (4.9%) were bilateral. In 83 (27%) cases surgery was indicated at first presentation. In those patients the mean cyst diameter was 55cm and 31 (37.3%) presented with pain. In 3 women (1%) torsion was confirmed. Of the 221 (73%) women initially managed expectantly, 56 (25%) subsequently underwent surgery, for pain or other indications. Of the total 129 undergoing surgical management in our unit, 109 were confirmed dermoids. 19/20 of the non-dermoids were benign. For the 1 histological finding of stage 1a granulosa cell tumour review of the images suggests classical dermoid TVS features were not present even at 1 st presentation. Dermoid recurrence occurred in 16 (5.2%) cases. In the remaining 165 (75%) with ongoing expectant management (mean follow up 318 days) no further cases of torsion or malignancy were found during the median 7.0 yr following discharge. Conclusion: Our data suggest the rate of malignancy and torsion in masses with typical features of dermoids using modern TVS is lower than reported in existing literature. The data suggests that expectant management may be safe except in cases of diagnostic uncertainty or pain. OC05.04 Avulsion defect and cystocele-is there a link?
International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 1987
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2004
Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2021
We compared the prevalence of ultrasound signs of adenomyosis in women with endometriosis who und... more We compared the prevalence of ultrasound signs of adenomyosis in women with endometriosis who underwent surgery to those who were managed conservatively. This was a retrospective study of women evaluated at a tertiary endometriosis referral center who underwent 2D/3D transvaginal ultrasound. Adenomyosis diagnosis was based on the presence of at least three sonographic signs. The study group subsequently underwent laparoscopic surgery while the control group continued conservative management. Statistical analysis compared the two groups for demographics, symptoms, clinical data, and sonographic findings. The study and control groups included 244 and 158 women, respectively. The presence of any, 3+, or 5+ sonographic signs of adenomyosis was significantly more prevalent in the study group (OR = 1.93–2.7, p < 0.004, 95% CI; 1.24–4.09). After controlling for age, for all findings but linear striations, the OR for having a specific feature was higher in the study group. Women in the s...
Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology - ULTRASOUND OBSTET GYN, 2003
, 314 amniocenteses were performed in our centers for suspected CMV infection. Of these, 264 were... more , 314 amniocenteses were performed in our centers for suspected CMV infection. Of these, 264 were performed for positive IgM for CMV, with or without IgG seroconversion. Fifty were performed following a finding of ultrasound markers only for CMV. Of the 264 IgM cases, 243 were found to be without ultrasound findings while 21 were diagnosed with ultrasound markers. Of the 71 subjects with suspected CMV infection by ultrasound markers, 7 were diagnosed as positive by PCR. Of all subjects, a total of 51 were diagnosed as CMV-positive. Of these, 44 had positive serology and no ultrasound markers, 5 had positive serology and ultrasound markers, and 2 subjects had negative serology and positive ultrasound findings. In the positive serology group ultrasound increased the prediction of CMV infection (23% vs 18%), nevertheless it did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: Ultrasound as a sole diagnostic tool has a limited role in the prenatal diagnosis of CMV infection. However, diagnosing positive ultrasound markers of CMV infection, dictates offering further invasive testing.
Neurourology and Urodynamics
European Respiratory Journal
AimLung cancer screening reduces mortality. We aim to validate the performance of Lung EpiCheck, ... more AimLung cancer screening reduces mortality. We aim to validate the performance of Lung EpiCheck, a six-marker panel methylation-based plasma test, in the detection of lung cancer in European and Chinese samples.MethodsA case–control European training set (n=102 lung cancer cases, n=265 controls) was used to define the panel and algorithm. Two cut-offs were selected, low cut-off (LCO) for high sensitivity and high cut-off (HCO) for high specificity. The performance was validated in case–control European and Chinese validation sets (cases/controls 179/137 and 30/15, respectively).ResultsThe European and Chinese validation sets achieved AUCs of 0.882 and 0.899, respectively. The sensitivities/specificities with LCO were 87.2%/64.2% and 76.7%/93.3%, and with HCO they were 74.3%/90.5% and 56.7%/100.0%, respectively. Stage I nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) sensitivity in European and Chinese samples with LCO was 78.4% and 70.0% and with HCO was 62.2% and 30.0%, respectively. Small cell ...
Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology
International Urogynecology Journal
American Journal of Reproductive Immunology
Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry, Jan 30, 2018
We aimed to examine the effects of infertility treatments on the risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder... more We aimed to examine the effects of infertility treatments on the risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Data were from a representative national registry on 110,093 male live births in Israel (born: 1999-2008; and ASD: 975, 0.9%). Infertility treatments included In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), and five hormone treatments. Relative risk (RR) was estimated with multivariable logistic models. Results showed that IVF treatment compared with spontaneous conception was not statistically significantly associated with the risk of ASD. Only progesterone hormone treatment was associated with a statistically significant (p < .05) increased risk of ASD (RR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.22, 1.86) compared to the group with no progesterone treatment. In conclusion, progesterone exposure during the critical period of fetal life elevated the risk of ASD, possibly reflecting epigenetic modification.
BMC public health, Jan 12, 2018
The developing fetus is susceptible to environmental insults. Studying the effects of environment... more The developing fetus is susceptible to environmental insults. Studying the effects of environmental exposures on fetal growth is essential for understanding the causal pathway between prenatal exposures and pregnancy outcomes. Here we describe the Haifa Pregnancy Cohort Study (HPCS) and discuss challenges and opportunities in applying "big data" paradigm. Maccabi Healthcare Services (MHS), is the second largest Israeli health maintenance organization (HMO) providing care services to two million beneficiaries. The HPCS cohort potentially includes ~750,000 newborns born between 1998 and 2017. We will estimate daily exposures to air pollutants, temperature and greenness, using satellite-based data and models. We hypothesize that residents of Haifa have higher exposures to environmental pollutants and that in pregnant women this higher exposure is associated with poorer fetal growth. We will evaluate outcomes such as birth-weight, head-circumference and gestational age at birt...
Gynecological surgery, 2017
Methods available for assessing the learning curve, such as a predefined number of procedures or ... more Methods available for assessing the learning curve, such as a predefined number of procedures or direct mentoring are lacking. Our aim was to describe the use of a statistical method to identify the minimal training length of an experienced sonographer, newly trained in deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) mapping by evaluating the learning curve of transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) in the preoperative assessment of endometriosis. A retrospective study in a tertiary referral center for endometriosis. Reports and stored data from TVUS scans performed by one operator with training in general gynecological ultrasound, but not in endometriosis mapping, were analyzed retrospectively for patients who subsequently underwent laparoscopy, which served as a reference standard. The performance of TVUS was assessed for the following sites: endometriomas, bladder, vagina, pouch of Douglas, bowel and uterosacral ligaments, and correlated with laparoscopic findings. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NP...
Harefuah, 2018
INTRODUCTION Pelvic floor damage can occur during pregnancy, during childbirth or post-partum, an... more INTRODUCTION Pelvic floor damage can occur during pregnancy, during childbirth or post-partum, and may be expressed by symptoms such as urinary incontinence, fecal and gas incontinence, sexual dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse and chronic pelvic pain. Some of the symptoms, which manifest later in a woman's life, will go unrecognized in the immediate postpartum period. Most women do not mention their general health, unless specifically asked. Physiotherapists, who are adept with the anatomy of the musculoskeletal system and the ability to diagnose unique differences, can aid in the diagnosis and treatment of postpartum pelvic floor problems. Monitoring, pelvic floor physiotherapy and exercise can be effective both in treatment and prevention of functional disorders of the pelvic floor. In this article, we will discuss pelvic floor problems and their appearance throughout pregnancy and childbirth, and the means of treatment from the physiotherapist's perspective. We raise the...
Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine
OBJECTIVES Abnormal fetal tongue size is a phenotypic feature of various syndromes including Beck... more OBJECTIVES Abnormal fetal tongue size is a phenotypic feature of various syndromes including Beckwith-Wiedemann, Pierre-Robin, oromandibular limb hypoplasia, chromosomal aberrations, etc. Current data regarding normal fetal tongue size are limited. Hence, micro/macroglossia are subjectively determined. The aim of the study was to construct a contemporary fetal tongue nomogram and to assess its clinical contribution. METHODS A prospective cross-sectional study was performed in well dated, low risk, singleton pregnancies. Fetal tongues were measured by 5 trained sonographers. Highest quality images were selected. Intra- and interobserver variability was assessed. Tongue length, width, area, and circumference 1st to 99th centiles were calculated for each gestational week. Based on the normal tongue size charts, we created a Tongue Centile Calculator. RESULTS Over 18 months, 664 tongue measurements were performed. A cubic polynomial regression model best described the correlation between tongue size and gestational age. The correlation coefficient (r2 ) was 0.934, 0.932, 0.925, and 0.953 for tongue length, width, area, and circumference, respectively (P < .001). Intra- and interobserver variability had high interclass correlation coefficients (>0.9). Using the new charts, we were able to identify 2 cases of macroglossia, subsequently diagnosed with Beckwith-Wiedemann, and 4 cases of microglossia, 3 associated with Pierre-Robin sequence, and 1 associated with persistent buccopharyngeal membrane. CONCLUSIONS We present novel fetal tongue size charts from 13 to 40 weeks of gestation. Clinical application of these nomograms may be beneficial in the prenatal diagnosis of syndromes or malformations associated with abnormal fetal tongue size.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
The goal of our study was to evaluate the burden of endometriosis in the community by comparing h... more The goal of our study was to evaluate the burden of endometriosis in the community by comparing healthcare resource utilization, total direct medical costs, infertility, and comorbidity rates of women with and without a diagnosis of endometriosis. A retrospective case–control study was performed using the databases of a 2.1 million-member nationwide healthcare plan. The study population included women aged 15–55 years enrolled in the healthcare plan. Women with a diagnosis (ICD-9) of endometriosis were compared to controls without diagnosed endometriosis. Women were individually matched (1:4) on age and residence area. Patient characteristics were described, including infertility, comorbidities, and annual healthcare resource utilization. Total direct medical costs were analyzed in a generalized linear model adjusting for age. Women with endometriosis (n = 6146, mean age ± SD: 40.4 ± 8.0 y) were significantly more likely than controls (n = 24,572) to have a lower BMI and a higher so...
Journal of Clinical Medicine
The study aimed to perform external validation of the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA)... more The study aimed to perform external validation of the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) classification of adnexal masses as benign or malignant in women with suspected endometrioma. A retrospective study including women referred to an endometriosis tertiary referral center for dedicated transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS). Adnexal masses were evaluated using the IOTA classification simple descriptors, simple rules and expert opinion. The reference standard was definitive histology after mass removal at laparoscopy. In total, 621 women were evaluated and divided into four groups: endometrioma on TVUS and confirmed on surgery (Group 1 = 181), endometrioma on TVUS but other benign cysts on surgery (Group 2 = 9), other cysts on TVUS but endometrioma on surgery (Group 3 = 2), masses classified as other findings or suspicious for malignancy on TVUS and confirmed on surgery (Group 4 = 5 potentially malignant, 11 benign). This gave a sensitivity 98.9%, specificity 64%, positive 95.3% a...
Objective: To describe our experience with late first and early second trimester, prenatal diagno... more Objective: To describe our experience with late first and early second trimester, prenatal diagnosis of abnormalities in the three-vessels and tracheal view (3VT) of the heart, utilizing high-resolution ultrasonography and color Doppler techniques. Materials and Methods: Fetuses with structural heart defects detected at late first and early second-trimester prenatal screening, which were diagnosed with an abnormality on the 3VT. Color Doppler was added in all cases. All patients received genetic counselling and pediatric cardiology consultation. Results: Twenty-one fetuses had an abnormality detected on the three-vessels and tracheal view. The median gestational age was 15 weeks (range 12-18). Lesions diagnosed included abnormal aortic size (hypoplastic left heart syndrome, narrow aorta, coarctation of the aorta); right aortic arch; abnormal pulmonary artery size (tetralogy of Fallot, pulmonary atresia); abnormal vessels arrangement (transposition of the great arteries); two vessels...
Ultrasound in obstetrics & gynecology : the official journal of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2010
To determine the prevalence of levator ani injury in patients with different types of cystocele, ... more To determine the prevalence of levator ani injury in patients with different types of cystocele, as defined by translabial ultrasound, in order to shed light on potential pathophysiological mechanisms. The datasets of 222 women who had undergone a physical examination, urodynamic testing and four-dimensional (4D) pelvic floor ultrasound were evaluated offline for prolapse, levator ani hiatal dimensions and levator ani trauma using tomographic ultrasound imaging (TUI), blinded against all clinical and urodynamic data. Cystoceles reaching below the symphysis pubis on ultrasound examination were classified based on bladder neck position, retrovesical angle (RVA) and urethral rotation as Green II (cystourethrocele) or Green III (cystocele with intact RVA). Of 102 women who had a cystocele reaching below the symphysis pubis, 63 were classified as a Green type II cystocele and 39 as a Green type III cystocele. Women with Green type III cystoceles were older (59.4 vs. 48.7 years, P < 0....
Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2009
Objectives: Much data relating to ovarian pathology is based on masses selected for surgery. Howe... more Objectives: Much data relating to ovarian pathology is based on masses selected for surgery. However optimal management of small and asymptomatic cysts such as dermoids is unknown. Our objective was to assess the natural history of dermoid cysts with reference to torsion and malignancy rates. Methods: A retrospective review of 304 contemporaneous electronic records was performed of consecutive women characterized as having a dermoid cyst from classical TVS features. The natural history was followed for up to 11yr through electronic scan and hospital records. Histopathological outcomes were correlated with TVS findings. Results: 84 (28%) women presented with pelvic pain and the remaining 220 were diagnosed incidentally during investigation of other gynae/nongynaecological problems. Median age was 32.8 (15.5-74.4). Median mean cyst diameter was 47.3mm (4-197mm) and 15 (4.9%) were bilateral. In 83 (27%) cases surgery was indicated at first presentation. In those patients the mean cyst diameter was 55cm and 31 (37.3%) presented with pain. In 3 women (1%) torsion was confirmed. Of the 221 (73%) women initially managed expectantly, 56 (25%) subsequently underwent surgery, for pain or other indications. Of the total 129 undergoing surgical management in our unit, 109 were confirmed dermoids. 19/20 of the non-dermoids were benign. For the 1 histological finding of stage 1a granulosa cell tumour review of the images suggests classical dermoid TVS features were not present even at 1 st presentation. Dermoid recurrence occurred in 16 (5.2%) cases. In the remaining 165 (75%) with ongoing expectant management (mean follow up 318 days) no further cases of torsion or malignancy were found during the median 7.0 yr following discharge. Conclusion: Our data suggest the rate of malignancy and torsion in masses with typical features of dermoids using modern TVS is lower than reported in existing literature. The data suggests that expectant management may be safe except in cases of diagnostic uncertainty or pain. OC05.04 Avulsion defect and cystocele-is there a link?
International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 1987
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2004
Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2021
We compared the prevalence of ultrasound signs of adenomyosis in women with endometriosis who und... more We compared the prevalence of ultrasound signs of adenomyosis in women with endometriosis who underwent surgery to those who were managed conservatively. This was a retrospective study of women evaluated at a tertiary endometriosis referral center who underwent 2D/3D transvaginal ultrasound. Adenomyosis diagnosis was based on the presence of at least three sonographic signs. The study group subsequently underwent laparoscopic surgery while the control group continued conservative management. Statistical analysis compared the two groups for demographics, symptoms, clinical data, and sonographic findings. The study and control groups included 244 and 158 women, respectively. The presence of any, 3+, or 5+ sonographic signs of adenomyosis was significantly more prevalent in the study group (OR = 1.93–2.7, p < 0.004, 95% CI; 1.24–4.09). After controlling for age, for all findings but linear striations, the OR for having a specific feature was higher in the study group. Women in the s...
Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology - ULTRASOUND OBSTET GYN, 2003
, 314 amniocenteses were performed in our centers for suspected CMV infection. Of these, 264 were... more , 314 amniocenteses were performed in our centers for suspected CMV infection. Of these, 264 were performed for positive IgM for CMV, with or without IgG seroconversion. Fifty were performed following a finding of ultrasound markers only for CMV. Of the 264 IgM cases, 243 were found to be without ultrasound findings while 21 were diagnosed with ultrasound markers. Of the 71 subjects with suspected CMV infection by ultrasound markers, 7 were diagnosed as positive by PCR. Of all subjects, a total of 51 were diagnosed as CMV-positive. Of these, 44 had positive serology and no ultrasound markers, 5 had positive serology and ultrasound markers, and 2 subjects had negative serology and positive ultrasound findings. In the positive serology group ultrasound increased the prediction of CMV infection (23% vs 18%), nevertheless it did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: Ultrasound as a sole diagnostic tool has a limited role in the prenatal diagnosis of CMV infection. However, diagnosing positive ultrasound markers of CMV infection, dictates offering further invasive testing.
Neurourology and Urodynamics
European Respiratory Journal
AimLung cancer screening reduces mortality. We aim to validate the performance of Lung EpiCheck, ... more AimLung cancer screening reduces mortality. We aim to validate the performance of Lung EpiCheck, a six-marker panel methylation-based plasma test, in the detection of lung cancer in European and Chinese samples.MethodsA case–control European training set (n=102 lung cancer cases, n=265 controls) was used to define the panel and algorithm. Two cut-offs were selected, low cut-off (LCO) for high sensitivity and high cut-off (HCO) for high specificity. The performance was validated in case–control European and Chinese validation sets (cases/controls 179/137 and 30/15, respectively).ResultsThe European and Chinese validation sets achieved AUCs of 0.882 and 0.899, respectively. The sensitivities/specificities with LCO were 87.2%/64.2% and 76.7%/93.3%, and with HCO they were 74.3%/90.5% and 56.7%/100.0%, respectively. Stage I nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) sensitivity in European and Chinese samples with LCO was 78.4% and 70.0% and with HCO was 62.2% and 30.0%, respectively. Small cell ...
Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology
International Urogynecology Journal
American Journal of Reproductive Immunology
Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry, Jan 30, 2018
We aimed to examine the effects of infertility treatments on the risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder... more We aimed to examine the effects of infertility treatments on the risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Data were from a representative national registry on 110,093 male live births in Israel (born: 1999-2008; and ASD: 975, 0.9%). Infertility treatments included In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), and five hormone treatments. Relative risk (RR) was estimated with multivariable logistic models. Results showed that IVF treatment compared with spontaneous conception was not statistically significantly associated with the risk of ASD. Only progesterone hormone treatment was associated with a statistically significant (p < .05) increased risk of ASD (RR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.22, 1.86) compared to the group with no progesterone treatment. In conclusion, progesterone exposure during the critical period of fetal life elevated the risk of ASD, possibly reflecting epigenetic modification.
BMC public health, Jan 12, 2018
The developing fetus is susceptible to environmental insults. Studying the effects of environment... more The developing fetus is susceptible to environmental insults. Studying the effects of environmental exposures on fetal growth is essential for understanding the causal pathway between prenatal exposures and pregnancy outcomes. Here we describe the Haifa Pregnancy Cohort Study (HPCS) and discuss challenges and opportunities in applying "big data" paradigm. Maccabi Healthcare Services (MHS), is the second largest Israeli health maintenance organization (HMO) providing care services to two million beneficiaries. The HPCS cohort potentially includes ~750,000 newborns born between 1998 and 2017. We will estimate daily exposures to air pollutants, temperature and greenness, using satellite-based data and models. We hypothesize that residents of Haifa have higher exposures to environmental pollutants and that in pregnant women this higher exposure is associated with poorer fetal growth. We will evaluate outcomes such as birth-weight, head-circumference and gestational age at birt...
Gynecological surgery, 2017
Methods available for assessing the learning curve, such as a predefined number of procedures or ... more Methods available for assessing the learning curve, such as a predefined number of procedures or direct mentoring are lacking. Our aim was to describe the use of a statistical method to identify the minimal training length of an experienced sonographer, newly trained in deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) mapping by evaluating the learning curve of transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) in the preoperative assessment of endometriosis. A retrospective study in a tertiary referral center for endometriosis. Reports and stored data from TVUS scans performed by one operator with training in general gynecological ultrasound, but not in endometriosis mapping, were analyzed retrospectively for patients who subsequently underwent laparoscopy, which served as a reference standard. The performance of TVUS was assessed for the following sites: endometriomas, bladder, vagina, pouch of Douglas, bowel and uterosacral ligaments, and correlated with laparoscopic findings. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NP...