Objective: To study the preventive and therapeutic effect of N-Acetyl-L-cysteine on infection-associated preterm labor in mice. Methods: A total of 66 C57BL/6 inbred strain pregnant mice were selected and randomly div...Objective: To study the preventive and therapeutic effect of N-Acetyl-L-cysteine on infection-associated preterm labor in mice. Methods: A total of 66 C57BL/6 inbred strain pregnant mice were selected and randomly divided into groups A, B and C, with 22 cases in each group. Group A, B and C were regarded as model group, prevention group and treatment group, respectively. The model of infection-associated preterm labor was built by intraperitoneal injection of Escherichia coli. Ten mice of each group were taken and observed the preterm birth rates and live birth rates, respectively. Three mice of each group were killed at 3 h, 6 h, 12 h and 24 h after building the model. Their uterus tissues were collected and the expressions of the AP-1 and MCP-1 in those tissues were assayed with immunohistochemical method and the expressions of NF- kappa Bp65 and TNF- protein in the placenta tissues of those mice were also detected with immunohistochemical method. Results: The pretem: birth rates of mice in groups B and C were significantly lower than that in group A, while their live birth rates were distinctly higher than that in group A (P<0.05); the expressions of the AP-1 and MCP-1 in the uterus tissues and NF- kappa Bp65 and TNF- protein in the placenta tissues of mice in groups B and C were evidently lower than those in group A (P<0.05); the comparison of the expressions of the NF- kappa Bp65 and TNF- between group B and C showed no statistical differences (P>0.05). Conclusions: N-Acetyl-L-cysteine can lower the incidence rate of infection-associated preterm labor by prohibiting the activation of the protein AP-1/MCP-1 and decreasing the expression of NF- kappa Bp65 and TNF- in the pregnant tissues of premature mice to reduce the inflammatory reactions.展开更多
Different methods have been proposed to screen for preterm labor and delivery; most of these aim to pre-dict the risk that preterm delivery is going to take place. However, interesting though this knowledge might be, ...Different methods have been proposed to screen for preterm labor and delivery; most of these aim to pre-dict the risk that preterm delivery is going to take place. However, interesting though this knowledge might be, knowing the future is of no use when no changes can be made. Recent publications have suggested new and exciting modalities to actually diminish the frequency of preterm birth in patients selected by transvaginal cervical length measurement; these modalities include vaginal progesterone and vaginal pessaries. Although promising, many questions remain to be answered; not least about the long term outcome for both neonates and mothers, but also on the eventual introduction of such strategies to the general obstetric population. One of the main problems that urgently needs clarifcation is how we are going to offer this best of medicine to those needing it most： deprived and socially isolated women who have the highest risk for preterm laborand delivery, probably not due to any congenital cervi-cal problems, but to a combination of environmental, microbiological and social factors, including transgen-erational poverty and deprivation.展开更多
We previously demonstrated immune activation in the maternal peripheral circulation associated with preterm labor (PTL). There was an elevation in WBC mRNA of anti-inflammatory complement decay-accelerating factor (CD...We previously demonstrated immune activation in the maternal peripheral circulation associated with preterm labor (PTL). There was an elevation in WBC mRNA of anti-inflammatory complement decay-accelerating factor (CD55) and the innate-immune response activating toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). These findings suggested that collectively, these two molecules might serve as useful biomolecules to aid in the diagnosis of PTL. In this study, we used a combined marker approach to determine whether a dual marker model utilizing both CD55 and TLR4 mRNA levels to classify PTL would increase diagnostic accuracy compared to either molecule alone. Two methods were evaluated;a linear discriminant (LD) method and a distribution free (DF) method, in order to find the optimal linear combination of TLR4 and CD55 data to diagnose PTL accurately. Our results indicated that a combined CD55-TLR4 dual marker model could provide statistically significant improve- ments compared to CD55 or TLR4 single marker models for PTL classification performance.展开更多
Objective: To determine the value of fetal fibronectin (FFN), cervical length (CL) measurement and their combination as binary predictors for preterm birth (PB) in women with preterm labour (PTL) between 24 + 0 and 34...Objective: To determine the value of fetal fibronectin (FFN), cervical length (CL) measurement and their combination as binary predictors for preterm birth (PB) in women with preterm labour (PTL) between 24 + 0 and 34 + 0 weeks. Methods: One hundred fifty-nine patients with signs of PTL (singleton pregnancies (SP) = 125, twin pregnancies (TP) = 34) were evaluated in a retrospective study. Inclusion criteria were contractions > 4/20 min, intact membranes, no bleeding. The cut-off was ≥50 ng/ml for FFN and ≤20 mm for CL measured by transvaginal ultrasound. The primary outcome variable was delivery within 7 days from admission. Results: We evaluated 125 SPs and 34 TPs. In SPs, both methods had a sensitivity of 80%;the specificity was 82% for FFN, and 50% for CL. For the combination of both tests sensitivity was 80% and specificity 88%. In TPs, the sensitivity of both tests was lower (FFN 33%, CL 67%) but the combination of both tests represented the highest result for specificity (77% compared to 68% for FFN alone and 32% for CL alone). Conclusion: The combination of FFN and CL in PTL results in a significant higher specificity in SPs. In TPs the performance of the tests is less accurate.展开更多
Objective: To compare PAMG-1 and phIGFBP-1 tests in predicting impending spontaneous preterm delivery within 7 days upon presentation in pregnant women with symptoms of preterm labor. Study Design: From September 2014...Objective: To compare PAMG-1 and phIGFBP-1 tests in predicting impending spontaneous preterm delivery within 7 days upon presentation in pregnant women with symptoms of preterm labor. Study Design: From September 2014 to April 2015 women with singleton gestation, symptoms of preterm labor, GA 22 - 35, participated in this prospective cohort study upon admission. Recruited patients had intact membranes and a minimal cervical dilatation of ≤3 cm. Vaginal swabs for phIGFBP-1 and PAMG-1 were taken in addition to routine treatment. Biochemical test results were blinded and had no effect on management of patients. Results: A total of 96 patients were screened for inclusion into the trial;57 met the inclusion criteria for final analysis. The PAMG-1 test was positive in 5.7% of patients, while phIGFBP-1 test was positive in 29.8% of patients. The prediction of spontaneous preterm delivery within 7 days of admission in patients with a cervical length Conclusion: Our study supports the high negative predictability of biochemical tests to rule out spontaneous preterm labor in patients with a short cervix. However, our study strongly suggests that the PAMG-1 test is more accurate for predicting imminent spontaneous preterm delivery as compared to phIGFBP-1. These findings can significantly reduce economic burden caused by unnecessary admission and treatment of patients suspected of preterm labor. Such a reduction in the use of corticosteroids and tocolytics would lead to a reduction in the short and long term health effects associated with the use of therapeutic drugs like corticosteroids, antibiotics and tocolytics.展开更多
Background: Preterm labor (PTL) remains a major source of neonatal morbidity, and mortality. Currently the trans-vaginal cervical length (TVCL), and/or cervico-vaginal fetal fibronectin (fFN) are the common diagnostic...Background: Preterm labor (PTL) remains a major source of neonatal morbidity, and mortality. Currently the trans-vaginal cervical length (TVCL), and/or cervico-vaginal fetal fibronectin (fFN) are the common diagnostic tools used for prediction of PTL. Consequently, many women and their fetuses are exposed unnecessarily tocolysis and hospital admission. Objectives: This study was designed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of PremaQuick versus Actim Partus in prediction of PTL in symptomatic women within 14 days. Patients and Methods: Two-hundred and twenty women (220) were included in this comparative prospective study and classified into two groups: 110 women with threatened preterm labor (TPTL) in the study group, and 110 controls (no TPTL). Women included in the study were subjected to: through history, collection of the cervico-vaginal fluid (CVF) samples for assessment by PremaQuick and Actim Partus tests, followed by trans-vaginal cervical length (TVCL) assessment. Studied women managed according to the hospitals protocol, with follow-up weekly in the obstetrics outpatients’ clinic after discharge from the hospital until delivery. The main outcome measures the diagnostic accuracy of PremaQuick versus Actim Partus in prediction of PTL in symptomatic women within 14 days of admission. Results: PremaQuick test was significantly more specific with higher positive predictive value (PPV) in prediction of PTL in symptomatic women within 14 days (95.5% and 89.6%;respectively) compared to CL 25 mm (56.3% and 54.6%;respectively), (P = 0.02 and 0.03;respectively). In addition, PremaQuick test was significantly more sensitive with higher positive predictive value (PPV) in prediction of PTL in symptomatic women within 14 days (39.8% and 89.6%;respectively) compared to Actim Partus (13.9% and 55.5%;respectively), (P = 0.001 and 0.01;respectively). The Odds ratio and the relative risk for prediction of PTL in symptomatic women within 14 days were significantly high for PremaQuick compared to the CL 25 mm, and Actim Partus. Conclusion: PremaQuick test seems to be the best complementary test to the CL 25 in prediction of PTL in symptomatic women within 14 days. PremaQuick test compensates the low specificity and low PPV of the CL 25 mm in prediction of PTL.展开更多
Objective: To determine if the use of fetal fibronectin (fFN) testing has affected hospital admissions for preterm labor. Methods: ICD-9 and CPT codes from all admissions to Brigham & Women’s Hospital between Jan...Objective: To determine if the use of fetal fibronectin (fFN) testing has affected hospital admissions for preterm labor. Methods: ICD-9 and CPT codes from all admissions to Brigham & Women’s Hospital between January 1, 1995 and December 31, 2010 were evaluated. Data recorded included total deliveries, admissions for preterm labor (PTL) without delivery, length of stay (days) for PTL admissions, preterm deliveries, and number of fFN tests performed. The data was evaluated using a Wilcoxon test of trend and least squares regression. Results: Fetal fibronectin testing was introduced mid-year 2001. As a percentage of total deliveries, the number of admissions for PTL without delivery decreased from 3.97% in 1995 to 2.16% in 2010展开更多
We previously investigated the progesterone metabolite 5β-dihydroprogesterone (5βDHP) in relation to human parturition at term, demonstrating that peripheral venous concentrations decrease in association with the on...We previously investigated the progesterone metabolite 5β-dihydroprogesterone (5βDHP) in relation to human parturition at term, demonstrating that peripheral venous concentrations decrease in association with the onset of spontaneous labour. In this study our aim was to determine if 5βDHP concentrations were lower in women presenting in spontaneous preterm labour than in controls matched for gestational age. Blood samples were obtained from women presenting in spontaneous preterm labour (n = 20). The diagnosis was made on the presence of regular contractions and cervical effacement and dilatation of at least 3 cms. All women in the preterm labour group delivered before 37 weeks gestation. Blood samples were then obtained from controls, closely matched for gestational age with uncomplicated pregnancies. The preterm labour group was further stratified by cause into three groups, chorioamnionitis (n = 5), abruption (n = 4) and idiopathic (n = 11). Following organic solvent extraction, steroids were separated by HPLC and 5βDHP quantified by radioimmunoassay. Women in the idiopathic preterm labour group were found to have significantly lower circulating concentrations of 5βDHP than controls展开更多
Objective: To evaluate whether prophylactic administration of 200 mg vaginal progesterone can reduce the incidence of preterm birth in women with documented history of preterm birth Setting: Obstetrics and Gynecology ...Objective: To evaluate whether prophylactic administration of 200 mg vaginal progesterone can reduce the incidence of preterm birth in women with documented history of preterm birth Setting: Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Zagazig University Hospital, Egypt. Methods: Ninety patients with previous history of preterm birth prior to 37 week presenting with singleton pregnancy between 20 - 24 weeks were randomly allocated to receive either the progesterone 200 mg vaginal suppository or no treatment. Results: The incidence of preterm labor before 37 weeks of gestation was significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (22.2% vs. 53.3%) especially in earlier gestational ages. While, the mean birth weight was significantly higher in the study group than in control group (2872.67 ± 565.76 gm vs. 2487.78 ± 742.40 gm). The neonatal morbidities and mortality associated with preterm labor were significantly lower in the study group than in the control group as shown by lower incidence of neonatal RDS (13.3% vs. 31.1%;P = 0.043) and lower incidence of the need for NICU admission (15.6% vs. 35.5%;P = 0.03). Conclusion: Administration of prophylactic vaginal progesterone (200 mg, daily) can significantly reduce the rate of preterm birth before 37, 32 and 28 wks of gestation among women with previous spontaneous preterm birth. In addition, the rates of RDS and admission to NICU were significantly decreased among infants of women assigned to progesterone treatment. Also, there was an additional benefit of vaginal progesterone for prevention of preterm birth in women who had prior spontaneous preterm birth and cervical length 25 mm.展开更多
Objectives: Evaluation of diagnostic performance of rapid testing of cervico-vaginal fluid (CVF) for fetal fibronectin (FFN) and placental α-microglobulin 1 (PAMG-1) as screening of women presented by threatened pret...Objectives: Evaluation of diagnostic performance of rapid testing of cervico-vaginal fluid (CVF) for fetal fibronectin (FFN) and placental α-microglobulin 1 (PAMG-1) as screening of women presented by threatened preterm labor (TPTL) with intact membranes for duration till getting spontaneous labor (SL). Patients & Methods: 37 women presenting with TPTL underwent CVF samplings before digital examination and then underwent transvaginal ultrasonography for estimation of cervical length (CL). All women received fluid and anxiolytic therapy and if uterine contractions persisted, all had received tocolytic therapy with oral nifedipine or intravenous magnesium sulphate according to requirements. Incidence of SL within Results: Incidence of SL was 13.5%, 35.2% and 51.3% within 48-hr, 2 - 7 and 7 - 14 days, respectively. Duration till labor after sampling was positively correlated with CL, while was negatively correlated with positive FFN and PAMG-1 tests. Positive FFN test had high specificity, while positive PAMG-1 test had high sensitivity for labor within 7 days. Regression analysis defined short CL and positive PAMG-1 test as significant predictors for short duration till SL. ROC curve analysis defined short cervix and positive PAMG-1 test as significant predictors for labor within 48-hr and within 2 - 7 days respectively and combined negative PAMG-1 test and CL of 20 - 25 mm were significant predictors for labor within 7 - 14 days. Conclusion: PAMG-1 test had high specificity, if positive, for predicting SL and high NPP, if negative, for excluding labor within 7 days, so it can be used as rapid adjuvant to clinical evaluation to help management decision-making. Moreover, PAMG-1 test is recommended screening test for being easy-to-use bedside test, provides rapid results, can be used after vaginal exam and coitus and does not require a speculum examination or specialized equipment to analyze results.展开更多
BACKGROUND High-dose steroid administration is a common initial therapeutic approach for Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease(VKH).Nonetheless,administering substantial doses of steroids to pregnant women necessitates metic...BACKGROUND High-dose steroid administration is a common initial therapeutic approach for Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease(VKH).Nonetheless,administering substantial doses of steroids to pregnant women necessitates meticulous consideration due to the potential impacts on the mother and fetus.We present a case wherein steroid pulse therapy was administered to a patient who developed VKH during the late stages of pregnancy.CASE SUMMARY The patient was a 26-year-old nulliparous woman.At 33 weeks and 1 day of her pregnancy,she experienced a decline in visual acuity and noticed metamorphopsia in her left eye.Examination revealed bilateral serous retinal detachment,leading to VKH diagnosis.A collaborative effort involving the departments of ophthalmology,internal medicine,and neonatology was initiated.Steroid pulse therapy was administered at 34 weeks and 1 day of pregnancy under hospital supervision.Complications,such as threatened preterm labor and gestational diabetes,emerged,necessitating the initiation of oral ritodrine hydrochloride and insulin therapy.Then,serous retinal detachment was resolved,and visual acuity was restored.Labor pains initiated 32 days post-initiation of steroid pulse therapy(at 38 weeks and 4 days of gestation),culminating in a normal delivery.Mother and newborn experienced an uneventful puerperal course and were discharged from the hospital on the 5th day following delivery.CONCLUSION VKH management in pregnancy requires multidisciplinary coordination,emphasizing collaboration with ophthalmologists and specialists in internal medicine and neonatology.展开更多
BACKGROUND Preterm birth(PTB)is one of the main causes of neonatal deaths globally,with approximately 15million infants are born preterm.Women from the Black,Asian,and Minority Ethnic(BAME)populations maybe at higher ...BACKGROUND Preterm birth(PTB)is one of the main causes of neonatal deaths globally,with approximately 15million infants are born preterm.Women from the Black,Asian,and Minority Ethnic(BAME)populations maybe at higher risk of PTB,therefore,the mental health impact on mothers experiencing a PTB is particularly important,within the BAME populations.AIM To determine the prevalence of mental health conditions among BAME women with PTB as well as the methods of mental health assessments used to characterise the mental health outcomes.METHODS A systematic methodology was developed and published as a protocol in PROSPERO(CRD420-20210863).Multiple databases were used to extract relevant data.I2 and Egger's tests were used to detect the heterogeneity and publication bias.A trim and fill method was used to demonstrate the influence of publication bias and the credibility of conclusions.RESULTS Thirty-nine studies met the eligibility criteria from a possible 3526.The prevalence rates of depression among PTB-BAME mothers were significantly higher than full-term mothers with a standardized mean difference of 1.5 and a 95%confidence interval(CI)29%-74%.The subgroup analysis indicated depressive symptoms to be time sensitive.Women within the very PTB category demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of depression than those categorised as non-very PTB.The prevalence rates of anxiety and stress among PTB-BAME mothers were significantly higher than in full-term mothers(odds ratio of 88%and 60%with a CI of 42%-149%and 24%-106%,respectively).CONCLUSION BAME women with PTB suffer with mental health conditions.Many studies did not report on specific mental health outcomes for BAME populations.Therefore,the impact of PTB is not accurately represented in this population,and thus could negatively influence the quality of maternity services they receive.展开更多
基金supported by the special plan of maternal and child health molecular genetic medicine of Maternal and Child Health Care Center in Chinese Center for Discase Control and Prevention(Grant No.FY-ZX-ZD-0059)
文摘Objective: To study the preventive and therapeutic effect of N-Acetyl-L-cysteine on infection-associated preterm labor in mice. Methods: A total of 66 C57BL/6 inbred strain pregnant mice were selected and randomly divided into groups A, B and C, with 22 cases in each group. Group A, B and C were regarded as model group, prevention group and treatment group, respectively. The model of infection-associated preterm labor was built by intraperitoneal injection of Escherichia coli. Ten mice of each group were taken and observed the preterm birth rates and live birth rates, respectively. Three mice of each group were killed at 3 h, 6 h, 12 h and 24 h after building the model. Their uterus tissues were collected and the expressions of the AP-1 and MCP-1 in those tissues were assayed with immunohistochemical method and the expressions of NF- kappa Bp65 and TNF- protein in the placenta tissues of those mice were also detected with immunohistochemical method. Results: The pretem: birth rates of mice in groups B and C were significantly lower than that in group A, while their live birth rates were distinctly higher than that in group A (P<0.05); the expressions of the AP-1 and MCP-1 in the uterus tissues and NF- kappa Bp65 and TNF- protein in the placenta tissues of mice in groups B and C were evidently lower than those in group A (P<0.05); the comparison of the expressions of the NF- kappa Bp65 and TNF- between group B and C showed no statistical differences (P>0.05). Conclusions: N-Acetyl-L-cysteine can lower the incidence rate of infection-associated preterm labor by prohibiting the activation of the protein AP-1/MCP-1 and decreasing the expression of NF- kappa Bp65 and TNF- in the pregnant tissues of premature mice to reduce the inflammatory reactions.
文摘Different methods have been proposed to screen for preterm labor and delivery; most of these aim to pre-dict the risk that preterm delivery is going to take place. However, interesting though this knowledge might be, knowing the future is of no use when no changes can be made. Recent publications have suggested new and exciting modalities to actually diminish the frequency of preterm birth in patients selected by transvaginal cervical length measurement; these modalities include vaginal progesterone and vaginal pessaries. Although promising, many questions remain to be answered; not least about the long term outcome for both neonates and mothers, but also on the eventual introduction of such strategies to the general obstetric population. One of the main problems that urgently needs clarifcation is how we are going to offer this best of medicine to those needing it most： deprived and socially isolated women who have the highest risk for preterm laborand delivery, probably not due to any congenital cervi-cal problems, but to a combination of environmental, microbiological and social factors, including transgen-erational poverty and deprivation.
文摘We previously demonstrated immune activation in the maternal peripheral circulation associated with preterm labor (PTL). There was an elevation in WBC mRNA of anti-inflammatory complement decay-accelerating factor (CD55) and the innate-immune response activating toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). These findings suggested that collectively, these two molecules might serve as useful biomolecules to aid in the diagnosis of PTL. In this study, we used a combined marker approach to determine whether a dual marker model utilizing both CD55 and TLR4 mRNA levels to classify PTL would increase diagnostic accuracy compared to either molecule alone. Two methods were evaluated;a linear discriminant (LD) method and a distribution free (DF) method, in order to find the optimal linear combination of TLR4 and CD55 data to diagnose PTL accurately. Our results indicated that a combined CD55-TLR4 dual marker model could provide statistically significant improve- ments compared to CD55 or TLR4 single marker models for PTL classification performance.
文摘Objective: To determine the value of fetal fibronectin (FFN), cervical length (CL) measurement and their combination as binary predictors for preterm birth (PB) in women with preterm labour (PTL) between 24 + 0 and 34 + 0 weeks. Methods: One hundred fifty-nine patients with signs of PTL (singleton pregnancies (SP) = 125, twin pregnancies (TP) = 34) were evaluated in a retrospective study. Inclusion criteria were contractions > 4/20 min, intact membranes, no bleeding. The cut-off was ≥50 ng/ml for FFN and ≤20 mm for CL measured by transvaginal ultrasound. The primary outcome variable was delivery within 7 days from admission. Results: We evaluated 125 SPs and 34 TPs. In SPs, both methods had a sensitivity of 80%;the specificity was 82% for FFN, and 50% for CL. For the combination of both tests sensitivity was 80% and specificity 88%. In TPs, the sensitivity of both tests was lower (FFN 33%, CL 67%) but the combination of both tests represented the highest result for specificity (77% compared to 68% for FFN alone and 32% for CL alone). Conclusion: The combination of FFN and CL in PTL results in a significant higher specificity in SPs. In TPs the performance of the tests is less accurate.
文摘Objective: To compare PAMG-1 and phIGFBP-1 tests in predicting impending spontaneous preterm delivery within 7 days upon presentation in pregnant women with symptoms of preterm labor. Study Design: From September 2014 to April 2015 women with singleton gestation, symptoms of preterm labor, GA 22 - 35, participated in this prospective cohort study upon admission. Recruited patients had intact membranes and a minimal cervical dilatation of ≤3 cm. Vaginal swabs for phIGFBP-1 and PAMG-1 were taken in addition to routine treatment. Biochemical test results were blinded and had no effect on management of patients. Results: A total of 96 patients were screened for inclusion into the trial;57 met the inclusion criteria for final analysis. The PAMG-1 test was positive in 5.7% of patients, while phIGFBP-1 test was positive in 29.8% of patients. The prediction of spontaneous preterm delivery within 7 days of admission in patients with a cervical length Conclusion: Our study supports the high negative predictability of biochemical tests to rule out spontaneous preterm labor in patients with a short cervix. However, our study strongly suggests that the PAMG-1 test is more accurate for predicting imminent spontaneous preterm delivery as compared to phIGFBP-1. These findings can significantly reduce economic burden caused by unnecessary admission and treatment of patients suspected of preterm labor. Such a reduction in the use of corticosteroids and tocolytics would lead to a reduction in the short and long term health effects associated with the use of therapeutic drugs like corticosteroids, antibiotics and tocolytics.
文摘Background: Preterm labor (PTL) remains a major source of neonatal morbidity, and mortality. Currently the trans-vaginal cervical length (TVCL), and/or cervico-vaginal fetal fibronectin (fFN) are the common diagnostic tools used for prediction of PTL. Consequently, many women and their fetuses are exposed unnecessarily tocolysis and hospital admission. Objectives: This study was designed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of PremaQuick versus Actim Partus in prediction of PTL in symptomatic women within 14 days. Patients and Methods: Two-hundred and twenty women (220) were included in this comparative prospective study and classified into two groups: 110 women with threatened preterm labor (TPTL) in the study group, and 110 controls (no TPTL). Women included in the study were subjected to: through history, collection of the cervico-vaginal fluid (CVF) samples for assessment by PremaQuick and Actim Partus tests, followed by trans-vaginal cervical length (TVCL) assessment. Studied women managed according to the hospitals protocol, with follow-up weekly in the obstetrics outpatients’ clinic after discharge from the hospital until delivery. The main outcome measures the diagnostic accuracy of PremaQuick versus Actim Partus in prediction of PTL in symptomatic women within 14 days of admission. Results: PremaQuick test was significantly more specific with higher positive predictive value (PPV) in prediction of PTL in symptomatic women within 14 days (95.5% and 89.6%;respectively) compared to CL 25 mm (56.3% and 54.6%;respectively), (P = 0.02 and 0.03;respectively). In addition, PremaQuick test was significantly more sensitive with higher positive predictive value (PPV) in prediction of PTL in symptomatic women within 14 days (39.8% and 89.6%;respectively) compared to Actim Partus (13.9% and 55.5%;respectively), (P = 0.001 and 0.01;respectively). The Odds ratio and the relative risk for prediction of PTL in symptomatic women within 14 days were significantly high for PremaQuick compared to the CL 25 mm, and Actim Partus. Conclusion: PremaQuick test seems to be the best complementary test to the CL 25 in prediction of PTL in symptomatic women within 14 days. PremaQuick test compensates the low specificity and low PPV of the CL 25 mm in prediction of PTL.
文摘Objective: To determine if the use of fetal fibronectin (fFN) testing has affected hospital admissions for preterm labor. Methods: ICD-9 and CPT codes from all admissions to Brigham & Women’s Hospital between January 1, 1995 and December 31, 2010 were evaluated. Data recorded included total deliveries, admissions for preterm labor (PTL) without delivery, length of stay (days) for PTL admissions, preterm deliveries, and number of fFN tests performed. The data was evaluated using a Wilcoxon test of trend and least squares regression. Results: Fetal fibronectin testing was introduced mid-year 2001. As a percentage of total deliveries, the number of admissions for PTL without delivery decreased from 3.97% in 1995 to 2.16% in 2010
文摘We previously investigated the progesterone metabolite 5β-dihydroprogesterone (5βDHP) in relation to human parturition at term, demonstrating that peripheral venous concentrations decrease in association with the onset of spontaneous labour. In this study our aim was to determine if 5βDHP concentrations were lower in women presenting in spontaneous preterm labour than in controls matched for gestational age. Blood samples were obtained from women presenting in spontaneous preterm labour (n = 20). The diagnosis was made on the presence of regular contractions and cervical effacement and dilatation of at least 3 cms. All women in the preterm labour group delivered before 37 weeks gestation. Blood samples were then obtained from controls, closely matched for gestational age with uncomplicated pregnancies. The preterm labour group was further stratified by cause into three groups, chorioamnionitis (n = 5), abruption (n = 4) and idiopathic (n = 11). Following organic solvent extraction, steroids were separated by HPLC and 5βDHP quantified by radioimmunoassay. Women in the idiopathic preterm labour group were found to have significantly lower circulating concentrations of 5βDHP than controls
文摘Objective: To evaluate whether prophylactic administration of 200 mg vaginal progesterone can reduce the incidence of preterm birth in women with documented history of preterm birth Setting: Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Zagazig University Hospital, Egypt. Methods: Ninety patients with previous history of preterm birth prior to 37 week presenting with singleton pregnancy between 20 - 24 weeks were randomly allocated to receive either the progesterone 200 mg vaginal suppository or no treatment. Results: The incidence of preterm labor before 37 weeks of gestation was significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (22.2% vs. 53.3%) especially in earlier gestational ages. While, the mean birth weight was significantly higher in the study group than in control group (2872.67 ± 565.76 gm vs. 2487.78 ± 742.40 gm). The neonatal morbidities and mortality associated with preterm labor were significantly lower in the study group than in the control group as shown by lower incidence of neonatal RDS (13.3% vs. 31.1%;P = 0.043) and lower incidence of the need for NICU admission (15.6% vs. 35.5%;P = 0.03). Conclusion: Administration of prophylactic vaginal progesterone (200 mg, daily) can significantly reduce the rate of preterm birth before 37, 32 and 28 wks of gestation among women with previous spontaneous preterm birth. In addition, the rates of RDS and admission to NICU were significantly decreased among infants of women assigned to progesterone treatment. Also, there was an additional benefit of vaginal progesterone for prevention of preterm birth in women who had prior spontaneous preterm birth and cervical length 25 mm.
文摘Objectives: Evaluation of diagnostic performance of rapid testing of cervico-vaginal fluid (CVF) for fetal fibronectin (FFN) and placental α-microglobulin 1 (PAMG-1) as screening of women presented by threatened preterm labor (TPTL) with intact membranes for duration till getting spontaneous labor (SL). Patients & Methods: 37 women presenting with TPTL underwent CVF samplings before digital examination and then underwent transvaginal ultrasonography for estimation of cervical length (CL). All women received fluid and anxiolytic therapy and if uterine contractions persisted, all had received tocolytic therapy with oral nifedipine or intravenous magnesium sulphate according to requirements. Incidence of SL within Results: Incidence of SL was 13.5%, 35.2% and 51.3% within 48-hr, 2 - 7 and 7 - 14 days, respectively. Duration till labor after sampling was positively correlated with CL, while was negatively correlated with positive FFN and PAMG-1 tests. Positive FFN test had high specificity, while positive PAMG-1 test had high sensitivity for labor within 7 days. Regression analysis defined short CL and positive PAMG-1 test as significant predictors for short duration till SL. ROC curve analysis defined short cervix and positive PAMG-1 test as significant predictors for labor within 48-hr and within 2 - 7 days respectively and combined negative PAMG-1 test and CL of 20 - 25 mm were significant predictors for labor within 7 - 14 days. Conclusion: PAMG-1 test had high specificity, if positive, for predicting SL and high NPP, if negative, for excluding labor within 7 days, so it can be used as rapid adjuvant to clinical evaluation to help management decision-making. Moreover, PAMG-1 test is recommended screening test for being easy-to-use bedside test, provides rapid results, can be used after vaginal exam and coitus and does not require a speculum examination or specialized equipment to analyze results.
文摘BACKGROUND High-dose steroid administration is a common initial therapeutic approach for Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease(VKH).Nonetheless,administering substantial doses of steroids to pregnant women necessitates meticulous consideration due to the potential impacts on the mother and fetus.We present a case wherein steroid pulse therapy was administered to a patient who developed VKH during the late stages of pregnancy.CASE SUMMARY The patient was a 26-year-old nulliparous woman.At 33 weeks and 1 day of her pregnancy,she experienced a decline in visual acuity and noticed metamorphopsia in her left eye.Examination revealed bilateral serous retinal detachment,leading to VKH diagnosis.A collaborative effort involving the departments of ophthalmology,internal medicine,and neonatology was initiated.Steroid pulse therapy was administered at 34 weeks and 1 day of pregnancy under hospital supervision.Complications,such as threatened preterm labor and gestational diabetes,emerged,necessitating the initiation of oral ritodrine hydrochloride and insulin therapy.Then,serous retinal detachment was resolved,and visual acuity was restored.Labor pains initiated 32 days post-initiation of steroid pulse therapy(at 38 weeks and 4 days of gestation),culminating in a normal delivery.Mother and newborn experienced an uneventful puerperal course and were discharged from the hospital on the 5th day following delivery.CONCLUSION VKH management in pregnancy requires multidisciplinary coordination,emphasizing collaboration with ophthalmologists and specialists in internal medicine and neonatology.
基金support from Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust,University College London and Liverpool Women’s hospital.part of the multifaceted ELEMI project that is sponsored by Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust and in collaboration with the University of Liverpool,Liverpool Women’s Hospital,University College London,University College London NHS Foundation Trust,University of Southampton,Robinson Institute-University of Adelaide,Ramaiah Memorial Hospital(India),University of Geneva and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust。
文摘BACKGROUND Preterm birth(PTB)is one of the main causes of neonatal deaths globally,with approximately 15million infants are born preterm.Women from the Black,Asian,and Minority Ethnic(BAME)populations maybe at higher risk of PTB,therefore,the mental health impact on mothers experiencing a PTB is particularly important,within the BAME populations.AIM To determine the prevalence of mental health conditions among BAME women with PTB as well as the methods of mental health assessments used to characterise the mental health outcomes.METHODS A systematic methodology was developed and published as a protocol in PROSPERO(CRD420-20210863).Multiple databases were used to extract relevant data.I2 and Egger's tests were used to detect the heterogeneity and publication bias.A trim and fill method was used to demonstrate the influence of publication bias and the credibility of conclusions.RESULTS Thirty-nine studies met the eligibility criteria from a possible 3526.The prevalence rates of depression among PTB-BAME mothers were significantly higher than full-term mothers with a standardized mean difference of 1.5 and a 95%confidence interval(CI)29%-74%.The subgroup analysis indicated depressive symptoms to be time sensitive.Women within the very PTB category demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of depression than those categorised as non-very PTB.The prevalence rates of anxiety and stress among PTB-BAME mothers were significantly higher than in full-term mothers(odds ratio of 88%and 60%with a CI of 42%-149%and 24%-106%,respectively).CONCLUSION BAME women with PTB suffer with mental health conditions.Many studies did not report on specific mental health outcomes for BAME populations.Therefore,the impact of PTB is not accurately represented in this population,and thus could negatively influence the quality of maternity services they receive.
