Plasma oxytocin but not prostaglandin F-2-alpha metabolite levels at cerclage may predict preterm delivery
Article Abstract:
The cervix is located at the bottom of the uterus, connecting the uterus to the vagina. It is a narrow circular tube that remains contracted during pregnancy until labor begins. At this time, the cervix dilates or opens to allow the baby to pass from the uterus into the vagina (birth canal). If the cervix does not function properly (called cervical incompetence), the baby may be born early (preterm delivery). A surgical procedure called cervical cerclage has been used in an attempt to prevent preterm birth in women with cervical incompetence. This procedure involves placing stitches in the cervix to help it keep its proper shape. This procedure can cause other complications, however, and it is not clear whether the benefits of the surgery outweigh the associated risks. This procedure can cause the uterus to begin contracting and cause preterm labor. Also, cervical incompetence is difficult to distinguish from normal changes that occur in the cervix during the second trimester of pregnancy. Prostaglandin F-2-alpha (PGFM) and oxytocin play important roles in regulating the function of the cervix and uterus during pregnancy. To determine if these substances are related to cervical incompetence and preterm delivery, the blood levels of these substances were measured in 28 women who had uncomplicated pregnancies and in 15 who underwent cervical cerclage. Blood levels of PGFM were higher in the patients requiring cerclage, returning to normal levels after the surgery was performed. Blood levels of oxytocin were higher in the women who had preterm babies than in those who carried their babies to full term. It is concluded that measuring blood levels of PGFM may be useful for identifying women with cervical incompetence, whereas blood levels of oxytocin in women with cervical incompetence may be useful for identifying women at risk of preterm delivery. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0029-7844
Year: 1991
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A quantitative analysis of placental vasculature in the third-trimester fetus with autosomal trisomy
Article Abstract:
Fetuses with autosomal trisomy (extra chromosomes) usually grow less than normal fetuses and often do not survive. Trisomy is considered to affect primarily the fetus, but it is possible that the associated placenta is abnormal as well. To explore this notion, 18 placentas from fetuses with autosomal trisomy that were born in the third trimester of pregnancy, and 10 placentas from age-matched normal controls were examined microscopically. The chromosomal abnormalities are described in detail. Blood flow through the umbilical artery (which carries blood away from the fetus) was also examined in 10 abnormal fetuses, and all controls, using ultrasound techniques. The results demonstrated that 17 trisomy placentas were abnormal, and showed irregular maturation, obliterated blood vessels, or atrophy (wasting) of tissue components. The number of small arteries was reduced, and the ratio of arteries/villi (the finger-like projections of the placenta into the uterine wall, through which blood flows) was smaller. The ultrasound studies revealed that eight of the abnormal fetuses had abnormal flow patterns, with correlations between these abnormalities and the number of small arteries. It was concluded that placental, as well as fetal, abnormalities are associated with autosomal trisomy, and that these placentas are undervascularized. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0029-7844
Year: 1990
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