BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to identify factors predicting histologic chorioamnionitis (HCA) in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). MATERIAL AND METHODS We retrospectively enrolled 371 women diagnosed with PPROM at less than 34 weeks of gestation at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University between January 2008 and December 2012. HCA was diag...

OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to assess the effect of 1 g ampicillin prophylactic dosage whether it is as effective as the dosage of 2 g to prevent maternal and neonatal morbidity in a randomized manner. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred and fourty eight singleton pregnant women with preterm premature rupture of membranes between 21 and 33 weeks of gestation were followed-up during the ...

OBJECTIVE Gestational diabetes (GDM) and obesity portend a high risk for subsequent type 2 diabetes. We examined maternal factors influencing the development of gestational diabetes (GDM) in obese women receiving 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17OHPC) for preterm delivery prevention. MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospectively identified were 899 singleton pregnancies with maternal prepregn...

Purpose To evaluate the outcomes of cervical cerclage (CC) in twin pregnancies. Methods Retrospective analysis of twin pregnancies undergoing CC between January 2001 and December 2009 at our Institution. CC was offered in case of a cervical length measurement B20 mm (ultrasound-indicated CC) or in case of cervical dilatation with membranes at or beyond the external cervical os (physical examina...

Magnesium sulfate, a biologically potent compound, given sometimes in extraordinarily high doses, is among the most commonly used pharmaceuticals in American obstetric practice. Although most clinicians are in accord regarding its value for seizure prophylaxis in the setting of preeclampsia, such unanimity is not the case regarding its role in preterm labor. Credible scientific data indicate no...

AIM To investigate whether maternal intravenous beta-mimetic tocolytic therapy increases the risk of autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) and poorer behavioural and developmental outcomes. METHOD Our study is a prospective case-control study among 90 children between 1.5 and three years old. Cases (n = 46) were toddlers with betamimetic tocolytic exposure; control group toddlers (n = 44) were to...

Peripartum heart disease is a rare group of disorders developing during the last trimester of pregnancy through the first 6 months of postpartum. The etiology and pathogenesis of Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is unknown but viral and autoimmune causes may contribute. Myocardial involvement includes myocarditis, coronary artery dissection and peripartum cardiomyopathy. Risk factors for PPCM i...

Parturition is composed of five separate but integrated physiological events: fetal membrane rupture, cervical dilatation, myometrial contractility, placental separation, and uterine involution. Prostaglandins (PGs) have central roles in each of these events, but the most studied is myometrial contraction. Elevated uterine PGs or the enhanced sensitivity of the myometrium to PGs leads to contra...

BACKGROUND Elucidation of the biochemical pathways involved in activation of preterm and term human labour would facilitate the development of effective management and inform judgements regarding the necessity for preterm tocolysis and post-term induction. Prostaglandins act at all stages of human reproduction, and are potentially activators of labour. METHODS Expression of 15 genes involved ...

BACKGROUND Pregnant women may experience an acute presentation of hepatic hydatid disease. The available literature is limited to case reports. METHODS The charts of 7 patients who underwent urgent treatment for hepatic hydatid disease during pregnancy between 1992 and 2010 were reviewed. RESULTS The median patient age was 27 (range 23-39) years and median gestational age was 18 (range 13-2...