The role of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the decidua, fetal membranes and amniotic fluid (AF) has been receiving more and more attention. The MMPs are not only important intermediaries in pathological processes leading to preterm labor but it seems that they also play a crucial role in the activation of labor at term. During normal gestation MMP-1, -2, -3, -7 and -9 are found in the ...

BACKGROUND Early recognition of the signs and symptoms of preterm labor (PTL) is important in order to establish treatment. Our aim was to determine the relation between cervical dilatation and time interval from admission to delivery in women with preterm labor. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 83 singleton gestations admitted for preterm labor between 24 w...

The updated Guidelines on Prevention of Perinatal Group B Streptococcal Disease, issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, actually represent the mainstay in the prevention of neonatal early-onset group B streptococcal (GBS) sepsis. According to these guidelines, patients with possible preterm delivery are screened for GBS colonization and offered intrapartum prophylaxis only if...

The pregnant women at higher risk of preterm labor, referred to the perinatal clinic of Kosar University Hospital in Urmia district of Iran, were enrolled into a parallel randomized clinical trial. In the investigational arm of the clinical trial, a double cervical cerclage procedure was performed addition to McDonald cerclage. In the control group however, only McDonald cerclage was performed....

Measurement of uterine contraction frequency has been employed as a screening test to identify women with increased risk of preterm birth, and as an aid in the early diagnosis of preterm labor. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units (NICHD MFMU) Network performed a prospective, blinded observational study of uterine contraction frequency to de...

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to measure interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in maternal serum of women undergoing preterm labor without a clear infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty two pregnant women with diagnosis of preterm labor who presented to the outpatient clinic of 19 Mayis University Faculty of Medicine from July 2011 through December 2011 were enrolled in the study group. Twenty t...

To evaluate whether IL-6 participates in the host response to intrauterine infection, we studied IL-6 bioactivity and isoforms in amniotic fluid (AF). Two different assays for IL-6 were used: the hepatocyte stimulating factor assay (in Hep3B2 cells) and the SDS-PAGE/immunoblot assay. IL-6 determinations were performed in 205 AF samples. Samples were obtained from patients in the midtrimester of...

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to explore whether increased levels of granulocyte elastase in cervical secretion is an independent predictive factor for preterm delivery before 34 weeks of gestation in the patient with preterm labor. METHODS One hundred and sixty-one women with preterm labor at 22-28 weeks of gestation were enrolled prospectively. The level of granulocyte elastase ...

OBJECTIVES To determine whether human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) detected in cervicovaginal secretions of patients with symptoms suggestive of preterm labor is a predictor of preterm birth. METHODS Women presenting to labor and delivery with symptoms of preterm labor were invited to participate. After collecting secretions with a cotton-tipped applicator from the posterior fornix and endoce...