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PubMed2001

[Maternal serum cytokines in labor, pregnancy and chorioamnionitis].

UNLABELLED: The purpose of our study was to compare maternal serum levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma in gravidities, during spontaneous term and preterm labor and their relation to histologic chorioamnionitis. METHODS: We investigated 61 women: 10 in preterm labor, 36 in term labor and 15 healthy pregnant nonlabouring controls. Venous bloods for cytokines determinations were obtained during the first stage of labor and during routine screening tests. Titers of cytokines were measured by means of ELISA technique. All births after preterm deliveries were examined to establish histologic chorioamnionitis. RESULTS: Serum levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly elevated both in term (mean: IL-6: 17.5 +/- 58 pg/ml; IL-8: 148 +/- 215 pg/ml) and preterm labor (IL-6: 23 +/- 44 pg/ml; IL-8: 332 +/- 389 pg/ml) when compared to nonlabouring gravidities (IL-6: 5 +/- 7 pg/ml; IL-8: 14 +/- 11 pg/ml). IL-6 and IL-8 titers were statistically similar in term and preterm labors and in patients with and without histologic chorioamnionitis. TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma were not statistically analyzed because only a few patients had detectable serum levels of these cytokines. CONCLUSION: Serum levels of IL-6 and IL-8 in both: term and preterm labor are elevated in comparison to nonlabouring gravidities. The elevated levels of these cytokines are not connected with coexisting chorioamnionitis.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[Use of the balloon catheter before induction of labor with oxytocin in cases with unfavorable pelvic score and premature delivery].

The purpose of this prospective work is to communicate the experience with preinduction treatment with Folly's catheter on the Pelvic score (Ps), labor and neonatal outcome in 52 cases in 27 to 34 wg, preterm premature labor and unfavourable cervix. The first control group consist of 24 pregnancies with the same characteristics but with favourable cervix at the begging of labor induction and the second control group include 31 cases with spontaneous premature labor. The Folly's catheter is introduced through the cervical canal and the bulb inflated with 75 ml of sterile normal saline. After the Foley's catheter dropped out the Ps is reassessed and proceed with oxytocin infusion. In the first control group with favourable cervix the induction of labor is only with oxytocin via infusion pump. More than half of all patients are treated with with tocolysis. The results show that for the period of tocolysis and/or PPROM there is significant improvement of the Ps (from 0.90 +/- 0.9 to 2.35 +/- 1.5). The change in the Ps doesn't depend on the g.w., the length of tocolysis or on the initial Ps. The balloon catheter improve the Ps from 2.35 +/- 1.5 to 6.24 +/- 1.3 for y period of 3 h 20 min (2 h 40 min to 4 h, 95% confidence). After the Foley catheter dropped out the duration of labor with oxytocin infusion is 6 h (5 to 7 h, 95% confidence) and is not different from this in the control groups. The time for the catheter to drop out, the achieved Ps and especially the effacement of the cervix are essential features in the prognosis of the difficulties in the labor process and the neonate state.

Case-Control Studies↗
PubMed1992

Labor induction in women at term with mifepristone (RU 486): a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and safety of mifepristone as an induction agent for the initiation of labor or as a cervical ripening agent in women at term. METHODS: Our study group contained 120 women at term (after 37.5 weeks' amenorrhea) who had clear clinical indications for labor induction. They were randomized to receive either 200 mg of mifepristone or placebo on days 1 and 2 of a 4-day observation period, with labor induction planned for day 4. Eight patients, three treated with mifepristone and five receiving placebo, had to be excluded from the survey because they required cesareans for medical reasons (fetal distress or maternal complications) less than 12 hours after taking the first tablet. RESULTS: Forty-one subjects entered spontaneous labor, 31 treated with mifepristone and ten in the control group (P < .001). Forty-five needed cervical maturation with prostaglandins on day 4, 13 of whom had received mifepristone and 32 of whom had been given placebo (P < .001). Thirteen women treated with mifepristone and 13 who had taken placebo had mature cervices sufficient for classic labor induction with oxytocin and amniotomy. Patients who delivered vaginally needed a much lower amount of oxytocin when mifepristone had been given, and the mean time interval between day 1 of the survey and the onset of labor was also significantly shorter in this group. CONCLUSION: Although more studies are needed, we have found mifepristone to be a safe, efficient, and suitable induction agent for initiation of labor in women at term.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Enema prior to labor: a controversial routine in Taiwan.

While taking an enema to induce labor is a controversial issue worldwide, in Taiwan it remains a routine procedure in many hospitals in preparation for birth. Episiotomy is also a prevalent procedure performed during the birthing process. Some physicians believe that enemas help reduce the risk of feces contamination of the episiotomy incision and, therefore, are justified as a routine procedure. This study compared the neonatal infection rates, times to appearance of fetal head, times to first post-labor bowel movement, and rates of episiotomy dehiscence of women receiving a pre-labor enema against those who did not. A total of 534 women classified with low-risk pregnancies were recruited from a medical center in central Taiwan and assigned randomly into one of two groups for a six-month period. The first group (264 subjects) received routine enema procedures prior to delivery in the first 6 months. The second group (270 subjects) did not receive enemas. Study results revealed no significant difference between enema and non-enema groups in terms of infection rates in mothers or infants or in terms of average time to fetal head appearance. While labor duration was the same for the two groups in the first and third stages of labor, the enema group experienced a relatively shorter second stage. No significant difference was observed in times to first post-labor bowel movement or episiotomy dehiscence rates. The results of this study indicate that the administration of enemas as a routine practice prior to labor is not substantiated by medical necessity. However, limitations of the research design suggest that a randomized clinical trial be adopted in the future to explore further the scientific validity of study results.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Effect of maternal carbon dioxide inhalation on human fetal breathing movements in term and preterm labor.

Induced maternal hypercapnia is a potent stimulus to fetal breathing movements in nonlaboring pregnant women. To determine the effect of maternal CO2 administration on fetal breathing movements during spontaneous labor, 14 healthy pregnant volunteers at term and 34 in preterm labor were recruited. If fetal breathing movements were markedly decreased or absent, the subjects were administered a prepared gas mixture of 3% CO2 in air. In term labor and in true preterm labor, fetal breathing movements were markedly decreased and could not be induced by maternal hypercapnia. Among women with suspected preterm labor, initial absence of fetal breathing movements and failure to evoke this response by maternal hypercapnia predicted delivery within 48 hours with a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 95.5%. Induced maternal hypercapnia fails to stimulate fetal breathing movements in true term and preterm labor and may assist in distinguishing between true and false preterm labor.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed1985

Respiratory morbidity benefit of awaiting onset of labor after elective cesarean section.

Respiratory morbidity in term neonates is an important complication of elective cesarean delivery. The effect of preceding labor on the incidence and severity of respiratory morbidity in two comparable groups of neonates, 107 with and 80 without labor and with no predisposing factors to respiratory morbidity, was evaluated. Transient tachypnea of the newborn accounted for the majority of cases in term neonates. Respiratory morbidity occurred less frequently in neonates delivered after the onset of labor compared with those delivered before labor (11.2 versus 30%, P less than .002). The risk of respiratory morbidity decreased 1.5 times for each week of advancing gestational age. The presence of labor significantly reduced the risk of respiratory morbidity, independently of gestational age (P less than .03), and disease was less severe in neonates born during labor. Awaiting the onset of labor appears to be beneficial in preventing respiratory morbidity in term neonates delivered by elective cesarean section.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

[Studies on the alteration of the unconjugated estriol level of the maternal vein after the onset of labor].

We measured maternal venous unconjugated estriol (UE3) levels in 244 cases (218 cases with labor and 26 without labor). We investigated the relationships between several obstetrical factors and UE3 levels. There was no significant difference between the group with labor and the group without labor. However, in multipara, the UE3 level fell gradually with prolonged duration of labor. There were significant positive correlations between the UE3 levels and birth weights (n = 82, r = 0.375, p less than 0.001), and placental weights (n = 82, r = 0.381, p less than 0.001) in multipara with labor. There was no significant difference according to sex between the UE3 levels of a mother carrying a male or female fetus. The UE3 levels of fetal distress cases (n = 30, mean +/- S.E. 20.0 +/- 8.6 ng/ml) were significantly (p less than 0.02) lower than those without fetal distress (n = 188, 24.5 +/- 9.7 ng/ml). These data suggest that after the onset of labor, maternal venous UE3 has some relationship to feto-placental function.

Body Weight↗
PubMed1994

Drug therapy during labor and delivery.

Situations related to labor and delivery that may require drug therapy are discussed, and treatment options are reviewed. The goal of labor induction and augmentation at term is to facilitate vaginal delivery of a healthy infant. The primary uterine stimulant used for this purpose is oxytocin. Low-, intermediate-, and high-dose protocols have been reported; augmentation requires approximately half as much oxytocin as induction does. Mifepristone has also been used for labor induction. Prostaglandins are the primary agents used for cervical ripening, but oxytocin, relaxin, and mifepristone have also been used. Mechanical dilators are available for cervical dilation, which may be necessary when prostaglandins are contraindicated. Oxytocin is the drug of choice for preventing postpartum hemorrhage; if it is not effective, methylergonovine or carboprost may be used to control the hemorrhage. Labor induction during the midtrimester may be necessary because of obstetrical or medical complications or fetal death. These situations call for aggressive dosing of uterine stimulants (e.g., high-dose oxytocin, intravaginal dinoprostone suppositories, carboprost, mifepristone). Drug therapy may be required for labor induction or augmentation, cervical ripening or dilation, and prevention or control of postpartum hemorrhage. Oxytocin is the most commonly used agent for labor induction or augmentation and for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage; prostaglandins are frequently used for cervical ripening. Aggressive dosing of uterine stimulants is required when labor must be induced during the midtrimester.

Abortion, Induced↗
PubMed1995

Novel approach to oxytocin induction-augmentation of labor. Application of oxytocin physiology during pregnancy.

New information and understanding about the physiology of oxytocin (OT) have provided the bases of novel and rational approaches to the induction and augmentation of labor with OT. Based on a half-life of 8-10 min and time to steady state of 20 min, the interval between intravenous OT dose increments during uterine stimulation should be 20-30 min. Feto-maternal blood plasma gradients of OT concentration in spontaneous labor at term indicate a feto-uterine flow of 2-4mU OT/min. Labor can be successfully induced in most women with such physiological doses (2-6 mU/min) of OT given intravenously. Direct and indirect evidence show that OT is released in pulses with the frequency and/or amplitude of the pulses increasing with or during spontaneous labor. Further OT interaction with its receptor renders it occupied and temporarily unavailable. We have therefore employed these observations to induce and augment labor with pulsatile intravenous administration of OT. In a prospective randomized study of 106 patients undergoing labor induction with pulsatile versus continuous administration of OT, the total dose, the average dose/min, and the peak or highest dose required/min were significantly reduced with pulsatile OT compared with continuous OT. These significant differences remained when controlled for parity, Bishop's score of cervical ripeness, and the number of days for induction. Similarly in a prospective randomized study on augmentation of labor by intravenous OT, we found the dose of OT for successful augmentation was significantly reduced with pulsatile OT compared with continuous OT. Thus, pulsatile OT not only is safe and requires less OT for uterine stimulation, but also constitutes a more physiological basis for uterine stimulation.

Female↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Maternal prolactin secretion is phasic during induced term and post-term labor.

OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that regimens of labor induction do not alter the biphasic secretion of maternal prolactin (PRL) seen during spontaneous labor. METHODS: Serial blood samples drawn from 12 women before, during, and after induced labor were assayed for PRL and hCG and compared with cervical dilatation and uterine contraction frequency (UCF). Induction methods were cervical ripening with dinoprostone gel (Prepidil) followed by oxytocin infusion (n = 1), amniotomy followed by oxytocin (n = 4), oxytocin followed by amniotomy (n = 3), amniotomy only (n = 2), and oxytocin only (n = 2). RESULTS: Regardless of the induction method, PRL decreased with advancing cervical dilatation during the first stage of labor and reached a nadir at full dilatation. Prolactin levels then increased rapidly during the second stage, correlating significantly with the increase in UCF, and peaked at 1 hour postpartum before decreasing. Levels of hCG increased during labor and peaked just before or at delivery before rapidly decreasing. CONCLUSIONS: The biphasic secretion of maternal PRL is a fundamental characteristic of active term labor and occurs regardless of the method used to induce labor.

Amnion↗
PubMed1998

[Apoptosis and extracellular matrix degradation in chorio-amnion during labor and premature membrane rupture].

BACKGROUND: The molecular mechanisms of chorioamniotics membranes rupture during labor are relationated with a group of enzymes named metalloproteinases of extracellular matrix (MMP), the production of these enzymes are elevated in premature rupture of membranes. The collagenase IV (molecular weight 92 kDa) is induced in specific form during both events. We unknown the regulatory mechanisms to these enzymes in the chorioamnios. OBJECTIVE: To determine the presence of apoptosis and expression of (MMP-) in human chorioamnios during the labor and premature of the fetal membranes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The gel lysis using zimography was determined in membranes of 1) Labor, 2) Cesarean section, 3) PRM. The analysis of DNA fragmentation in situ and DNA of the membranes was studied. Using immunohistochemistry techniques was identified MMP-9. RESULTS: It was observed increase of gel lysis in stracts with PRM and labor in comparation with cesarean section. In all the specimens were found apoptotics cells, however, they were scareces, abundance or very abundance in cesarean section specimens, labor or PRM respectively. The fragmentation in situ was confirmed in specimens of DNA. The immunohistochemistry showed positively to MMP-9 in labor and PRM specimens, and not in cesarean section specimens. The MMP-9 immunorreactivity was extensive in PRM and only was found apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that apoptosis and expression-activity of MMP-9 can be associated to membranes rupture during labor and lysis, the same explanation may be true for the increased expression of MMP-9 in PRM both phenomena seems to have a sequence.

Amnion↗
PubMed1991

Oxytocin secretion and human parturition: pulse frequency and duration increase during spontaneous labor in women.

The secretory pattern of oxytocin was determined in blood samples taken at 1-minute intervals for 30 minutes from 32 parturient women. The samples were collected in a manner that minimized degradation by plasma oxytocinase, and a highly specific antibody was used for the radioimmunoassay. The results indicated that oxytocin is secreted in discrete pulses of short duration. The frequency of the pulses was significantly higher during spontaneous labor than before the onset of labor. The mean pulse frequencies per 30 minutes were 1.2 +/- 0.54 before labor, 4.2 +/- 0.45 during the first stage, and 6.7 +/- 0.49 during the second and third stages of labor. The mean pulse durations in these three groups were 1.2 +/- 0.20, 1.9 +/- 0.28, and 2.0 +/- 0.26 minutes, respectively. The amplitude of the pulses was variable with no significant differences between the groups, the majority being around 1.0 microU/ml. The spontaneous pulses were of similar magnitude as those measured in 18 women after intravenous injections of 4 to 16 mU of oxytocin, which doses stimulated uterine contractions. We therefore conclude that the pulses of oxytocin observed at increasing frequency during spontaneous labor are of physiologic significance and provide evidence for the participation of oxytocin in the onset and maintenance of spontaneous labor.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2002

Terbutaline pump maintenance therapy after threatened preterm labor for preventing preterm birth.

BACKGROUND: Women with preterm labor that is arrested with tocolytic therapy are at increased risk of recurrent preterm labor. Terbutaline pump maintenance therapy has been given to such women to decrease the risk of recurrent preterm labor, preterm birth, and its consequences. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness and safety of terbutaline pump maintenance therapy after threatened preterm labor in preventing preterm birth and its complications. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register (searched May 2002) and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (Cochrane Library Issue 2, 2002). SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized trials comparing terbutaline pump maintenance therapy with alternative therapy, placebo, or no therapy after threatened preterm labor. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently assessed the studies for inclusion and then extracted data from eligible studies. MAIN RESULTS: We included two studies. Terbutaline pump maintenance therapy did not appear to offer any advantages over the saline placebo pump or oral terbutaline maintenance therapy in preventing preterm births by prolonging pregnancy or its complications among women with arrested preterm labor. The weighted mean difference (WMD) for gestational age at birth was -0.1 weeks (95% confidence interval (CI) -1.7 to 1.4) for terbutaline pump therapy compared with saline placebo pump for both trials combined and 1.4 weeks (95% CI -1.1 to 3.9) for terbutaline pump versus oral terbutaline therapy for the first trial. The second trial reported a relative risk (RR) of 1.17 (95% CI 0.79 to 1.73) of preterm birth (less than 37 completed weeks) and a RR of 0.97 (95% CI 0.51 to 1.84) of very preterm birth (less than 34 completed weeks) for terbutaline pump compared with saline placebo pump. Terbutaline pump therapy also did not result in a higher rate of therapy continuation or a lower rate of infant complications. No data were reported on long-term infant outcomes, costs, or maternal assessment of therapy. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Terbutaline pump maintenance therapy has not been shown to decrease the risk of preterm birth by prolonging pregnancy. Furthermore, the lack of information on the safety of the therapy, as well as its substantial expense, argues against its role in the management of arrested preterm labor. Future use should only be in the context of well-conducted, adequately powered randomized controlled trials.

Drug Administration Schedule↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Neonatal acidemia with trial of labor among parturients with prior cesarean delivery: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk factors for neonatal acidemia with trial of labor among parturients with a prior cesarean delivery. METHODS: From a prospectively collected database on all parturients attempting a trial of labor, newborns with umbilical arterial pH < 7.15 were selected as cases and the controls (1:4) were the next four patients who delivered nonacidotic (pH > or = 7.15) neonates. Exclusion criteria were no prior cesarean delivery, anomalous fetus, and nonavailability of umbilical arterial blood gas analysis. Student's t-test, chi2, and Fisher's exact tests were utilized and odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The frequency of neonatal acidemia among patients undergoing trial of labor was 12% (28/234). The cases and controls (n = 112) were similar (P > 0.05) with regards to maternal age, frequency of more than one prior cesarean delivery (11% vs. 8%), gestational age, cervical exam on admission (3.0 +/- 1.5 vs. 3.4 +/- 1.7 cm), usage of oxytocin, and duration of first or second stage of labor. The mean birthweight was significantly higher among acidotic (3,758 +/- 670 g) than nonacidotic (3,470 +/- 545 g; P = 0.018) newborns. Compared to the controls, the cases had a significantly higher frequency of unsuccessful trial of labor (19% vs. 50%; OR: 4.09; 95% CI: 1.70, 9.82) and separation of the uterine scar (0.8% vs. 14%; OR: 18.50; 95% CI: 1.98, 173.05). CONCLUSIONS: Acidotic newborns with trial of labor tend to be heavier. Parturients have a failed attempt at vaginal birth after cesarean, and have separation of the uterine scar during labor.

Acidosis↗
PubMed2005

Screening test model using duration of labor for the detection of postpartum urinary retention.

AIMS: To construct a screening test model for postpartum urinary retention (PUR), using the duration of labor, which was shown to be the risk factor for PUR. METHODS: A group of 691 consecutive patients were recruited at postpartum day 1. Of the 691 patients, 101 (14.6%) had PUR. The 691 patients were computer-randomized into two groups, 'A' and 'B.' A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed for Group A to determine the optimum cutoff value for screening PUR using the duration of labor. The cutoff value was then applied to Group B to determine the screening test characteristics of the duration of labor: sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and likelihood ratios. RESULTS: An ROC curve with an area under curve (AUC) of 0.63 (95% CI 0.57-0.69, P < 0.0001) was constructed. A range of cutoff values (with specificity ranging from 0.60 to 0.99) for the duration of labor was determined and the test characteristics computed. According to the test characteristics the optimal cutoff value for the duration of labor was 700 min. This cutoff value for the duration of labor has a specificity of 0.95, negative predicative value of 0.86, and likelihood ratio for a positive test of 0.88. CONCLUSION: A screening test model using the duration of labor can be constructed to predict PUR.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Ultrasound assessment of cervical length in threatened preterm labor.

OBJECTIVE: More than 70% of women presenting with threatened preterm labor do not progress to active labor and delivery. The aim of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that in women with threatened preterm labor, sonographic measurement of cervical length helps distinguish between true and false labor. METHODS: We examined 216 women with singleton pregnancies presenting with regular and painful uterine contractions at 24-36 (mean, 32) weeks of gestation. Women in active labor, defined by the presence of cervical dilatation > or = 3 cm, and those with ruptured membranes were excluded. On admission to the hospital a transvaginal scan was performed to measure the cervical length. The subsequent management was determined by the attending obstetrician. The primary outcome was delivery within 7 days of presentation. RESULTS: In 173 cases the cervical length was > or = 15 mm and only one of these women delivered within 7 days. In the 43 cases with cervical length < 15 mm delivery within 7 days of presentation occurred in 16 (37%) including 6/14 (42%) treated with tocolytics and 10/29 (35%) managed expectantly. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the only significant contributor in the prediction of delivery within 7 days was cervical length < 15 mm (odds ratio = 101, 95% CI 12-800, P < 0.0001) with no significant contribution from ethnic group, maternal age, gestational age, body mass index, parity, previous history of preterm delivery, cigarette smoking, contraction frequency or use of tocolytics. CONCLUSIONS: In women with threatened preterm labor, sonographic measurement of cervical length helps distinguish between true and false labor.

Abortion, Threatened↗
PubMed2006

Bishop score and ultrasound assessment of the cervix for prediction of time to onset of labor and time to delivery in prolonged pregnancy.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the ability of Bishop score and sonographic cervical length to predict time to spontaneous onset of labor and time to delivery in prolonged pregnancy. METHODS: Ninety-seven women underwent transvaginal ultrasound examination and palpation of the cervix at 291-296 days' gestation according to ultrasound fetometry at 12-20 weeks' gestation. Sonographic cervical length and Bishop score were recorded. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine which variables were independent predictors of the onset of labor/delivery < or = 24 h, < or = 48 h, and < or = 96 h. Receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curves were drawn to assess diagnostic performance. RESULTS: In nulliparous women (n = 45), both Bishop score and sonographic cervical length predicted the onset of labor/delivery < or = 24 h and < or = 48 h (area under ROC curve for the onset of labor < or = 24 h 0.79 vs. 0.80, P = 0.94; for delivery < or = 24 h 0.81 vs. 0.85, P = 0.64; for the onset of labor < or = 48 h 0.73 vs. 0.74, P = 0.90; for delivery < or = 48 h 0.77 vs. 0.71, P = 0.50). Only Bishop score discriminated between nulliparous women who went into labor/delivered < or = 96 h or > 96 h. A logistic regression model including Bishop score and cervical length was superior to Bishop score alone in predicting delivery < or = 24 h (area under ROC curve 0.93 vs. 0.81, P = 0.03) and superior to Bishop score alone and cervical length alone in predicting the onset of labor < or = 24 h (area under ROC curve 0.90 vs. 0.79, P = 0.06; and 0.90 vs. 0.80, P = 0.06). In parous women (n = 52), Bishop score and sonographic cervical length predicted the onset of labor/delivery < or = 24 h (area under ROC curve for the onset of labor 0.75 vs. 0.69, P = 0.49; for delivery 0.74 vs. 0.70, P = 0.62), but only Bishop score discriminated between women who went into labor/delivered < or = 48 h and > 48 h. Three parous women had not gone into labor and six had not given birth at 96 h. In parous women logistic regression models including both Bishop score and cervical length did not substantially improve prediction of the time to onset of labor/delivery. CONCLUSIONS: In prolonged pregnancy Bishop score and sonographic cervical length have a similar ability to predict the time to the onset of labor and delivery. In nulliparous women the use of logistic regression models including Bishop score and cervical length is likely to offer better prediction of the onset of labor/delivery < or = 24 h than the use of the Bishop score alone.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA and identification of its splice variant in human myometrium obtained from women in labor.

In order to investigate the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in human lower segments of myometrium obtained from women in labor and those not in labor and identify the splicing variant of COX-2, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of COX-2. The primers were designed and synthesized according to the sequence of rat COX-2 splice variant which was discovered firstly by us. Then the splicing variant of COX-2 in human myometrium from woman in labor was identified, cloned into vector and sequenced. The results showed that the expression of COX-2 mRNA was lower in human myometrium obtained from women who were not in labor than that in labor women and a new band of COX-2 was obtained in myometrium from labor woman. The fragment included an unspliced intron, which pitched between exons 7 and 8. It was suggested that COX-2 gene was not only expressed highly in human myometrium from woman in labor, but also produced splicing variant by alternative splicing.

Adult↗