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Induced abortion potential among Indian women.

Information on abortion is limited and inaccurate, especially in the developing world, which has led to speculation on the prevalence of abortion in these regions. A rise in prevalence of abortion is mostly counted in terms of increase in the prevalence of induced abortions which reflects on the reproductive health of women. With the growing concern for the reproductive health of women, the study of abortion has drawn the attention of researchers world-wide. This paper is an attempt to assess the induced abortion potential among Indian women by utilizing information on proportion of unwanted and ill-timed pregnancies obtained through National Family Health Survey, India. This exercise may facilitate a better understanding of the exact prevalence of induced abortion, which necessarily should be less than the estimated potential depending on the levels of unwanted and ill-timed fertility.

Abortion, Induced↗

Childbearing and the risk of scleroderma: a population-based study in Sweden.

This study examined associations between childbearing and risk of scleroderma by using national population-based registry data from Sweden. Women with a discharge diagnosis of scleroderma from 1964 to 1999 (n = 2,149) were identified in the Swedish Inpatient Register. These cases were matched by year and month of birth and region of residence to as many as five controls obtained from the Multi-Generation Register. Pregnancy history (number of births, age at each birth) was restricted to births before the first scleroderma-related hospitalization for cases and the corresponding age for their matched controls. Risk estimates, measured by the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval, were obtained by using conditional logistic regression. Nulliparity was associated with an increased risk of scleroderma (odds ratio = 1.37, 95% confidence interval: 1.22, 1.55). Risk decreased with increasing number of births. Similar results were found when analyses were limited to births up to 2 years or up to 5 years before hospitalization. Among parous women, younger age at first birth was associated with an increased risk of scleroderma. The association between lower parity and increased risk of scleroderma could reflect subfecundity caused by scleroderma before disease became clinically evident, possible common causes of infertility and scleroderma, or a protective effect of pregnancy through an unknown mechanism.

Adolescent↗

Pulmonary and pericardial limitations to diastolic filling of the left ventricle of the lamb.

To determine which tissues limit left ventricular (LV) filling during the early neonatal period we studied LV end-diastolic pressure-diameter relationships in two groups of halothane-anesthetized lambs (five 1-h-old lambs and six 2- to 17-day-old lambs). First, we assessed LV end-diastolic pressure-diameter relations over a range of 5-20 mmHg, when the chest and the pericardium were closed; second, after the chest wall and lungs had been retracted from the heart; and finally, after the pericardium was retracted. In the oldest lambs LV diameter increased significantly [3.5 +/- 0.3% (SE) at an end-diastolic pressure of 10 mmHg; P < 0.05] after retracting the chest wall and the lungs and when the pericardium was still intact. By contrast, retracting the chest wall and lungs did not significantly change LV diameter in the youngest lambs. In both age groups LV diameters were greatest (P < 0.05) after the pericardium was subsequently retracted (the increase was evident at all end-diastolic pressures and averaged 9.0% relative to the closed-chest, closed-pericardium series). These studies confirm that the thoracic tissues substantially limit LV filling in young lambs. Immediately after birth this limitation is almost exclusively related to the pericardium, whereas in older lambs the chest wall-lung combination and the pericardium each contribute.

Aging↗

Characterization of the growth-discordant twin.

A computer-assisted analysis of perinatal variables was undertaken in order to characterize the growth-discordant twin. We studied 124 twin pairs grouped at four degrees of discordancy: over 5, 10, 15, and 20% birth weight difference, using the larger twin as 100%. Twins with birth weight discrepancy below these figures were considered concordant. Highly discordant second twins showed significantly lower birth weight, gestational age, and Apgar scores, and prolonged neonatal hospitalization, as compared with discordant first twins. Complex presentations and a higher cesarean section rate characterize discordant first and concordant twins. It is suggested that a 15% birth weight discordancy be used as the safety limit for birth weight disparity. We also recommend special attention when discordancy seems to increase, especially if the discordant is the second twin.

Adult↗

Definition of fetal growth restriction according to constitutional growth potential.

Identification of newborn babies with fetal growth restriction remains a problem both from the multi-factorial aspect of fetal growth and from statistical definition. Besides the usual terms: "Small for gestational age" (SGA) and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), often used synonymously, the term "fetal growth retardation" was recently introduced in reference to the genetic growth potential of infants. From a sample of 72,000 births, we have designed a statistical model in order to estimate the expected birth weight taking into account gestational age, sex, birth rank, maternal age, height and pregravid weight, we then calculated an individual limit of birth weight under that a newborn must be considered as having a "fetal growth restriction" quoted FwGR. This new approach allowed us to identify 2 groups of newborns with FGR, one classically identified as SGA (noted FwGR(I)) (3.9%), and the other newly identified as FGR (noted FwGR(II)) (1.4%). In contrast, this approach allowed us to identify a group of "constitutionally small" infants according to their constitutional growth potential (1.1%). In other words, among infants usually defined as SGA (5%), 22% appeared in fact to be "constitutionally small" and therefore misclassified. As an initial validation, we observed that the proportion of maternal hypertension during pregnancy was low in the "constitutionally small" infants (close to that of the normal group), and three times higher in the newly identified group FwGR(II) than in the normal group. Following these results, it seems to be meaningful to follow-up this new group of FwGR(II) infants, in terms of catch-up growth and neurodevelopmental outcome.

Adult↗

A methodology for simulating the impact of DNA-probe services on the outcomes of pregnancies.

For certain single-gene disorders, DNA probes allow individuals to make more informed decisions about family size and the outcomes of pregnancies. They may also have important psychological effects. We present a method of assessing their impact on the outcomes of pregnancy. We conclude that the traditional approach, which focuses solely on the potential of prenatal diagnostic services to reduce affected births, is limited. It neglects the potential of such services to promote an increase in unaffected births by reducing the number of unnecessary terminations.

DNA Probes↗

Identification of newborns with Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR) in weight and/or length based on constitutional growth potential.

This study was carried out to build statistical models for defining FGR (Fetal Growth Restriction) in weight and/or length after taking growth potential of an infant into account. From a cohort of pregnant women having given birth to 47,733 infants in 141 French maternity units, two statistical models gave individualized limits of birth weight and birth length (based on the 5th centile) below which, after adjustment for its individual growth potential, a newborn must be considered as FGR in weight and/or in length. A sample of 906 infants had measures taken of cord blood growth factors (IGF1, IGFBP3). The FGR(W) definition (weight<5th centile for growth potential) permitted the identification of infants who presented rates of maternal hypertension (13.6%) and of Apgar score at 5 min<6 (2.9%) higher than in the classical group SGA(W) (weight<5th centile for sex and gestational age) (9.6% and 2.2% respectively). By combining FGR(W) and SGA(W), a subgroup of infants, not currently recognized as SGA, presented very high rates of maternal hypertension (19.9%) and of low Apgar score (3.9%). Conversely a subgroup of infants, currently recognized as SGA(W), had rates as low as in the normal infants group, and had to be considered as "constitutionally small" (that is to say 24% of the SGA(W)). Combining FGR(W) and FGR(L) (length<5th centile of growth potential), 7.6% of infants appeared growth-restricted, and 1.8% appeared constitutionally small in weight and/or in length. The FGR(W)-FGR(L) infants showed the lowest mean values of IGF1 (126.2+/-3.2) and IGFBP3 (0.86+/-0.03). These new definitions of FGR(W) and FGR(L) could help to better identify infants at birth requiring neonatal care, and monitoring of growth catch-up and neurodevelopmental outcome.

Adult↗

Cyanobacterial (blue-green algae) contamination in drinking water and perinatal outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this ecological study was to examine the relationship between potential cyanobacterial exposure through drinking water during pregnancy and birth outcomes. METHOD: One hundred and fifty-six communities in South-Eastern Australia were involved, providing 32,700 singleton live newborn during the period 1992-94. Cyanobacterial occurrence and cell density (alert level) in drinking water sources during the first trimester, the total gestational period for premature births or limited to 36 weeks in term infants, and the last 12 weeks prior to preterm births or up to and including 36 weeks in term infants were used as estimates of exposure. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences between the proportion of time during the first trimester with cyanobacterial occurrence and the percentage of births that were low birth weight (LBW) and very low birth rate (VLBW). Significant differences were also found among various categories of first trimester exposure based on average cell density and LBW, prematurity and congenital defects. However, the pattern of these results does not suggest a causal link to cyanobacteria. There were no clear dose-response relationships. Analyses based on exposure during the last 12 weeks and total gestation also showed no significant dose-response effects. CONCLUSION: The results of this study provide no clear evidence for an association between cyanobacterial contamination of drinking water sources and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Bacterial Infections↗

Prenatal administration of progesterone for preventing preterm birth.

BACKGROUND: Preterm birth is the major complication of pregnancy associated with perinatal mortality and morbidity and occurs in up to 6% to 10% of all births. Administration of progesterone for the prevention of preterm labour has been advocated. OBJECTIVES: To assess the benefits and harms of progesterone administration during pregnancy in the prevention of preterm birth. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Specialised Register of Controlled Trials (March 2005), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2004), MEDLINE (1965 to January 2005), EMBASE (1988 to August 2004), and Current Contents (1997 to August 2004). SELECTION CRITERIA: All published and unpublished randomised controlled trials, in which progesterone was given by any route for preventing preterm birth. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Standard methods of the Cochrane Collaboration and the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group were used. Evaluation of methodological quality and trial data extraction were undertaken independently by two authors. Results are presented using relative risk with 95% confidence intervals. MAIN RESULTS: For all women administered progesterone, there was a reduction in the risk of preterm birth less than 37 weeks (six studies, 988 participants, relative risk (RR) 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54 to 0.79) and preterm birth less than 34 weeks (one study, 142 participants, RR 0.15, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.64). Infants born to mothers administered progesterone were less likely to have birthweight less than 2500 grams (four studies, 763 infants, RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.81) or intraventricular haemorrhage (one study, 458 infants, RR 0.25, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.82). There was no difference in perinatal death between women administered progesterone and those administered placebo (five studies, 921 participants, RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.37 to 1.19). There were no other differences reported for maternal or neonatal outcomes. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Intramuscular progesterone is associated with a reduction in the risk of preterm birth less than 37 weeks' gestation, and infant birthweight less than 2500 grams. However, other important maternal and infant outcomes have been poorly reported to date, with most outcomes reported from a single trial only (Meis 2003). It is unclear if the prolongation of gestation translates into improved maternal and longer-term infant health outcomes. Similarly, information regarding the potential harms of progesterone therapy to prevent preterm birth is limited. Further information is required about the use of vaginal progesterone in the prevention of preterm birth.

17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone↗

Influence of perinatal factors on limit of viability in extremely low birth weight infants.

This retrospective study investigated the influence of perinatal factors on the limit of viability in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. From January 1997 to May 1998, all infants weighing less than 1000 gm admitted to NICU of China Medical College Hospital were enrolled in this study. Still-born infants and infants with congenital anomaly were excluded. The end outcome was survival of the infants (defined as alive at discharge). Eighty-four infants were included in this study. Their mean gestational age (GA) was 25.8 +/- 1.76 weeks, mean birth weight (BW) was 772 +/- 114 gm, and overall survival rate was 48.8%. The smallest intact survival was a female infant of GA 23 weeks and BW 530 gm. Early neonatal mortality rate (< 7 days) was 26.2% (23/84). The cut off levels, below which mortality significantly increased, were GA < 24 weeks and BW < 700 gm (odds ratio, 6.11, confidence interval, 2.01 to 18.63 for GA; odds ratio, 2.65, confidence interval, 1.09 to 6.39 for BW). The two most significant factors which independently affected neonatal survival were GA < 24 weeks and early neonatal dexamethasone treatment for the prevention of chronic lung disease (odds ratio, 9.24, confidence interval, 2.53 to 33.76 for GA; odds ratio, 35.83, confidence interval, 7.03 to 183 for dexamethasone treatment). We conclude that in order to further reduce neonatal mortality, efforts should be made in the areas of prenatal care and women's health to prevent extreme prematurity and low birth weight infants. In the case of an impending delivery of an ELBW infant, an active plan of management for all gestations > or = 24 weeks seems appropriate. Finally, unless it is proven to be safe, early neonatal dexamethasone treatment for prevention of chronic lung disease should not be routinely used in ELBW infants.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents↗

Biochemical predictors of preterm labor: fetal fibronectin and salivary estriol.

Preterm birth is a major complication of pregnancy and remains a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Improvements in the authors' understanding of the pathophysiology of preterm labor have led to the development of novel diagnostic tools of use to identify women at greatest risk for preterm birth. Currently two FDA-approved biochemical tests are available in the United States: (1) fetal fibronectin and (2) salivary estriol. The presence of a positive fetal fibronectin test in the midtrimester of pregnancy is strongly associated with early spontaneous preterm birth. In contrast, a positive salivary estriol test is associated with late preterm birth, thus limiting its clinical use. Both tests have low test sensitivity and are currently used clinically for their negative predictive values. That is, women who screen negative are at very low risk for preterm birth and, thus, no interventions are indicated to prevent preterm birth. Women with a positive test are at increased risk and would be candidates for intervention. One of the main limitations of fetal fibronectin and salivary estriol, and an array of other proposed markers, is the fact that while these markers may aid in identification of women at increased risk for preterm birth, the authors currently have no clearly effective obstetric interventions for preterm-birth prevention in these high-risk women. Use of tocolytics, antimicrobials, or progesterone therapy currently has limited or unproven benefit in the management of women deemed at increased risk using these markers. Thus, until effective targeted obstetric interventions are available, the use of biochemical markers to identify women at increase risk for preterm birth remains largely research tools.

Biomarkers↗

[Oculomotor paralysis in functional strabismus].

Analysis of 800 strabismic children, in the out-patient follow-up, shows a frequency of congenital strabismus of 15%. In a great number of them, the causes were neurogenous. The anamnesis showed that 80 of them had a suffering at birth, and in 42 a defective neuropsychic evolution was found. 40 children were prematures and 30 had not the weight limit at birth. The strabismic deviation was larger than 15 degrees in 83% of the cases, and amblyopia was not frequent. Examples are given of 10 various observations of oculomotor pareses. The treatment was, generally, surgical and was applied early, before consolidation of the abnormal retinal correspondence.

Child↗

Effects of information on adaptation to cesarean birth.

The effects of cesarean birth information given in childbirth preparation classes on maternal postpartum reactions to unplanned cesarean delivery were examined. An experimental group received comprehensive cesarean birth information as part of standard childbirth preparation classes. The control group received a standard childbirth preparation class curriculum that included limited cesarean birth information. The control group reported a slight decline in pain intensity from 1-2 days to 6 weeks postpartum, whereas the experimental group showed no change over time. No differences between the two groups were found in perception of the birth experience, physical distress, self-esteem, functional status, feelings about the baby, or quality of the marital relationship. The lack of substantial differences between the groups may be due to the normalizing effect of the high cesarean birth rate and greater attention given to this method of childbirth by expectant parents and childbirth educators.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Management of extremely low-birth-weight infants.

Better health care of women during pregnancy and delivery, improvement in neonatal intensive therapy and technology have led to a decrease in neonatal mortality and morbidity and to lower limits of birth weight and gestational age for survival. This paper refers to the management protocol used in the Department of Perinatal Pathology of the Provincial Maternity Hospital of Milan for extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants (birth weight < 1000 g). In this hospital, all newborn infants presenting evidence of life, irrespective of birth weight and gestational age, are resuscitated and transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for clinical management. After the introduction of this protocol the mortality rate of ELBW infants dropped from 71.4% in 1977-78 to 48% in 1987-88. In a group of 72 ELBW infants with a mean birth weight of 850 g and a mean gestational age of 27 weeks, 80% presented a normal outcome, 12% presented a mild neurological impairment and 8% were affected by severe cerebral palsy at the age of two years. The intact survival of a newborn infant of 450 g at birth is also reported.

Clinical Protocols↗