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Maternal asthma and idiopathic preterm labor.

Previous studies suggest that women with asthma are at increased risk of preterm birth. Moreover, drugs (especially beta-agonists) used to treat asthma are also used to treat preterm labor. The authors carried out a case-control study of 555 women from three hospital centers with idiopathic preterm labor (< 37 weeks), including two overlapping (i.e., non-mutually exclusive) subsamples: cases with early idiopathic preterm labor (< 34 weeks) and cases with idiopathic recurrent preterm labor (< 37 weeks plus a previous history of preterm delivery or second-trimester miscarriage). Controls were matched to cases according to race and smoking history prior to and during pregnancy. All subjects responded in person to questions about atopic, respiratory, obstetric, and sociodemographic histories. Subjects in the early and recurrent preterm labor subsamples were also asked to undergo spirometric testing with methacholine challenge 6-12 weeks after delivery. Cases were significantly more likely to report histories of asthma symptoms and physician-diagnosed asthma (matched odds ratios of 2-3) than controls, particularly those cases with recurrent preterm labor. No significant associations were observed, however, with methacholine responsiveness. These results could not be explained by residual confounding by smoking or other variables, nor by selective recall of asthma symptoms and histories by cases. Women with asthma are at increased risk of idiopathic preterm labor. The fact that no such association was seen with methacholine responsiveness suggests that nonatopic, noncholinergic mechanisms may link bronchial and uterine smooth muscle lability.

Adult↗

Antibiotics: treatment of preterm labor.

Our intention is to review recent data and provide recommendations for the use of antibiotics in cases of preterm labor or preterm premature rupture of the membranes (pPROM). Various studies assessing antibiotics as treatment for preterm labor demonstrate neonatal or maternal benefits only in certain circumstances. Antibiotic treatment should be given to patients with bacterial vaginosis and Trichomonas vaginalis. Currently, antibiotics should not be applied routinely to prolong pregnancy in women with preterm labor and intact membranes. However, antibiotic therapy should be given to patients with pPROM to prolong pregnancies at 24 to 32 weeks' gestation. Our management of pPROM up to 32 weeks' gestation includes use of corticosteroids, antibiotic (extended spectrum penicillins) and tocolytic treatment for preterm labor and pregnancy prolongation. We consider expectant management previous to evidence of intrauterine infection. In women with pPROM at 32 to 34 weeks we found it beneficial to deliver 24 hours after administration of corticosteroids or, in cases of intrauterine infection, immediately. Finally, we report on our research work regarding fetal brain development in preterm birth. Further studies will be necessary to clarify the role of the interleukin-6/interleukin-6 receptor pathway in the development of intracerebral hemorrhage frequently occuring in premature infants.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

Infection and labor. VI. Prevalence, microbiology, and clinical significance of intraamniotic infection in twin gestations with preterm labor.

The purpose of this study was to establish the prevalence, microbiology, and outcome of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity in twin gestation presenting with preterm labor and intact membranes. Amniocenteses were performed on both sacs of 46 women with twin gestations, preterm labor, and intact membranes. Indigo carmine was injected to ensure sampling of both amniotic sacs. Amniotic fluid was cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, Mycoplasma hominis, and Ureaplasma urealyticum. A positive amniotic fluid culture of at least one sac was noted in 10.8% (5/46) of patients admitted in preterm labor and in 11.9% (5/42) of women delivered of preterm neonates. Of the five patients with microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity, three had microorganisms isolated from both sacs. The presenting sac was involved in all cases, supporting an ascending route for microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity in twin gestation. Polymicrobial infection was found in three of the eight amniotic sacs with positive cultures. In two cases different organisms were isolated from each sac. All patients with positive amniotic fluid cultures were delivered of preterm infants within 48 hours of amniocentesis. Patients with positive amniotic fluid cultures presented with preterm labor at an earlier gestational age and with more advanced cervical dilatation than did women with negative amniotic fluid cultures. Clinical evidence of chorioamnionitis subsequently developed in two of five women with positive amniotic fluid cultures. The interval between amniocentesis and delivery was shorter in women with positive amniotic fluid cultures than in women with negative amniotic fluid cultures (median: 3.5 vs 168 hours, p less than 0.0001). Infants born to women with microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity had a lower median birth weight and a higher incidence of respiratory distress syndrome than those born to women with negative amniotic fluid cultures (birth weight: 1085 vs 1975 gm, p = 0.024; respiratory distress syndrome: 37.5% vs 8.3%, p = 0.04).

Amniotic Fluid↗

[Diagnosis and prognosis of preterm labor: physical examination and ultrasonography].

Diagnosis. Preterm labor is defined by cervical changes associated with regular painful uterine contractions (UC) between 22 and 36 weeks + 6 days. Tocometry does not improve diagnosis or prognosis, despite the identification of more UC (NP 4). Electromyography and cervical distensibility (cervicotonometer) are promising techniques but are still in the research field. Clinical markers for prognosis. Clinical markers associated with clinical cervical examination tested in scoring systems are not validated and can't be recommended in clinical practise (NP 4). Ultrasonographic examination of the cervix. Technical evaluation of ultrasonographic examination of the cervix is satisfactory (NP 3); the transvaginal technical have to be used (NP 3). This method has a better accuracy and reproducibility than clinical examination provided a good apprenticeship (NP 3). Three ultrasound abnormal criteria are defined: a short length, a large internal cervical os and the presence of a funnel in the cervical canal. The best cut-off of cervical length to predict preterm delivery lies between 18 and 30 mm (NP 3). The choice of the cutt-off level depends on the prectitioner: high sensitivity but with many false-positives (cut-off close to 30 mm) or lower sensitivity with few false-positives (close to 20 mm). Cervical length seems to be more accurate that internal os or presence of a funnel which should be used with caution in clinical decisions (NP 3). There is no comparative study about the use of ultrasonographic examination of the cervix in women with preterm labor to evaluate benefits and adverse effects in clinical practice. However, ultrasonographic examination of the cervix supply a progress identifying women at risk of preterm delivery and this technique has a better predictive value than clinical cervical examination (NP 3). It seems reasonable to recommend utilisation of ultrasonographic examination of the cervic in preterm labor. It would not seem reasonable to replace the vaginal examination by ultrasonography. Ultrasonography could be used in association with clinical examination or in a second time if clinical examination is doubtful (NP 3). For these women, ultrasonography could reduce the number of hospitalizations, limiting treatment for some and, for others, increasing intensive interventions such as tocolysis, in utero transfer or corticsteroid treatment.

Cervix Uteri↗

The epidemiology of threatened preterm labor: a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the occurrence, timing, and outcomes of hospital-based diagnoses of preterm labor. STUDY DESIGN: Administrative records identified hospital admissions for preterm labor among 2534 women in an ongoing cohort study. Factors that were considered risks for prematurity were examined by logistic regression for an association with any preterm labor diagnosis, a preterm labor diagnosis <33 weeks of gestation, or > or =33 weeks of gestation. RESULTS: Of 234 women (9%) who experienced hospitalization for preterm labor, 90 women (38%) were delivered in the first episode. Previous preterm birth consistently was associated with a diagnosis of preterm labor. Reporting a sexually transmitted infection (odds ratio, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1-3.0) or bacterial vaginosis (odds ratio, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.7-4.1) early in pregnancy was associated with hospitalization for preterm labor between 24 and 32 weeks of gestation. CONCLUSION: The incidence of first-time hospitalization for preterm labor was 9%, with most episodes not resulting in preterm birth. Previous preterm birth was associated therefore with a preterm labor diagnosis.

Adolescent↗

Interleukin-8 and glucose in amniotic fluid, fetal fibronectin in vaginal secretions and preterm labor index based on clinical variables are optimal predictive markers for preterm delivery in patients with intact membranes.

AIM: Various predictive markers for preterm delivery have been proposed in previous studies. We investigated which marker is most reliable. METHODS: In 126 patients with preterm labor before 32 weeks of gestation and intact membranes, who had regular uterine contractions with cervical changes effaced > or =50%, we evaluated seven markers: interleukin (IL)-8, glucose, and granulocyte count in amniotic fluid (AF); fetal fibronectin (fFN) in vaginal secretions; IL-8 in cervical mucus; cervical length; and preterm labor index (PLI) based on clinical variables. The relationships of these variables to the occurrence of preterm delivery before 34 weeks were examined by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Values for AF IL-8, AF granulocyte count, fFN in vaginal secretions, and PLI were significantly higher, while the value for AF glucose was significantly lower, in patients delivering before 34 weeks than those in patients delivering at or following 34 weeks (P < 0.0001 for all). The most sensitive marker for predicting delivery before 34 weeks was AF IL-8 (sensitivity, 67.8%). The most specific markers were AF IL-8 (specificity, 95.5%) and PLI (specificity, 95.5%). By the logistic regression analysis, AF IL-8, AF glucose, fFN in vaginal secretions and PLI showed independent relationships with delivery before 34 weeks (P = 0.0009, P = 0.0032, P = 0.0131 and P = 0.0038, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In preterm labor with intact membranes, AF IL-8, AF glucose, fFN in vaginal secretions and PLI were highly predictive markers for detecting preterm delivery before 34 weeks.

Adolescent↗

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↗

The effect of relaxation therapy on preterm labor outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of relaxation on preterm labor outcome. DESIGN: Quasi-experimental, with women who experienced preterm labor randomly assigned to a control or experimental group. The experimental group was to do a daily relaxation exercise. A third group was added to the study: women who were originally assigned to the relaxation group but were unable to adhere to the daily practice. Final data were analyzed for three groups: control (n = 40), experimental (n = 44), and nonadherent (n = 23) participants. SETTING: Women were referred to the study from physician offices and a hospital-based obstetric triage clinic in the Northwest. PARTICIPANTS: Total sample was comprised of 107 women with singleton gestations, documented contractions with cervical change, and intact membranes. INTERVENTIONS: The experimental group was instructed in a progressive relaxation exercise. The participants were given tapes of the exercise and instructed to do it daily. OUTCOME MEASURES: Study outcomes included gestational age at birth, rate of pregnancy prolongation, and birth weight. RESULTS: The outcome variables were analyzed using analysis of covariance, with the preterm labor risk score entered as a covariate to compensate statistically for group differences. A positive response to the relaxation intervention was found: The experimental group had significantly longer gestations and larger newborns when compared to the control and nonadherent groups. CONCLUSIONS: Relaxation therapy made a difference in preterm labor outcome. Women who practiced relaxation had larger newborns, longer gestations, and higher rates of pregnancy prolongation. Given the low cost of the intervention, it should be offered to all women at risk for preterm labor.

Adult↗

Preterm labor: placental pathology and clinical correlation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relevance of ischemia in the incidence of preterm labor. A second objective was to document perinatal outcomes for patients with preterm labor classified according to its clinical, functional, and pathologic characteristics (infectious, ischemic, mixed, or idiopathic). METHODS: Perinatal outcomes were evaluated for 145 consecutive patients with preterm labor, subdivided into etiologic categories according to clinical, functional (Doppler), and morphologic (placental pathology) characteristics. A group of 44 normal pregnancies delivered at term served as controls. RESULTS: Of the preterm labor group, 28.3% were classified as ischemic, compared with 4.5% of the control group (odds ratio and 95% confidence interval = 8.28 [1.8, 51.8]; P < .05). Compared with the control group, the preterm labor patients who delivered preterm had higher rates of ischemia (31.4% compared with 4.5%; P < .05) and infection (16.1% compared with 2.3%; P < .05). Among the preterm labor group, patients classified in the infectious or ischemic subgroups had a higher rate of preterm delivery (95.0% and 90.2% compared with 73.2%; P < .05), admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (75.0% and 61.0% compared with 40.0%; P < .05), and newborn weight under 1500 g (35.0% and 19.5% compared with 3.7%; P < .05) than the idiopathic subgroup. CONCLUSION: Preterm labor resulting from infection or ischemia is associated with a higher perinatal complication rate than idiopathic preterm labor.

Adult↗

Bacteria and inflammatory cells in fetal membranes do not always cause preterm labor.

Intrauterine infection has been frequently linked with preterm labor before 30 wk of human pregnancy. Many different species of organisms have been detected, leading to the suggestion that infection-induced preterm labor is a generic inflammatory response to organisms rather than a specific response to a limited number of pathogens. The detection of organisms by microbiological culture is a laborious and unreliable process, so the aim of this study was to harness modern molecular techniques to detect organisms in tissues from human pregnancy. A DNA probe specific for conserved regions of bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA sequence was designed and labeled with fluorescein for fluorescence in situ hybridization. Organisms were detected in the great majority (>80%) of fetal membranes after prolonged premature rupture of the fetal membranes and after preterm labor, which was consistent with previous data. Organisms were also detected in fetal membranes after preterm delivery without labor and in term deliveries (with or without labour). Inflammatory cells were found frequently in the amnion or chorion of preterm fetal membranes but not in term tissues. Our primary finding is that fluorescence in situ hybridization is an appropriate method to detect organisms in human fetal membranes. In addition, our data show that bacteria may be present in fetal membranes without necessarily causing an inflammatory response, so the mere presence of bacteria may not be sufficient to cause preterm labor.

Antigens, CD↗

Body experience differences of women with preterm labor.

PROBLEM: To determine whether body changes described and evaluated by women with preterm labor differed from those of women with normal pregnancies. METHODS: Experiences of weight, appetite, activity, and mood change experiences for four sequential time intervals of pregnancy from 41 women with preterm labor and 23 women with normal pregnancies were analyzed using log-linear procedures. FINDINGS: The pregnancies of women with preterm labor were characterized by greater frequencies of worrisome body changes up until the 28th week. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Preterm labor was discussed as a problem of body image organization. Women with preterm labor have greater difficulty assimilating and accommodating to the body changes of pregnancy. A model of body change for preterm labor pregnancy was described. Study findings emphasized the importance of psychoemotional phenomena in preterm labor childbearing outcomes.

Affect↗

A study of the epidemiology of preterm labor.

A case-control study was designed in order to identify risk factors associated with preterm labor. All cases fulfilling the criteria of eligibility as preterm labor and attending the Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital during the period from January 1991 to June 1991 were included in the study. In the meanwhile, all women delivering after the 37th week of gestation during that period and in the same hospital and matched according to age (+/- 5 years) were included as the control group. Two hundred and thirty four cases and 216 controls were included in the study. An interview was performed to fill an epidemiologic and clinical questionnaire. Results showed that the lower the socioeconomic standard, the more the risk for preterm labor (p < 0.05), smoking whether active or passive is associated with preterm labor (p < 0.001), threatened or induced abortion, unwanted pregnancy, psychological trauma and surgical intervention during current pregnancy are associated with preterm labor (p < 0.001). History of preterm labor is associated with the present condition (p < 0.001). Anemia, hypertension, body weight less than 70 kgm are associated with preterm labor (p < 0.001).

Adult↗

[In utero transfer for preterm labor: experience of a regional perinatal hotline providing a 24-hour on call service].

OBJECTIVE: Preterm labor is one of the major causes of concern for level I and II obstetricians. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of in utero transfer performed for preterm labor. We also aimed to evaluate the algorithm we used in case of call for preterm labor. This algorithm allowed us to study the rate of endovaginal sonography use prior to in utero transfer, to calculate its predictive value and to evaluate the risk of delivery during transfer. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We conducted an 8-months prospective study of all calls for preterm labor received at a regional call center in France (EU). All obstetrical data were entered in a computerized anonymous database. Three months after the first call midwives collected data from the receiving hospital. RESULTS: Calls for preterm labor account for 40% of calls for in utero transfer. Two hundred and sixty-five calls have been received for preterm labor; among them 50 cases were associated with a preterm rupture of membrane, a maternal or fetal pathology and 14 cases were lost for follow-up. Those 64 cases were excluded leaving 201 cases for analysis. Twenty-eight had a cervix dilated 4 cm, or more, while 173 had a cervix dilated less than 4 cm. Fifty percent of woman that had a cervical dilatation of 4 cm or more delivered more than 4 h after the call. Among the 173 patients that had a cervix dilated less than 4 cm, 71% had not delivered 7 days after the hotline call and 26% had an endovaginal ultrasonography performed before the transfer. None of the women that had a cervical length longer than 27 mm delivered in the 7 following days. None of the 176 women that were transferred delivered during the transfer. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In utero transfer for preterm labor is the leading cause of in utero transfer. Endovaginal ultrasonography prior to transfer should be performed in order to avoid unnecessary transfer. Women who have a preterm labor with a cervical dilatation of 4 cm or more are not an absolute contra-indication to in utero transfer. In those cases the transfer indication should be discussed on a case-to-case basis including the actual term and the distance between hospitals.

Female↗

Changes in polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the vagina of patients with preterm labor.

To evaluate changes in vaginal polymorphonuclear leukocytes (vPMNL) in patients with preterm labor, we obtained vPMNL-rich suspensions from vaginal fluids of 77 women (21 with preterm labor and 56 control women with uncomplicated pregnancy). Total counts of vPMNL and % viability of vPMNL (viable vPMNL:total vPMNL) were significantly higher in patients with preterm labor (37 +/- 92 x 10(5), 23 +/- 29%) vs. controls (11 +/- 15 x 10(5), 6.9 +/- 8.3%). The concentration of granulocyte elastase in vaginal fluid diluted to 20 ml was also higher in patients with preterm labor than in controls (4,806 +/- 3,818 vs. 2,739 +/- 2,556 ng/ml). We conclude that PMNL and granulocyte elastase are abundant in the vagina in patients with preterm labor, which suggests that the PMNL may be involved in the pathogenesis of preterm labor.

Adult↗

Controlled trial of a Preterm Labor Detection program: efficacy and costs.

Patient education regarding the signs and symptoms of preterm labor combined with frequent clinical evaluations has been advocated as a means to reduce preterm births. Over a 3.5-year period, the risk for preterm labor was determined in 943 indigent black inner-city women using the Papiernik-Creasy scoring system. High-risk women were allocated randomly to a Preterm Labor Detection Clinic or to serve as high-risk controls. Women with lower risk scores served as low-risk controls. Women from both control groups were not informed of their risk status, and both groups received prenatal care in standard obstetric clinics. Women accepting the Preterm Labor Detection Clinic Program received comprehensive patient education and were seen weekly starting at 22 weeks' gestation. Despite this extensive outpatient program, there were no significant differences between the high-risk groups with respect to mean gestational age at delivery, mean birth weight, or percentage delivering before term as a result of preterm labor or premature rupture of membranes (PROM). Evaluations of inpatient charges revealed no significant differences due to participation in this program, although outpatient clinic utilization and charges were increased significantly for Preterm Labor Detection Clinic patients. Failure of this program to reduce preterm birth may relate to the relatively low overall rate of women presenting in preterm labor with advanced cervical dilation. In contrast, high rates of PROM and fetal death occurred in all three study groups.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗

Amniotic fluid arachidonate lipoxygenase metabolites in preterm labor.

This study was conducted to determine if preterm labor with intact membranes is associated with changes in the amniotic fluid concentrations of arachidonate lipoxygenase metabolites. Amniotic fluid was obtained by transabdominal amniocentesis from 68 women with preterm labor. The patients were classified into three groups according to their response to tocolysis and their amniotic fluid culture results: Group 1 - women with a negative amniotic fluid culture who responded to tocolysis (n = 32); Group 2 - women with a negative culture, but who failed to respond to tocolysis (n = 22); and Group 3 - women with intraamniotic infection (n = 14). The following arachidonate lipoxygenase products were measured by radioimmunoassay: leukotriene B4 (LTB4); leukotriene C4 (LTC4); 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE); and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE). The median concentrations of LTB4 were significantly different among the three study groups (26 pg/ml, 67 pg/ml and 885 pg/ml, respectively, p greater than 0.05). Amniotic fluid concentrations of 12-HETE and LTC4 did not vary among the three study groups. On the other hand, a significant difference in the distribution of amniotic fluid concentrations of 15-HETE was noted only between women with intraamniotic infection (Group 3) and women responding to tocolysis (Group 1). These results indicate that the arachidonate lipoxygenase pathway is activated during the course of preterm labor. Selective changes in the concentrations of the assayed metabolites were noted. Amniotic fluid LTB4 concentrations may be a marker for the patient with preterm labor who is unresponsive to tocolysis.

Amniocentesis↗

Amniotic fluid interleukin-10 concentrations increase through pregnancy and are elevated in patients with preterm labor associated with intrauterine infection.

OBJECTIVE: To better understand the role of the antiinflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 in preterm labor and infection, we evaluated the amniotic fluid interleukin-10 concentrations through pregnancy, in term, and in preterm labor. STUDY DESIGN: Amniotic fluid interleukin-10 levels were measured in 147 women throughout pregnancy including patients in the second trimester, patients at term with and without labor, and in patients in preterm labor with and without an intrauterine infection. We compared the amniotic fluid interleukin-10 concentrations among these five groups using the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Amniotic fluid interleukin-10 was detected in 70% to 91% of patients in each of the five study groups. Higher concentrations were found at term compared with the second trimester (p < 0.001) and concentrations were significantly greater in patients with preterm labor and intrauterine infection compared with those patients in preterm labor without infection (p < 0.001), patients at term in labor (p < 0.001), or patients at term not in labor (p < 0.001). When the patients in preterm labor with infection were analyzed by gestational age, those patients at < 30 weeks had significantly higher amniotic fluid concentrations of interleukin-10 (p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Interleukin-10 was present in the amniotic fluid of the majority of pregnancies, with higher concentrations found at term compared with the second trimester. Intrauterine infection was associated with significantly increased concentrations, with even higher concentrations found in the very premature pregnancies. Interleukin-10 has a prominent yet undefined role in pregnancy and preterm labor complicated by intrauterine infection.

Amniotic Fluid↗

A comparison of magnesium sulfate and indomethacin to magnesium sulfate only for tocolysis in preterm labor with advanced cervical dilation.

Preterm labor becomes more difficult to inhibit as the degree of cervical dilation increases. Indeed, some physicians do not even attempt tocolysis with advanced cervical dilation. We compared single- versus double-agent tocolytic therapy when the cervix was dilated 3 cm or greater. We conducted a retrospective study of 44 patients with preterm labor of unknown etiology and with cervical dilation of greater than 3 cm. At the admitting physician's discretion, patients were treated with either magnesium sulfate or with magnesium sulfate and indomethacin in combination. Longer duration of successful tocolysis was noted in the group that received both magnesium sulfate and indomethacin (368.3 hours versus 70.9 hours). No maternal complications occurred in either group. These pilot data suggest that tocolysis with magnesium sulfate and indomethacin is a safe, effective method of tocolysis in patients with advanced cervical dilation.

Adult↗