Epidemiologic characteristics of preterm delivery: etiologic heterogeneity

Article Abstract:

Although it is well-known that premature delivery is associated with a higher rate of complications and mortality for the infant, the reasons prematurity occurs have not been systematically characterized. The causes of prematurity are many (heterogeneity of etiology); they include preterm labor of unknown cause (idiopathic), preterm rupture of the membranes that surround the fetus, and medical indications that mandate early delivery. Learning more about the individual reasons for prematurity could help to develop better preventive strategies. The first step toward this end is to analyze the medical literature to determine the frequency of factors thought to be causal. Publications concerning the subject were studied to evaluate the characteristics of the infants and women involved. Premature delivery is usually defined as delivery after fewer than 37 weeks gestation. Results showed that no consistent terminology exists for preterm birth, premature rupture of membranes, and other related occurrences. For instance, in some cases, preterm births were defined by weight, in others, by gestational age. Twelve research reports provided data concerning subtypes of premature delivery among 16 populations in the 1980s (eight from the US, two from Scandinavia). Inspection of these revealed a strong race effect: blacks are at increased risk of preterm delivery (the risk is between 10.8 percent to 17.8 percent). Low-risk populations tend to have greater proportions of idiopathic preterm labor than high-risk groups. The proportion of induced preterm labor (for medical reasons) varied less among the groups studied. Preterm premature rupture of the membranes was much more likely among blacks, and was considerably less likely for whites. The results indicate that preterm delivery among different socioeconomic groups may have different causes. Future research should focus on the causes and prevention of specific factors that increase the likelihood of preterm delivery. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Causes of, Demographic aspects, Premature birth

---

Maternal age and placenta previa: a population-based, case-control study

Article Abstract:

Pregnant women over 34 years old may have a higher risk of placenta previa than younger pregnant women. Placenta previa is implantation of the placenta in the lower segment of the uterus with partial or complete obstruction of the cervix. A study compared 1,078 women with placenta previa to 5,400 women without placenta previa. The risk of placenta previa was two to three times higher among women over 34 years old than among teenagers. Women who had had an earlier cesarean section, a miscarriage or an abortion had a higher risk of placenta previa than those who had not. The risk of placenta previa increased with the number of earlier pregnancies. Black women had a slightly higher risk of placenta previa than white women. Earlier pregnancies may increase the risk of placenta previa by damaging the lining of the uterus underneath the implantation site.

Complications and side effects, Pregnancy, Middle aged women, Pregnancy in middle age

---

Relationship between pregnancy-induced hypertension and placenta previa: a population-based study

Article Abstract:

Women with pregnancies complicated by placenta previa may have a lower risk for pregnancy-induced hypertension. Placenta previa is the attachment of the placenta in the lower portion of the uterus, where the placenta may precede the baby into the birth canal. Over a 14-year span, of 121,082 pregnancies studied, 416 were complicated by placenta previa. Women with this complication were half as likely to develop high blood pressure during pregnancy than those without, even after allowing for influencing factors, such as the shorter gestation period usually seen due to placenta previa.

Health aspects, Hypertension in pregnancy, Gestational hypertension

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: The epidemiology and natural history of pressure ulcers in elderly nursing home residents. Risk factors for delirium in hospitalized elderly
• Abstracts: Mandatory trial of labor after cesarean delivery: an alternative viewpoint. Factors associated with postpartum hemorrhage with vaginal birth
• Abstracts: Preparing the colon for the barium enema examination. Barium enema. Incarcerated obturator hernia: case diagnosed at barium enema fluoroscopy
• Abstracts: Sociocultural correlates of eating disorders among Asian schoolgirls in Bradford. A psychiatric study of deviant eating behaviour among mentally handicapped adults
• Abstracts: AIDS enteropathy: occult enteric infections and duodenal mucosal alterations in chronic diarrhea. part 2 Clostridium difficile colitis: an efficient clinical approach to diagnosis

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.