Home monitoring of uterine contractility

Article Abstract:

A tocodynamometer is a device used to measure the force of uterine contractions. Tracings obtained with this device are used to estimate the frequency, duration, and intensity of contractions during pregnancy. Researchers have examined its use for home monitoring of pregnant women who are at high risk for preterm delivery. It was thought the device might be able to detect changes in uterine contractions that indicate early labor has begun. A few studies found that when high-risk pregnant women were monitored with this device and given substantial nursing support, reductions in the number of preterm births resulted. Unfortunately, there were a number of problems with these studies such that final conclusions cannot be drawn. A workshop for professionals in the field was held in March 1989 to address the knowledge and issues involving uterine activity, preterm labor, and the use of tocodynamometers. Animal studies have shown that there are two basic types of uterine activity during pregnancy, contractures, which occur throughout pregnancy, and contractions, which are associated with labor. Both can be detected with the tocodynamometer, although distinguishing between the two is difficult. Human studies on the use of the device have shown that a number of trends occur during the course of pregnancy. The frequency of detectable contractions increases throughout pregnancy until it levels off at around 31 to 32 weeks of gestation. The frequency then begins to increase again between 24 and 48 hours before the onset of labor. Contraction rates tend to be higher among women who deliver preterm than those that deliver at term. There is, however, significant overlap in the frequencies between the two groups, making this index of questionable use. The conference attendees could not agree on whether the decreased number of preterm deliveries observed in the studies was a result of the uterine activity monitoring or the nursing care or a combination of both. Specific recommendations for further research included finding a better sensor of uterine activity, establishing the reproducibility of tracings, and implementing better designed studies to establish the effectiveness of monitoring to prevent preterm labor. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, Pregnancy, Labor (Obstetrics), editorial, Uterus, Pregnant, Pregnant uterus

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In vitro uterine response to tetramethylpyrazine, the active constituent of Chung Chong (a traditional Chinese medicine)

Article Abstract:

Tetramethylpyrazine is extracted from the plants Rhixoma ligustici wallichii and Jatropha podagrica Hook, both used in Chinese and Nigerian folk medicine. Tetramethylpyrazine, in the Chinese herbal medicine Chung Chong, has been studied for its effect on smooth muscle cells. It has been used to relieve the pain associated with angina and for the treatment of stroke. Recent research on animals has shown that tetramethylpyrazine improves the blood flow in the arteries of the heart. To see if tetramethylpyrazine affects the uterus, uterine tissue removed from rats was studied. The extract was able to reduce the response to oxytocin, the hormone released during labor which causes uterine contractions, and prostaglandin E, a chemical affecting smooth muscle. It is likely that this extract depresses uterine contractions. There are no side effects from tetramethylpyrazine use unlike the effects of beta-adrenergic agonists and calcium channel blockers, currently used to quiet the uterus prior to term. It is suggested that tetramethylpyrazine be given to animals to see if it can reduce the contraction and tone of the uterus late in pregnancy.

Usage, Folk medicine, Traditional medicine, Medicine, Oriental, Asian medicine

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Effects of nomegestrol acetate on spontaneous and sulprostone-induced uterine contractions in pregnant cynomolgus monkeys monitored by telemetry

Article Abstract:

Progesterone and chemicals that have a similar structure appear to inhibit uterine contractions. Researchers measured uterine contractions in monkeys who received a drug similar to progesterone called nomegestrol acetate or a placebo. The monkeys were given a single injection of a drug that causes uterine contractions a few days after they began taking nomegestrol acetate or placebo. In the monkeys who received placebo, uterine contractions peaked at 12 hours and continued for 24 hours. In those who received nomegestrol acetate, contractions were weaker and lasted only six hours.

Progestational hormones

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