Neonatal outcome after prolonged preterm rupture of the membranes

Article Abstract:

Several complications are associated with preterm rupture of the membranes (which enclose the fetus within the uterus) in pregnant women. Increased chance of infection, perinatal death stemming from prematurity, and fetal distress due to cord compression are related to preterm rupture of membranes (PROM). In addition, if the period between membrane rupture and birth is extended, skeletal compression deformities, and pulmonary hypoplasia, or underdevelopment of the lungs, may result. Analysis of 88 infants born more than seven days after PROM demonstrated that the most important factor determining the likelihood of pulmonary hypoplasia was the gestational age of the fetus at the time of rupture. Pulmonary hypoplasia occurred in 14 of the 88 infants; only four of the babies survived. Some investigators have suggested that pulmonary hypoplasia may be related to oligohydramnios, or the presence of less than 300 milliliters of amniotic fluid at birth. Oligohydramnios is generally estimated on the basis of sonographic examination. In this study, the incidence of pulmonary hypoplasia was independent of the degree or duration of oligohydramnios. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Abnormalities, Risk factors, Fetal membranes, Bronchopulmonary dysplasia

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Relaxin in paired samples of serum and milk from women after term and preterm delivery

Article Abstract:

Relaxin is a substance that is found in breast milk and in the blood during and just after pregnancy. Relaxin is thought to help the dilation of the cervix during delivery. Although the source and role of relaxin in the breast is not understood, it is thought to be involved in the development of breast tissue. There is speculation that relaxin is synthesized in the breast milk for use by the breast tissue itself. Measurements of relaxin in the breast milk and blood were made in 12 women three days after a term delivery and in 16 women who delivered early (preterm). Relaxin concentrations remained similar in both delivery groups in breast milk and maternal blood. Relaxin was not found in the mother's blood six weeks after birth but was found in the breast milk of six out of eight term deliveries. A higher amount of relaxin, found in five out of six preterm deliveries, may be the consequence of a small patient sample. Relaxin was originally thought to be produced by the corpus luteum produced at conception. However, because relaxin is still present six weeks after the degeneration of the corpus luteum, it is hypothesized that relaxin must be produced elsewhere, namely in the breast.

Analysis, Measurement, Breast milk, Relaxin

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Antibiotics in the treatment of preterm labor

Article Abstract:

Treatment with antibiotics may delay preterm delivery in pregnant women with premature rupture of fetal membranes. A survey was done of the medical literature on the use of antibiotics to prevent preterm labor and to delay preterm labor after premature rupture of membranes. Treatment with antibiotics was not effective in preventing preterm labor in women diagnosed with an increased risk on the basis of vaginal bacteriological studies. Antibiotics were effective in delaying delivery in both women diagnosed with preterm labor and in those with premature rupture of fetal membranes. Treatment with antibiotics may prevent premature rupture of fetal membranes and prevent fetal growth retardation in pregnant women with a Chlamydia trachomatis infection.

Health aspects, Antibiotics, Prevention, Drug therapy, Premature rupture of membranes, Premature rupture of the membrane, Premature labor

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