Quantitative and qualitative platelet abnormalities during pregnancy

Article Abstract:

When thrombocytopenia (low levels of platelets, blood cells essential for clotting) occurs during pregnancy, it is usually mild and temporary, resulting in no complications to mother or fetus. However, whether defects are present in the platelets of pregnant women with thrombocytopenia is not known. To learn more about this issue, 15 such women who had thrombocytopenia diagnosed on their first prenatal visit were studied. The patients' medical and medication histories and laboratory test results, with emphasis on tests related to clotting, were evaluated. Platelet abnormalities were studied after delivery, as well. Ten of the 15 had thrombocytopenia in three consecutive tests. Three patients were diagnosed as having mild type I von Willebrand disease (a coagulation disorder). The platelet counts of 14 women returned to normal after delivery. Six had antibodies to platelets. One infant, born to a mother with a prolonged bleeding time but no other abnormalities, had thrombocytopenia. A discussion is presented of von Willebrand factor, important in platelet function. The results indicate that mild thrombocytopenia in pregnancy is transient; extensive testing for this abnormality is not warranted unless other symptoms are present or the condition continues for several weeks after delivery. Vaginal delivery appears safe, but cesarean section should be performed only if clearly needed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Diagnosis, Complications and side effects, Physiological aspects, Pregnancy, Blood platelets, Thrombocytopenia, Hematologic diseases, Blood diseases in pregnancy

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Oral terbutaline in the outpatient management of preterm labor

Article Abstract:

Maintenance use of orally administered terbutaline to prevent contractions may be unnecessary after preterm labor has initially been controlled with intravenous labor-stopping drugs. Researchers studied 184 pregnant women whose preterm labor had been controlled with intravenous drugs that stop labor contractions, and prescribed bed rest with oral terbutaline or with no maintenance drug. Use of oral terbutaline for more than two days was not found to prolong pregnancy after women received intravenous drugs to stop contractions. Women whose cervix was more ripe for birth at the time of preterm labor were more likely to give birth prematurely and to have gestationally younger infants at delivery. Use of oral terbutaline may also produce unwanted side effects.

Usage, Premature labor, Terbutaline

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Chorioamnionitis: is continuation of antibiotic therapy necessary after cesarean section?

Article Abstract:

Antibiotic therapy following cesarean section in women with chorioamnionitis does not appear to reduce the risk of endometritis. Chorioamnionitis and endometritis are infectious inflammations of the fetal membranes and uterine tissues in pregnancy. Researchers treated 116 with either a single, preoperative dose of antibiotics, or preoperative and postoperative antibiotics. Inflammation of the endometrium developed in 15-22% of women, regardless of treatment. One dose of clindamicin and gentamicin before the cesarean procedure was sufficiently effective.

Prevention, Chorioamnionitis, Endometritis

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