Randomized investigation of magnesium sulfate for prevention of preterm birth

Article Abstract:

Since preterm labor is the most common cause of infant morbidity and mortality, chemical agents that inhibit uterine contractions (tocolytic agents), thereby delaying labor, are often used. One such drug is magnesium sulfate, but randomized, controlled studies of this substance are lacking. To evaluate the effects of magnesium sulfate at safe concentrations (below the level at which muscle paralysis begins), a randomized study was performed on 156 women in preterm labor (less than 34 weeks' gestation). Upon entry to the study, the women were assigned to either the treatment (76 women) or control (80 women) groups; controls received a placebo (inactive) substance. All subjects underwent careful monitoring, including fetal heart rate measurement, ultrasound studies, and blood tests. Results showed that fewer pregnancies were delivered between 33 and 35 weeks' gestation to women who received magnesium sulfate than to women who received the placebo, but this was the only pregnancy outcome that differed between the two groups. Birth weight, Apgar scores at five minutes after birth (a measure of the infant's physical functioning), days in neonatal intensive care, and several other indices of neonatal health were similar for the two groups. Five of the six neonatal deaths occurred in the magnesium sulfate group. The history of the use of this substance for tocolysis is discussed. In summary, magnesium sulfate at the concentrations tested was apparently ineffective for preventing preterm birth or its complications. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Physiological aspects, Drug therapy, Dosage and administration, Labor (Obstetrics), Premature labor, Magnesium sulphate

---

Observations on the cause of oligohydramnios in prolonged pregnancy

Article Abstract:

Pregnancies that continue past term are associated with a higher rate of illness and complications. Oligohydramnios (reduced amnionic fluid volume) contributes significantly to this. Amnionic fluid volume has been difficult to measure accurately, and this has led to the use of ultrasound techniques in making such measurements as fetal urine production, a major component of amnionic fluid. Fetal urine production rates were evaluated in 15 normal term pregnancies, 30 postterm pregnancies without oligohydramnios, and 8 pregnancies with oligohydramnios. Postterm pregnancies with oligohydramnios were significantly more likely to produce infants with postmaturity syndrome and to have amnionic fluid containing meconium (infant stool). Hourly fetal urine production was similar in normal term and postterm pregnancies with normal amnionic fluid volumes. However, fetal urine production in postterm pregnancies complicated by oligohydramnios was half that of normal pregnancies. Decreased urine production correlated with an increased time needed for the fetal bladder to fill and empty. The study suggests that decreased fetal urination is a result of already reduced amnionic fluid volume resulting from changes in placental function. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Amniotic fluid, Pregnancy, Protracted, Post-term pregnancy

---

The relationship of infection to method of delivery in twin pregnancy

Article Abstract:

Uterine manipulation to accomplish a vaginal breech delivery of a second twin may decrease the need for a cesarean section and pose no higher risk of maternal infection or poor infant outcome. Of 718 twin births, patients with cesarean delivery had a 17.7% rate of infection. Vaginal delivery with, and without, uterine manipulation resulted in significantly lower rates of 4.6% and 6.1%, respectively. Infant outcome was comparable between groups. Breech extraction possibly avoided cesarean section in 20% of these cases, without increases in maternal or infant complications.

Health aspects, Methods, Risk factors, Twins, Breech delivery, Breech birth, Puerperal fever, Puerperal infection

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Spontaneous resolution of bone mineral depletion in preterm infants. Bone mineral content and body size 65 to 100 weeks' postconception in preterm and full term infants
• Abstracts: A comparison of ceftriaxone and cefuroxime for the treatment of bacterial meningitis in children. Brief report: disseminated osteomyelitis from Mycobacterium ulcerans after a snakebite
• Abstracts: Extended-field radiation therapy for carcinoma of the cervix. Successful treatment of cervical pregnancy with oral etoposide
• Abstracts: Religious exemptions to child neglect laws still being passed despite convictions of parents. part 2 Novel anticancer therapies for decade ahead may prove to be more specific, less toxic
• Abstracts: A randomized trial of routine prenatal ultrasound. Long-bone growth in fetuses with Down's syndrome. Size of the fetal adrenal in bilateral renal agenesis

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