Routine measurements of umbilical artery lactate levels in the prediction of perinatal outcome

Article Abstract:

Lactate levels in umbilical cord blood may indicate a lack of oxygen at birth as accurately as acid-base balance but lactate analysis may be easier. Lactate appears in blood when pH is low, as occurs with oxygen deprivation. Researchers analyzed 4,045 umbilical cord blood samples for the presence of lactate using a new electrochemical method that produces a result in one minute. Lactate levels were highest in fetuses that were delivered by cesarean section because of fetal distress. Lactate levels were much higher among vaginal deliveries than among elective cesarean sections. Neither umbilical blood acid-base measurements nor lactate measurements alone may accurately predict the neurologic outcome of newborns. The advantages of lactate analysis are its ease of use and low cost.

Analysis, Measurement, Lactic acid, Fetal blood

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Effects of methyldopa on uteroplacental and fetal hemodynamics in pregnancy-induced hypertension

Article Abstract:

The drug methyldopa appears to effectively lower pregnancy-induced high blood pressure and heart rate without adversely affecting the blood circulation of the fetus. Twenty women with pregnancy-induced high blood pressure began taking 250 milligrams of methyldopa three times daily. Average maternal blood pressure and heart rate dropped significantly. However, the fetal heart rate and the blood flow velocity in the umbilical vein and fetal heart remained the same before and after treatment with methyldopa. Furthermore, the observed fetal heart rate and blood flow velocity did not differ significantly from expected values characteristic of normal pregnancies.

Evaluation, Maternal-fetal exchange, Drug therapy, Hemodynamics, Hypertension in pregnancy, Gestational hypertension, Methyldopa

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Preeclampsia is associated with a reduced response to activated protein C

Article Abstract:

Women who develop preeclampsia during pregnancy may have an inherited resistance to activated protein C. Preeclampsia is a serious complication of pregnancy that may be related to the formation of blood clots in placental spiral arteries. Resistance to activated protein C in an inherited defect that increases the risk of developing blood clots and stroke. Researchers analyzed blood samples from 50 pregnant women with preeclampsia and from 50 women with normal pregnancies for activated protein C resistance. Preeclamptic women exhibited more activated protein C resistance (22%) than did women with normal pregnancies (10%).

Causes of, Complications and side effects, Preeclampsia, Protein C deficiency

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