In the present study, we investigated the ability of human fetal membranes (amnion and choriodecidua) to regulate human maternal uterine cell functions through the secretion of surfactant protein (SP)-A and SP-D at the end of pregnancy. We detected the expression of both SP-A (SP-A1 and SP-A2) and SP-D by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry reveale...

Chorioamniotic infection is a leading cause of preterm premature rupture of fetal membranes (amnion and chorion). Bacterial infection induces an inflammatory response characterized by elevated production of proinflammatory cytokines; the latter activate the production of both PGs that stimulate uterine contractions, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that degrade the extracellular matrix of t...

A total of 198 cows were randomly assigned to treatment with a single intramuscular injection of 10 ml of a preparation containing vitamin E and selenium or placebo 3 wk before expected parturition. Incidence of retained fetal membranes was 3.0% for the treated group and 10.1% for the control group (P=0.06). Administration of MU-SE also increased the percentage of cows pregnant to the first ser...

OBJECTIVE This study was undertaken to test injectable surgical sealants that are biocompatible with fetal membranes and that are to be used eventually for the closure of iatrogenic membrane defects. STUDY DESIGN Dermabond (Ethicon Inc, Norderstedt, Germany), Histoacryl (B. Braun GmbH, Tuttlingen, Germany), and Tissucol (Baxter AG, Volketwil, Switzerland) fibrin glue, and 3 types of in situ f...

In this study we aimed to set up an in vitro culture of the rabbit amnion in order to support in vivo fetal membrane healing capacity following fetoscopy. Fetal membranes were collected from a mid-gestational rabbit, and cultured on collagen support material for 14 days. 34 rabbits at 22-23 days gestational age (GA) underwent fetoscopy. The entry site was randomly allocated to 4 closure techniq...

The definition of PROM is rupture of membranes before the onset of labor. Membrane rupture before labor and before 37 weeks of gestation is referred to as preterm PROM. Management is influenced by gestational age and the presence of complicating factors, such as clinical infection, abruptio placentae, labor, or nonreassuring fetal status. An accurate assessment of gestational age and knowledge ...

We present here a case of fore-lying of the umbilical cord. In this case, transvaginal sonography did not reveal the umbilical cord beyond the fetal head before maternal urination; however, 5 minute later, a fore-lying umbilical cord was revealed between the floating fetal head and the uterine cervix after urination. The present case indicates the importance of careful evaluation of preterm pre...

The definition of PROM is rupture of membranes before the onset of labor. Membrane rupture before labor and before 37 weeks of gestation is referred to as preterm PROM. Management is influenced by gestational age and the presence of complicating factors, such as clinical infection, abruptio placentae, labor, or nonreasurring fetal status. An accurate assessment of gestational age and knowledge ...

Labour induction is a cornerstone treatment for a broad range of conditions −some of which are common, for which a prompt delivery reduces maternal or neonatal morbidity and mortality. Examples of frequent conditions are postterm pregnancy, pregnancy induced hypertension, pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, premature rupture of membranes, intrauterine fetal growth retardation chorioamnionitis, fetal d...