The differential production of prostaglandin (PG) F(2 alpha) and PGE(2) within the uterine compartment may play a role in controlling myometrial contraction. We hypothesized that the enzymes downstream of PG endoperoxide synthase-2 (PGHS-2) determine the ratio of PGF(2 alpha) and PGE(2) in the utero-ovarian vein plasma and the time of normal and preterm labour onset. The aim of this study was t...

OBJECTIVE To investigate the variation in the survival rate and the mortality rates for very preterm infants across Europe. DESIGN A prospective birth cohort of very preterm infants for 10 geographically defined European regions during 2003, followed to discharge home from hospital. PARTICIPANTS All deliveries from 22 + 0 to 31 + 6 weeks' gestation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE All outcomes of pr...

OBJECTIVE To assess the frequency and outcomes of preterm hospital admissions during pregnancy, with a focus on transfers to higher levels of care. DESIGN Population-based cohort study using linked population data. SETTING AND SUBJECTS Women who were admitted to hospital in weeks 20-36 of pregnancy (preterm) and gave birth to a liveborn singleton infant in New South Wales during 2001-2008. ...

There has been some improvement in the treatment of preterm infants, which has helped to increase their chance of survival. However, the rate of premature births is still globally increasing. As a result, this group of infants are most at risk of developing severe medical conditions that can affect the respiratory, gastrointestinal, immune, central nervous, auditory and visual systems. In extre...

An increase in the myometrial expression of the prostaglandin (PG) receptors, and especially the PGF(2alpha) receptor (FP), may be an important component of the process initiating preterm labour. In this review of the literature and presentation of new possibilities, evidence will be discussed that demonstrates an increase in mouse uterine FP mRNA occurs at preterm birth whereas uterine PGF(2al...

OBJECTIVES To describe: 1) The education of pregnant women by health care professionals about the prevention of preterm birth; and 2) professionals' views about future initiatives. BACKGROUND A population survey of health professionals was conducted in Eastern Ontario. The response rate was 73% (608/835). RESULTS Education materials for women receiving prenatal care about the prevention of ...

OBJECTIVE For more than three decades, women at imminent risk of preterm birth (PTB) in Western Australia have been transferred by small aircraft over long distances to the single tertiary level perinatal centre in Perth, with no known case of birth during the flight. We aimed to review recent experience to understand how aircraft travel may delay PTB. DESIGN AND SETTING Retrospective observa...

Progesterone suppresses uterine contractility acting through its receptors (PRA/B). The mechanism by which human labour is initiated in the presence of elevated circulating progesterone has remained an enigma since Csapo first theorized of a functional withdrawal of progesterone in 1965. Here we report that in vitro progesterone-liganded nuclear PRB forms a complex including JUN/JUN homodimers ...

A retrospective study was performed in 613 singleton pregnancies born to mothers aged < or =19 years over a 4-year period to determine the relationship between maternal height and preterm delivery (<37 weeks). The pregnancies were grouped according to maternal height quartiles for comparison of maternal and infant characteristics, obstetric complications and pregnancy outcome. The incidences of...

BACKGROUND Adverse outcomes of pregnancy are a challenging health-care problem. Prediction of adverse pregnancy outcomes is important to prevent the morbidities of the foetus and the mother. AIMS To study the clinical interest of fetal nasal bone length in predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes in the first trimester of pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN A population-based retrospective cohort study. ...