Guia practica clinica para el manejo de parto pretermino / Clinical practice guide for the management of preterm birth

El parto pretérmino en la región centroamericana tiene variaciones en cada país, así como la mortalidad perinatal neonatal y materna que se deriva de la condición. La atención adecuada sigue siendo una barrera en las zonas con más limitaciones en los servicios y el personal sanitario disponible. El parto pretérmino es considerado un problema con implicaciones sociales y económicas que produce impacto a corto, mediano y largo plazo (Goldenberg, 2012). El 75% de las complicaciones que genera conllevan a un aumento en la mortalidad infantil. La mayoría de sus factores de riesgo son considerados como prevenibles con la implementación de medidas sencillas y económicas (WHO, 2015). La investigación clínica de esta condición, en una gran mayoría, se ha generado en países de alto ingreso (Opiyo, 2017) 1 . Algunas veces se desconocen los resultados de algunas intervenciones en condiciones de recursos limitados. Esta guía presenta y pretende abordar algunas de estas limitaciones. También alerta sobre algunas intervenciones que pueden producir más problemas y dificultades si se implementan, al considerar los recursos disponibles en los lugares donde se desarrollaron las investigaciones que generaron la evidencia y hacer la comparación con la realidad de los países de Centroamérica en donde se usará la evidencia. Por otra parte, para cada recomendación que en este instrumento se facilita, los resúmenes de evidencia consideran las efectividades clínicas y los efectos adversos cuando han estado disponibles.

Tocoliticos en la amenaza de parto prematuro / Tocolitics in premature labor

La amenaza de parto prematuro se considera hoy en día como una urgencia obstétrica en la que, si no se realiza alguna intervención desemboca en un parto prematuro. Por tanto, una vez confirmado el diagnóstico, el tratamiento consiste en la administración de tocolíticos, cuyo objetivo principal es el retraso del nacimiento ganando tiempo para administrar maduración pulmonar y neuroprotección con el fin de disminuir el síndrome de dificultad respiratoria y parálisis cerebral, así como lograr el traslado de la madre a un centro de referencia, si fuere el caso. La elección de un fármaco u otro debe basarse en una adecuada valoración riesgo-beneficio, una vez tenida en cuenta la situación clínica de cada gestante. El empleo de tocolíticos al inicio de este proceso es esencial y en esta revisión se analiza la información disponible sobre su uso en la amenaza de parto prematuro

The preterm labour is now considered an obstetric emergency in which, if no intervention is performed, it leads to premature delivery. Therefore, once the diagnosis has been confirmed, the treatment consists of the administration of tocolytics, whose main objective is to delay the birth by gaining time to administer lung maturation and neuroprotection in order to reduce respiratory distress syndrome and cerebral palsy, as well as to achieve the transfer of the mother to a reference center, if necessary. The choice of one drug or another should be based on an adequate risk-benefit assessment, once the clinical situation of each pregnant woman has been taken into account. The use of tocolytics at the beginning of this process is essential and in this review the available information on their use in threatened preterm labor is analyzed.

Successful delayed-interval delivery performed 128 days after the vaginal delivery of the first fetus in a twin pregnancy / 영남의대학술지

There has been a significant increase in the number of multiple pregnancies that are associated with a high risk of preterm delivery among Korean women. However, to date, delayed-interval delivery in women with multiple pregnancy is rare. We report a case of delayed-interval delivery performed 128 days after the vaginal delivery of the first fetus in a dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy. The patient presented with vaginal leakage of amniotic fluid at 16 weeks of gestation and was diagnosed with a preterm premature rupture of membranes. Three days later, the first twin was delivered, but the neonate died soon after. The second twin remained in utero, and we decided to retain the fetus in utero to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with a preterm birth. The patient was managed with antibiotics and tocolytics. Cervical cerclage was not performed. The second twin was delivered vaginally at 34 weeks and 5 days of gestation, 128 days after the delivery of the first-born fetus. This neonate was healthy and showed normal development during the 1-year follow-up period. Based on our experience with this case, we propose that delayed-interval delivery may improve perinatal survival and decrease morbidity in the second neonate in highly selected cases.

Efficacy and side effect of ritodrine and magnesium sulfate in threatened preterm labor

OBJECTIVE: In terms of efficacy, several previous studies have shown that the success rate in inhibiting preterm labor was not different between magnesium sulfate and ritodrine. However, there is a paucity of information regarding the efficacy of both medications after consideration of intra-amniotic infection, which is one of the most important prognostic factors in patients of threatened preterm birth. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of magnesium sulfate with that of ritodrine in preterm labor. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we included patients who were admitted and treated with either ritodrine or magnesium sulfate with the diagnosis of preterm labor at 24–33.6 weeks of gestational age between January 2005 to April 2015. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the first-used tocolytics (ritodrine group and magnesium sulfate group). We compared the efficacy and prevalence of side effect in each group. The efficacy of both tocolytics was evaluated in terms of preterm delivery within 48 hours, 7 days, or 37 weeks of gestation and need for 2nd line therapy. RESULTS: A total number of 201 patients were enrolled including 177 cases in ritodrine group and 24 cases in magnesium sulfate group. The efficacy of both tocolytics (preterm delivery within 48 hours, 7 days, or 37 weeks of gestation and need for 2nd line therapy) was not different between the 2 groups of cases. In multivariate analysis, gestational age at treatment, twin gestation, intra-amniotic infection and maternal C-reactive protein (CRP) was associated with treatment failure (preterm delivery within 48 hours), but the type of tocolytics was not significantly associated with treatment failure. The type of side effect was different in the 2 groups, but the frequency of total adverse effect, need for discontinuation of therapy because of maternal adverse effect, and severe adverse effect were not different between the two groups of cases. CONCLUSION: The efficacy and safety of magnesium sulfate was similar to ritodrine, and can be a substitute tocolytics. Additionally, failure of tocolytic therapy was determined by gestational age at treatment, twin gestation, intra-amniotic infection, and maternal CRP, not by the type of tocolytics.

The effect of nifedipine used as tocolytic agent on postpartum blood loss among Filipino pregnant patients in a tertiary hospital: A prospective cohort study

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> To determine the risk of postpartum hemorrhage among patients who were treated with nifedipine for tocolysis of preterm labor.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>METHODS:</strong> A prospective cohort study was conducted with 66 pregnant women admitted for preterm labor. One group of women was given nifedipine to give time for the administration of corticosteroids for fetal lung maturity and/or control of preterm labor and another group was not given nifedipine as they were admitted in advanced stage of labor (ie, more than or equal to 4 cm cervical dilatation). Independent/paired sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U/Wilcoxon signed rank test, and Fisher's exact test were used to determine the difference of mean, median, and frequency between and within groups, respectively. STATA 12.0 was used for data analysis.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RESULTS:</strong> There was more blood loss during delivery, which was statistically significant, among those who received nifedipine compared to those who have not taken the medicine (350 mL versus 250 mL, p = 0.021). Furthermore, the decreases in hemoglobin and hematocrit were also lower among those who did not receive nifedipine compared to those who received nifedipine for tocolysis (8.5 mg/dL versus 16.0 mg/dL, p = 0.014 and 0.03 versus 0.05, p = 0.010), again, statistically significant.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> Nifedipine used as tocolytic appear to increase blood loss during delivery, which was statistically significant. Greater amount of blood loss may be anticipated among those with nifedipine intake thus helping the obstetrician in preparing for active management of postpartum hemorrhage and preventing maternal morbidity and mortality.</p>

Puesta al dia sobre atosiban denominacion del medicamento tractocile 6. 75 MG/ 0. 9 ML solución inyectable / Up to the day about atosiban name of the medicinal product tractocile 6.75 Mg/ 0.9 Ml solution for injection

Este trabajo trata de la actualización del uso de ATOSIBAN para el tratamiento de la amenaza de parto prematuro, utilizando para su aplicación el protocolo de administración de Tractocile en el servicio de partes vs internado general, a los efectos de sistematizar los cuidados de enfermería en la utilización de este medicamento.

Relaxant and anti-inflammatory effect of two thalidomide analogs as PDE-4 inhibitors in pregnant rat uterus

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relaxant and anti-inflammatory effects of two thalidomide analogs as phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitors in pregnant rat uterus. Uteri from Wistar female rats were isolated at 19 day of pregnancy. Uterine samples were used in functional studies to evaluate the inhibitory effects of the thalidomide analogs, methyl 3-(4-nitrophthalimido)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-propanoate (4NO2PDPMe) and methyl 3-(4-aminophthalimido)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-propanoate (4APDPMe), on prostaglandin-F2α (PGF2α)-induced phasic, K⁺-induced tonic, and Ca²⁺-induced contractions. Accumulation of cAMP was quantified in uterine homogenates by ELISA. Anti-inflammatory effect was assessed by using ELISA for determination of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and interleukin (IL)-1β, and anti-inflammatory IL-10, from uterine explants stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Nifedipine, forskolin and rolipram were used as positive controls where required. Both thalidomide analogs induced a significant inhibition of the uterine contractions induced by the pharmaco- and electro-mechanic stimuli. Nifedipine and forskolin were more potent than the analogs to inhibit the uterine contractility, but these were more potent than rolipram, and 4APDPMe was equieffective to nifedipine. Thalidomide analogs increased uterine cAMP-levels in a concentration-dependent manner. The LPS-induced TNFα and IL-1β uterine secretion was diminished in a concentration-dependent fashion by both analogs, whereas IL-10 secretion was increased significantly. The thalidomide analogs induced utero-relaxant and anti-inflammatory effects, which were associated with the increased cAMP levels as PDE-4 inhibitors in the pregnant rat uterus. Such properties place these thalidomide analogs as potentially safe and effective tocolytic agents in a field that urgently needs improved pharmacological treatments, as in cases of preterm labor.

Oral progesterone for maintenance tocolysis after arrested preterm labor: A meta-analysis / Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

BACKGROUND: The consequences of preterm birth not only for the baby but also for the mother has been well documented over the years. Numerous interventions have been tried and tested and yet it is still a significant problem to date. Progesterone has been documented to be an effective prophylactic drug against preterm labor for those considered at high risk for developing the condition. However, little is known its effectiveness when given in oral form as a maintenance tocolysis for those who already suffered from an acute episode or preterm labor.OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the effectiveness of oral progesterone in the prevention of preterm birth after being diagnosed of preterm laborDESIGN: Meta-analysisSUBJECTS: The study population consisted of women with singleton gestation who were diagnosed with preterm labor, defined as having contractions associated with corresponding cervical dilatation, which were treated with oral progesterone as a maintenance tocolytic until delivery.DATA COLLECTION: Journals were searched in different journal databases. Reviewers independently assessed the eligibility of the articles included in this study. Methodologic quality was reviewed using the Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions. Version 5.1.0 (updated March 2011). Data extracted were analysed using the Review Manager 5.3 Software (Revman 2014) and the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software (CMA3 2016).RESULTS: No statistical difference was noted in terms of latency prolongation, gestational age at birth, occurrence of preterm birth, and on neonatal outcomes such as APGAR Score CONCLUSION: The use of oral progesterone as a maintenance tocolysis after arrested preterm labor showed no statistically significant benefit except for higher birthweight in babies upon delivery.

Trabalho de parto prematuro: diagnóstico e manejo / Premature labor: diagnosis and management

O parto prematuro é um dos maiores desafios obstétricos na atualidade, apresentando altas taxas de morbimortalidade perinatal. O presente capítulo foi elaborado com o objetivo de uniformizar condutas para o diagnóstico e manejo terapêutico do trabalho de parto prematuro.

Preterm birth is a major obstetrical challenges nowadays, presenting high rates of perinatal morbidity and mortality. This chapter has been elaborated with the objective of standardize practices for the diagnosis and therapeutic management of preterm labor.

Practice patterns in the management of threatened preterm labor in Korea: A multicenter retrospective study

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine clinical practice patterns in the management of pregnant women admitted with threatened preterm labor (TPL) in Korea. METHODS: Data from women admitted with a diagnosis of TPL were collected from 22 hospitals. TPL was defined as regular uterine contractions with or without other symptoms such as pelvic pressure, backache, increased vaginal discharge, menstrual-like cramps, bleeding/show and cervical changes. Data on general patient information, clinical characteristics at admission, use of tocolytics, antibiotics, and corticosteroids, and pregnancy outcomes were collected using an online data collections system. RESULTS: A total of 947 women with TPL were enrolled. First-line tocolysis was administered to 822 (86.8%) patients. As a first-line tocolysis, beta-agonists were used most frequently (510/822, 62.0%), followed by magnesium sulfate (183/822, 22.3%), calcium channel blockers (91/822, 11.1%), and atosiban (38/822, 4.6%). Of the 822 women with first-line tocolysis, second-line tocolysis were required in 364 (44.3%). Of 364 with second-line, 199 had third-line tocolysis (37.4%). Antibiotics were administered to 29.9% of patients (284/947) with single (215, 22.7%), dual (26, 2.7%), and triple combinations (43, 4.5%). Corticosteroids were administered to 420 (44.4%) patients. Betamethasone was administered to 298 patients (71.0%), and dexamethasone was administered to 122 patients (29.0%). CONCLUSION: Practice patterns in the management of TPL in Korea were quite various. It is needed to develop standardized practice guidelines for TPL management.

Efectividad del tratamiento de la amenaza de parto pretérmimo con progesterona natural micronizada / Effectiveness of treatment of threatened labor preterm micronized natural progesterone

Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad de la progesterona natural micronizada administrada vía oral y del fenoterol administrado vía endovenosa, en el tratamiento de las pacientes con diagnóstico de amenaza de parto pretérmino. Métodos: Estudio experimental tipo ensayo terapéutico en pacientes que acudieron al Hospital Universitario de Caracas. Resultados: 15 pacientes del grupo estudio con progesterona presentaron resultados satisfactorios (X² = 155,837, df = 18); del grupo control, 13 pacientes con resultados satisfactorios (X² = 133,093, df = 18). La efectividad absoluta en el grupo de estudio fue de 0,68 contra 0,59 del grupo control (X² = 0,393; df = 1; P < 0,531). Conclusiones: Los tratamientos con progesterona natural micronizada y fenoterol demostraron ser inhibitorios de la dinámica uterina, a partir de la segunda hora de iniciado el tratamiento, evitando su progreso hacia trabajo de parto en un 90 %. La progesterona natural micronizada es efectiva en el tratamiento de la amenaza de parto pretérmino y se debe considerar su uso como alternativa terapéutica.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of micronized natural progesterone administered orally and intravenously administered fenoterol in the treatment of patients with a diagnosis of preterm labor. Method: The type of therapeutic trial in patients attended at the Hospital Universitario de Caracas. Results: 15 patients in the progesterone study showed satisfactory results (X² = 155.837 df = 18); the control group, 13 patients with satisfactory results (X² = 133.093 df = 18). The absolute effectiveness in the study group was 0.68 against 0.59 in the control group (X² = 0.393 df = 1, P < 0.531). Conclusions: Treatment with micronized natural progesterone and fenoterol proved inhibitory uterine dynamics from the second hour of starting treatment preventing its progress toward labor by 90 %. The micronized natural progesterone is effective in the treatment of preterm labor and should be considered as an alternative therapeutic use.

Risk factors associated with emergency peripartum hysterectomy / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Use of an emergency peripartum hysterectomy (EPH) as a lifesaving measure to manage intractable postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) appears to be increasing recently around the world, and the indications for EPH have changed. The object of this study is to identify risk factors associated with EPH.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We conducted a case-control study of 21 patients who underwent EPH because of intractable PPH between January 1, 2005 and June 30, 2013, at the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine (IPMCH). The parametric t-test, chi-square tests and Logistic regression models were used for analysis to identify the risk factors. The results were considered statistically significant when P < 0.05.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were 89 178 deliveries during the study period. Twenty-one women had an EPH, with an incidence of 24 per 100 000 deliveries. The loss of blood during postpartum hemorrhage of the EPH group was (5 060.7 ± 3 032.6) ml, and that of the control group was (2 040.8 ± 723.5) ml. There was a significant difference of PHH between the EHP group and the control group (P = 0.001). Independent risk factors for EPH from a logistic regression model were: disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) (OR: 9.9, 95% CI 2.8-34, P = 0.003), previous cesarean section (OR: 5.27; 95% CI: 1.48-17.9, P = 0.009), placenta previa (OR: 6.9; 95% CI 1.6-2.9, P = 0.008), the loss of PPH (OR: 1.001; 95% CI 1.001-1.002, P = 0.002), placenta accreta (OR: 68; 95% CI 10-456, P = 0.004), the use of tocolytic agents prenatally (OR: 6.55, 95%CI 1.34-32.1,P = 0.049), and fetal macrosomia (OR: 6.9, 95% CI 1.25-38, P = 0.049).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Significant risk factors of EPH are DIC, placenta previa, PPH, previous cesarean delivery, and placenta accrete, the use of tocolytic agents prenatally, and fetal macrosomia.</p>

Sulfato de magnésio: um avanço na neuroproteção fetal? / Magnesium sulfate: an improvement in fetal neuroprotection?

A paralisia cerebral é a causa mais comum de deficiência motora na infância. É uma doença complexa e de caráter não progressivo, que se caracteriza por distúrbios motores secundários alesões cerebrais ou a anomalias oriundas das fases iniciais de desenvolvimento do cérebro. O fator de risco mais importante para paralisia cerebral é o nascimento pré-termo, cuja incidência tem aumentado significativamente. Como consequência, a ocorrência da paralisia cerebral também tem aumentado, a despeito da melhoria da sobrevida dos fetos pré-termos. O risco da paralisia cerebral é tanto maior quanto menores a idade gestacional e o peso ao nascimento. Dessa forma, estratégias que se mostrarem efetivas para reduzir a paralisia cerebral nesses recém-nascidos deveriam ser implementadas com o objetivo de diminuir os seus efeitos danosos nos indivíduos e suas famílias, nos serviços de saúde e na sociedade como um todo. O sulfato de magnésio tem se mostrado como um promissor agente neuroprotetor fetal. Desde a década de 1990, estudos resultantes das suas indicações para prevenção das convulsões eclâmpticas ou para tocólise têm evidenciado uma redução nas taxas de paralisia cerebral e leucomalácia periventricular em prematuros. Publicações mais recentes, incluindo diretrizes internacionais, têm avançado na recomendação sobre os regimes terapêuticos e na construção de algoritmos para utilização do sulfato de magnésio como agente neuroprotetor fetal.

Cerebral palsy is the most common cause of motor disability in childhood.It is a complex and non-progressive disorder, which is characterized by motor disturbances secundary to brain injuries or anomalies resulting from the early stages of brain development. The most important risk factor forthe occurrence of cerebral palsy is preterm birth, which has increased significantly. As a result, the incidence of cerebral paralysis has also increased despite the improvement in the survival of preterm fetuses. The risk of cerebral palsy increases with the reduction of gestational age and birth weight. Thus, strategies that have proved effective in reducing cerebral palsy in these infants should be implemented in order to decrease their harmful effects on individuals and their families, on health services and society as a whole. Magnesium sulfate has been shown as a promising fetal neuroprotective agent. Since the 1990s, studies arising from its indications for prevention of eclamptic seizures or tocolysis have shown a reduction in the rates of cerebral palsy and periventricular leukomalacia in preterm infants. More recent publications, including international guidelines,have advanced in the recommendation on treatment regimens and the construction of algorithms for use of magnesium sulfate as a fetal agent.

Clorhidrato de isoxuprina endovenoso o progesterona vaginal en la amenaza de parto pretérmino / Intravenous isoxuprin clorhidrate or vaginal progesterone in treathened preterm labor

El objetivo fue comparar la eficacia del clorhidrato de isoxuprina endovenoso o la progesterona vaginal en la amenaza de parto pretérmino en la Maternidad “Dr. Nerio Belloso”. Hospital Central “Dr. Urquinaona”, Maracaibo, Estado Zulia. Se Seleccionaron 82 embarazadas con edad gestacional entre 24 y 34 semanas y diagnóstico de amenaza de parto pretérmino para recibir progesterona vaginal (grupo A; n=41) o clorhidrato de isoxuprina endovenoso (grupo B; n=41). Se evaluaron tiempo de cese de las contracciones y los efectos adversos maternos. El promedio de edad gestacional de las pacientes al momento del inicio del tratamiento fue de 31.7 ± 2.1 semanas en el grupo A y 32.4 ± 2.4 semanas en el grupo B (P=ns). En las primeras 24 horas de tratamiento clorhidrato de isoxuprina fue más efectivo que la progesterona vaginal con una tocólisis efectiva (26,8% en el grupo A y en 61.0% en el grupo B, p<0.05). Sin embargo, después de 7 días de tratamiento, 73.2% de las pacientes del grupo A y 36.6% de las pacientes en el grupo B aún permanecían sin contracciones (P<0.05). El retraso del parto más allá de las 34 semanas se logro en 80.5% de las pacientes en el grupo A y 26.8% de las pacientes grupo B (P<0.05). La cefalea fue el efecto adverso más frecuente en el grupo de pacientes del grupo A. La progesterona vaginal es más efectiva que el clorhidrato de isoxuprina endovenoso en el tratamiento de la amenaza de parto pretérmino.

The objetive was to compare the efficacy of endovenous isoxuprine clorhidrate of vaginal progesterone in treathened preterm labor in the Maternidad “Dr. Nerio Belloso”. Hospital Central “Dr. Urquinaona”, Maracaibo. Estado Zulia. Eighty two patients with a gestational age between 24 and 34 weeks and treathened preterm labor were selected to receive vaginal progesterone (group A; n= 41) or endovenous isoxuprine clorhidrate (group B; n=41). Time of ceasing of uterine contractions and maternal adverse effects were evaluated. Mean gestational age of patients at beginning of treatment was 31.7 ± 2.1 weeks in group A and 32.4 ± 2.4 weeks in group B(P=ns). At the first 24 hours of treatment, isoxuprine clorhidrate was more effective than vaginal progesterone for effective tocolysis (26.8% in group A and 61.0% in group B, P<0.05). However, after 7 days of treatment, 73.2% of patients in group A and 36.6% of patients in group B still were without contractions (P<0.05). Delay of delivery beyond 34 weeks was achieved in 80.5% of patients in group A and 26.8% of patients in group B (P<0.05). Headache was the most frequent adverse effects in patients of group A. Vaginal progesterone is more effective than endovenous isoxuprine clorhidrate in the treatment of treathened preterm labor.

Parto prematuro / Premature delivery

El parto prematuro es la causa única más importante de morbilidad y mortalidad perinatal. En Chile, los partos prematuros han aumentado en la última década, aunque la morbimortalidad neonatal atribuible a ella muestra una tendencia descendente, gracias a la mejoría en el cuidado neonatal de los prematuros, más que al éxito de estrategias preventivas y terapéuticas obstétricas. En este artículo se describen entidades clínicas, procesos patológicos y condiciones que constituyen factores predisponentes del parto prematuro; por otra parte se detallan procedimientos para la prevención y manejo clínico de mujeres en riesgo de parto prematuro.

Preterm delivery is the single most important cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. In Chile, preterm births have increased in the past decade, although neonatal morbidity and mortality attributable to it shows a downward trend, thanks to improvements in neonatal care of premature babies, rather than the success of obstetric preventive and therapeutic strategies. This article describes clinical entities, disease processes and conditions that constitute predisposing factors of preterm birth, as well as an outline for the prevention and clinical management of women at risk of preterm birth.

Comparative study of laparoscopy and laparotomy for the pregnant women with non-malignant ovarian tumors / 대한산부인과내시경학회지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study is to investigate the feasibility of the laparoscopy and compare perioperative outcomes between laparoscopy and laparotomy in pregnant women with non-malignant ovarian tumor. METHODS: Retrospective comparative analysis of 56 pregnant women who underwent laparoscopy or laparotomy due to non-malignant ovarian tumors at Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea, between October 1994 and December 2010 were performed. RESULTS: Among 56 patients, 22 and 34 pregnant women underwent laparotomy and laparoscopy, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups about general characteristics including age, gestational age, torsion, surgeon type, pain at diagnosis and clinical outcomes including tocolytics use, operation type, operation time, the ratio of normal full-term vaginal delivery, Apgar score. However, pathological longest tumor size was larger in laparotomy group than laparoscopy group (9.0 cm vs. 5.8 cm; p=0.001) and laparoscopy was related with significantly less estimated blood loss (200 vs. 50 mL; p=0.001) and short hospital days (7 vs. 4 days; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy for the treatment of non-malignant ovarian tumors in pregnant women is feasible and has benefits such as less estimated blood loss during the surgery and hospital stays when compared with laparotomy. However, laparoscopic adnexal surgery for large tumor size may be still challenging in pregnant women.

Predição e prevenção do parto pré-termo / Prediction and prevention of preterm delivery

A prevenção da prematuridade é um dos maiores desafio obstétricos deste século, e as medidas preventivas do parto prematuro se baseiam em três níveis de ação: a prevenção primária (identificação e tratamento dos fatores de risco), secundária (diagnóstico precoce do trabalho de parto prematuro) e terciária (intervenções para minimizar as principais complicações do nascimento prematuro). A maioria dos esforços está concentrada na prevenção terciária (utilização de tocólise e corticoide). Tais medidas reduzem a mortalidade e morbidade perinatal, mas a incidência do nascimento prematuro permanece alta. Avanços na prevenção primária e secundária, seguidos de novas estratégias, são necessários para diminuir a incidência do parto prematuro e para prevenir as doenças associadas à prematuridade. O objetivo desta revisão é descrever os métodos de predição do parto prematuro mais utilizados e as principais medidas preventivas do nascimento prematuro.

The prevention of preterm birth is the most important challenge at present time. The interventions to reduce the morbidity and mortality of preterm birth can be primary (identification and treatment of risk factors), secondary (early diagnosis of preterm labor), or tertiary (intended to improve outcomes for preterm infants). Most efforts so far have been tertiary interventions, such as treatment with tocolytic agents and antenatal corticosteroids. These measures have reduced perinatal morbidity and mortality, but the incidence of preterm birth remains high. Advances in primary and secondary care, following new strategies, are needed to prevent prematurity-related illness in infants and children. The purpose of this review is to describe the useful methods of prediction of preterm delivery and the most important measures to prevent the preterm birth.

Effects of Abdominal Breathing on State Anxiety, Stress, and Tocolytic Dosage for Pregnant Women in Preterm Labor

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of abdominal breathing on state anxiety, stress and tocolytic dosage for pregnant women in preterm labor. METHODS: The participants were 60 pregnant women in preterm labor who were hospitalized from April to July, 2009. Thirty participants were assigned to the experimental group and 30 to the control group. None of them had any other complications except preterm labor. The modified Mason's breathing technique was used with the experimental group 3 times a day for 3 days. Data were collected using a self-report questionnaire and chart review, and analyzed with the SPSS 13.0 WIN program. RESULTS: "State anxiety of the experimental group will be lower than that of the control group" was supported. "Stress of the experimental group will be lower than that of the control group" was supported. "The Ritodrine dosage for the experimental group will be lower than that of the control group" was supported. "The Atosiban dosage for the experimental group will be lower than that of the control group" was supported. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that abdominal breathing is an effective nursing intervention for pregnant women in preterm labor.

Terbutaline versus salbutamol for suppression of preterm labor: a randomized clinical trial

Preterm labor [PTL] is a common medical problem during pregnancies and is associated with neonatal mortality and morbidity. Beta-adrenergic agonists are among the most commonly used tocolytic agents. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness, safety and adverse effects of terbutaline with those of salbutamol in the prolongation of pregnancy beyond 48 hours and until 37 weeks of gestation. Two hundred women with PTL were randomly assigned to receive subcutaneous terbutaline [250 micro g] or intravenous salbutamol [0.1 mg] followed by oral terbutaline [20 mg/d] or oral salbutamol [24 mg/d] as maintenance. The efficacy, side effects and complications after 48 hours and until 37 weeks of gestation were analyzed and compared. There was no significant difference between the two groups in success rate within 48 hours [P= .091]. Gestational age at delivery [P=.031] and the number of days for which the gestation was prolonged [P=.024] were significantly higher in those receiving terbutaline. Adverse effects, including tachycardia [P=.007] and anxiety [P=.006], were experienced more in the salbutamol group. Birth weight was significantly lower in the salbutamol group [P=.001]. Terbutaline provided more effective tocolysis with fewer adverse effects and a better neonatal outcome. However, terbutaline and salbutamol are equally effective in the first 48 hours