Predictors of preterm birth.

OBJECTIVE: This is a systematic review to assess published scientific evidence on preterm birth predictors. METHODS: An Internet search for predictors of preterm birth was performed and the evidence level of each method was evaluated. RESULTS: There is strong evidence that preterm birth can be predicted using vaginal sonography to evaluate cervical characteristics, fetal fibronectin in cervicovaginal secretions and interleukin-6 in amniotic fluid. There is consistent evidence that digital cervical examination is a weak predictor, and controversy regarding home uterine activity monitoring. There is scanty evidence about the predictive ability of maternal history and perceptions of symptoms since the study design fails to provide high evidence level. CONCLUSION: Cervical evaluation by vaginal sonography, fetal fibronectin and interleukin-6 are the best methods for predicting preterm birth.

Hyaluronidase versus Foley catheter for cervical ripening in high-risk term and post term pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Foley catheter and hyaluronidase for cervical ripening. METHOD: Randomized controlled trial where 140 pregnant women, with gestational age > or = 37 weeks, indication for labor induction and an unripe cervix, were enrolled, allocated in two groups according to the method of cervical ripening before labor induction. Statistical analysis used Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney, Chi-square test, survival analysis, risk ratios and number needed to treat. RESULTS: Time of induction, dose of oxytocin and mode of delivery had better results in the Foley catheter group. Comfort with the method was higher in the hyaluronidase group. CONCLUSIONS: Both methods were effective and safe for cervical ripening. The Foley catheter group experienced a shorter period of induction, required a lower dose of oxytocin and had higher vaginal delivery rates, while the women who used hyaluronidase declared greater comfort with the method.

Pregnancy outcome in female liver transplant recipients.

UNLABELLED: Transplantation has become an available and successful treatment option for numerous congenital and acquired hepatic disorders. Studies have shown that when the prepregnancy recipient graft function is stable and adequate, pregnancy is normally well tolerated with favorable neonatal outcomes. However, there are reports of increased incidences of hypertension and preeclampsia as well as lower birth weights and prematurity. Patients administered tacrolimus-based therapies seem to have lower incidences of these complications. CASE REPORTS: The 5 reported patients, aged 23­37 years at the time of conception, were 2­11 years posttransplantation. A preterm delivery for fetal distress was the most clinically important complication among these patients. One episode of acute genital herpes infection, 1 liver hematoma in a patient who was anticoagulated owing to a history of deep vein thrombosis, and 1 case of wound infection postpartum were also observed. Despite these complications, all 5 pregnancies were successful. The mean gestational age at delivery was 35.2 weeks. No structural malformations or early complications were observed in the neonates. All cases showed stable liver parameters.