Reproductive sciences
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Reproductive sciences · Oct 2016
Are There Differences in Placental Volume and Uterine Artery Doppler in Pregnancies Resulting From the Transfer of Fresh Versus Frozen-Thawed Embryos Through In Vitro Fertilization.
To compare uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) and 3-dimensional (3D) placental volume values in first-trimester pregnancies conceived naturally or through in vitro fertilization (IVF) technique using either fresh or cryopreserved embryo and to relate these measurements with preeclampsia (PE) development. ⋯ First-trimester placental volume, as assessed by 3D ultrasound, is reduced in IVF pregnancies, and these differences are more marked in those obtained with fresh embryos than those obtained with cryopreservation. This may explain the better obstetrical and perinatal outcomes occurring with the former technique.
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Reproductive sciences · Jan 2016
Differing In Vitro Potencies of Tocolytics and Progesterone in Myometrium From Singleton and Twin Pregnancies.
We compared the relaxant effect of 2 known tocolytics; indomethacin and atosiban and progesterone, on pregnant human myometrial spontaneous and oxytocin-induced contractions from singleton and twin pregnancies. All agents exerted a concentration-dependent relaxant effect on myometrial contractions. There was no significant difference in the concentration-response curves between singletons and twins for progesterone or indomethacin on spontaneous contractions or atosiban on oxytocin-induced contraction. ⋯ When compared to singleton myometrium however, the concentration-response curves were significantly shifted to the right in the twin myometrium group (P < .05 progesterone and P < .001 indomethacin). We conclude that a greater concentration of progesterone and indomethacin is required to inhibit oxytocin-induced myometrial contractions in twins compared to singletons in vitro. The differences noted in the tissue pharmacologies may have implications for the successful prevention or inhibition of preterm labor in twin pregnancy.
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Reproductive sciences · Dec 2015
Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposure in Pregnancy is Associated With Earlier Delivery and Reduced Birth Weight.
The association between maternal smoking and preterm birth (PTB) has been known for more than 50 years but the effect of passive smoking is controversial. This retrospective cohort study in Bristol, United Kingdom, examines the effect of environmental tobacco smoke exposure (ETSE) on gestational age at delivery, birth weight, PTB, and being small-for-gestational age (SGA). Environmental tobacco smoke exposure was defined by either self-report or exhaled carbon monoxide (eCO) levels, and exposed women were compared with unexposed controls. ⋯ Self-reported exposure was associated with earlier delivery (-0.19 weeks; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.32 to -0.05) and reduced birth weight (-56 g, 95% CI: -97 to -16 g) but no increase in the risk of PTB or SGA. There was no evidence for an association between eCO-measured exposure and any of the outcome measures. This information is important when advising women and their families and adds further support to continued public health efforts to reduce exposure to tobacco smoke.
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Reproductive sciences · Nov 2015
Observational StudyEffects of Patient-Controlled Epidural Analgesia on Uterine Electromyography During Spontaneous Onset of Labor in Term Nulliparous Women.
To investigate the effect of patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) on uterine electromyography (EMG) activity in term pregnant women during labor. ⋯ Patient-controlled epidural analgesia initially suppresses uterine EMG and slows cervical dilation thereby prolonging labor. However, the EMG activity recovers with labor progress with no effects on delivery outcomes.
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Reproductive sciences · Aug 2015
Identification of Early-Onset Preeclampsia-Related Genes and MicroRNAs by Bioinformatics Approaches.
Early-onset preeclampsia (EOPET), resulting in intrauterine growth restriction, has serious impact on maternal, perinatal, and neonatal livability worldwide. The current study conducted bioinformatics analyses to screen key genes and microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in EOPET and thus to explore the molecular mechanisms of EOPET. ⋯ The current study identified several regulators in EOPET, which may contribute to interpret the molecular mechanism of EOPET and develop novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for EOPET.