American journal of obstetrics and gynecology
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Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. · Nov 1999
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialA randomized comparison of oral misoprostol versus Foley catheter and oxytocin for induction of labor at term.
We sought to compare the efficacy and safety of oral misoprostol administered to patients with the efficacy and safety in a control group treated with a Foley catheter and oxytocin for induction of labor. ⋯ Oral misoprostol is as effective as oxytocin-Foley catheter for inducing labor in multiparous women. Misoprostol appears less efficacious in nulliparous patients.
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Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. · Nov 1999
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialThe effect of magnesium sulfate on fetal heart rate parameters: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
We sought to determine the effect of magnesium sulfate on fetal heart rate baseline value, variability, and acceleration-deceleration pattern. ⋯ Prolonged administration of magnesium sulfate was associated with decreased fetal heart rate baseline values and variability. Given the small magnitude of these changes, the clinical significance of these findings is questionable. Magnesium sulfate inhibition of the increasing number of accelerations with gestational age needs to be considered when fetal well-being is assessed.
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Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. · Nov 1999
Safety of labor epidural anesthesia for women with severe hypertensive disease. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network.
The aim of this study was to determine whether epidural anesthesia during labor increased the frequencies of cesarean delivery, pulmonary edema, and renal failure among women with severe hypertensive disease. ⋯ Epidural anesthesia use did not increase the frequencies of cesarean delivery, pulmonary edema, and renal failure among women with severe hypertensive disease.
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Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. · Nov 1999
Nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and neurotrophin-3 levels in human amniotic fluid.
Neurotrophins are proteins that promote neuronal growth and differentiation. In this pilot study we determined whether the neurotrophins nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and neurotrophin-3 were present in amniotic fluid specimens to begin to elucidate their developmental regulation. We also explored associations between neurotrophin levels and central nervous system abnormalities and exposure to infection. ⋯ Nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and neurotrophin 3 are detectable in amniotic fluid and vary with gestational age. Decreased nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in amniotic fluid may be a marker for the presence of central nervous system abnormalities, infectious insults in utero, or both.