American journal of obstetrics and gynecology
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Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. · Nov 1992
Changes in pupillary diameter in relation to eye-movement and no-eye-movement periods in the human fetus at term.
The aim of our study was to reveal whether pupils dilate and constrict in a time sequence in the human fetus and to assess the relationship between changes in pupillary diameter and eye-movement-no-eye-movement periods. ⋯ These findings indicate a close relation between pupillary dilatation and eye-movement periods in the human term fetus.
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Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. · Nov 1992
Does DeLee suction at the perineum prevent meconium aspiration syndrome?
We attempted to determine the impact of "early" (before delivery of the chest) oronasopharyngeal DeLee suctioning at the perineum in the prevention of meconium aspiration syndrome and to confirm that meconium aspiration syndrome is a postnatal event. ⋯ We concluded that "early" oronasopharyngeal DeLee suctioning at the perineum does not affect the rate of meconium aspiration syndrome. We speculate that meconium aspiration syndrome is predominantly an intrauterine event associated with fetal distress and that meconium in the airways is merely a "marker" of previous fetal hypoxia.
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Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. · Nov 1992
Umbilical venous pressure in nonimmune hydrops fetalis: correlation with cardiac size.
Our objectives were to examine the relationship between umbilical venous pressure and cardiac size in nonimmune hydrops fetalis and to assess the role of cardiac failure in the pathogenesis of the disease. ⋯ Measurement of umbilical venous pressure validates cardiothoracic ratio as a noninvasive assessment of cardiac function in nonimmune hydrops.
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Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. · Oct 1992
The natural interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in term and preterm parturition.
Interleukin-1 has been implicated in the mechanisms responsible for preterm labor in the setting of infection. The interleukin-1 receptor antagonist is a new member of the interleukin-1 gene family that inhibits the biologic effects of interleukin-1 by blocking its receptors. Reduction of interleukin-1-induced prostaglandin production by intrauterine tissues may have potential value in the treatment of preterm labor associated with infection. The purpose of these studies was (1) to determine interleukin-1 receptor antagonist levels in the amniotic fluid of women with term and preterm labor (with and without infection) and (2) to study the effects of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist on interleukin-1-induced prostaglandin biosynthesis by human amnion and chorion. ⋯ (1) Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist is a physiologic component of amniotic fluid; (2) the release of interleukin-1 alpha and interleukin-1 beta into the amniotic fluid in women with preterm labor is not associated with an increase in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist levels in amniotic fluid; (3) interleukin-1 receptor antagonist reduces interleukin-1-induced prostaglandin production by amnion and chorion; (4) exogenous anticytokine agents may be of value in the treatment of preterm labor.
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Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. · Sep 1992
Interactive effects of volatile anesthetics, verapamil, and ryanodine on contractility and calcium homeostasis of isolated pregnant rat myometrium.
Both volatile anesthetics and Ca2+ antagonists decrease uterine contractility. The interactive effects of anesthetics, verapamil, and ryanodine on myometrial muscular activity and on intracellular Ca2+ availability were examined. ⋯ Clinically used concentrations of volatile anesthetics modify Ca2+ availability and depress uterine contractility. General anesthesia, especially by enflurane, in patients being treated with calcium antagonists may represent a higher risk.