Obstetrics and gynecology
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Obstetrics and gynecology · Feb 1999
C-type natriuretic peptide levels in women with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.
To measure plasma levels of C-type natriuretic peptide in women with normal pregnancies and those complicated by gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. ⋯ Our results suggest that C-type natriuretic peptide plasma levels are not significantly different in normal pregnancies and those complicated by gestational hypertension or preeclampsia. In hypertensive pregnancy disorders, C-type natriuretic peptide showed a distinct course compared with atrial natriuretic peptide and brain natriuretic peptide.
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To determine the effectiveness of antenatal steroids in the reduction of neonatal morbidity and mortality in obstetric subgroups of preterm labor with intact membranes, preterm premature rupture of membranes (PROM), and pregnancy-associated hypertension. The secondary objective was to determine the effect of antenatal steroids in appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and growth-restricted neonates. ⋯ The effectiveness of antenatal steroids varies with the obstetric population studied. Antenatal steroids significantly decreased the incidence of major neonatal morbidity and mortality in the AGA preterm neonate delivered after preterm labor with intact membranes. Antenatal steroids did not show any benefit in cases of pregnancy associated with maternal hypertension or FGR. Its effect in the presence of PROM is limited to a significant reduction in the incidence and severity of intraventricular hemorrhage and periventricular leukomalacia and in neonatal death.