BJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
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To 'map' the current (2004) state of prenatal screening in Europe. ⋯ There are large differences in screening policies between countries in Europe. These, as well as organisational and cultural factors, are associated with wide country variation in prenatal detection rates for Down's syndrome and NTD.
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To estimate the influence of delayed umbilical cord clamping at birth on arterial and venous umbilical cord blood gases, bicarbonate (HCO3-), base excess (BE) and lactate in vigorous newborns. ⋯ Persistent cord pulsations and delayed cord clamping at birth result in significantly different measured values of cord blood acid-base parameters.
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Multicenter Study
Substandard care in maternal mortality due to hypertensive disease in pregnancy in the Netherlands.
To review the standard of care in cases of maternal mortality due to hypertensive diseases in pregnancy and to make recommendations for its improvement. ⋯ Education of pregnant women concerning danger signs of hypertensive disease should be improved. Training of midwives and obstetricians should be improved in the following areas: performing basic diagnostic tests, adequate management of hypertension and eclampsia, with more attention to treatment of systolic blood pressure. This training should be guided by clear local protocols. Delivery should not be delayed in serious cases of hypertensive disease in pregnancy, not only after 32-34 weeks but also in early-onset pre-eclampsia as maternal risks often outweigh possible fetal benefits of temporising management.