Premature birth is a serious medical and social problem, which is considered the main cause of neonatal death worldwide. This is associated with higher rates of nervous system diseases, sensorineural disorders, and complications from the respiratory and digestive systems.
Epidemiological evidence also suggests that preterm infants have an increased risk of developing many chronic degenerative diseases in adulthood, as well as coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes.
Find out on estet-portal.com about modern therapeutic approaches to prevent preterm birth.
The concept of preterm birth in obstetrics
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), preterm birth is defined as any birth before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. A decrease in gestational age is associated with an increase in the incidence of complications in premature babies.
Follow us on Instagram!
Gestational age cut-off value, used to distinguish between preterm birth and spontaneous abortion, varies by geographic area. Research and preventive measures taken in this area over the years have reduced the incidence of preterm birth, which indicates the importance of identifying the risk factors associated with this condition.
Urinary tract infections during pregnancy: evidence-based medicine
Clinical study to identify factors in preterm birth
In the obstetrics and gynecology department of the G. Martino » (Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital) in Messina, Italy, Italian scientists conducted a single center observational retrospective cohort study. Clinical records were collected on all pregnant women who were delivered within 6 years.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of preterm birth and risk factors, including cumulative maternal risk factors and cervical length, and to study women with a history of preterm birth. The research results were published in the Italian Journal of Pediatrics.
Study looked at lower cutoffs for preterm birth at 21 weeks and 5 days as suggested by the Florence Card; in 2008 In the US, for example, 20 weeks is used as the lower limit for gestational age, while 28 weeks is often used in other regions, especially in low- and middle-income countries. In this study, scientists defined preterm births that occurred before 36 weeks + 6 days of gestation according to WHO.
What is the danger of migraine during pregnancy
During the study period, 8179 pregnant women were admitted to the hospital. A total of 7954 cases were included in this study and 225 were excluded because they did not meet the required criteria. Preterm births accounted for 639 (7.8%) cases.
Results of the Study on Preterm Birth Factors
In a cohort of participants with a history of early preterm birth, unmarried women, women who were underweight or obese were found to have a high rate of preterm birth.
In addition, preterm birth has been associated with uterine anomalies, vaginal and urinary tract infections, polyhydramnios and oligohydramnios, diabetes mellitus, and maternal hypertension.
Mean cervical length from 16 to 24 weeks of gestation was 31 mm in pregnant women who had future preterm labor and 38 mm − in the control group.
The sensitivity of measuring the length of the cervix using a limit value of 25 mm, according to the recommendations of the Italian Society for Ultrasound Diagnostics in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Biophysical Methodology, (Società Italiana di Ecografia Ostetrica e Ginecologica e Metodologie Biofisiche − SIEOG) was 78%, which indicates the adequacy of this screening test for women at risk of preterm birth.
Preservation of reproductive function in gynecological pathology
Cervical length is positively correlated with gestational age. A review of preterm birth categories based on gestational age showed a stronger correlation between gestational age and cervical length in moderately and extremely preterm cohorts, with no correlation found in late preterm participants.
In participants with preterm labor, cervical length correlated with older age.
Methods for preventing preterm birth
Based on the results of the examination, the scientists propose a rapid identification of all risk factors associated with preterm birth for immediate and appropriate intervention. Transvaginal ultrasound cervical length measurement in the second trimester of pregnancy as a screening tool can help identify women at high risk who can receive progesterone treatment to prevent preterm birth and associated neonatal disease and mortality.
Vulvovaginal candidiasis: is fluconazole compatible with pregnancy
Share:
Add a comment