American journal of obstetrics and gynecology
-
Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. · Sep 2000
Comparative StudyA comparison of hemodynamic data derived by pulmonary artery flotation catheter and the esophageal Doppler monitor in preeclampsia.
This study was undertaken to compare hemodynamic data derived with the esophageal Doppler monitor against those obtained with a pulmonary artery flotation catheter in women with complicated preeclampsia. ⋯ In women with preeclampsia the esophageal Doppler monitor consistently underestimated cardiac output by approximately 40%. It is not known whether the apparent increase in accuracy among the women >40 years old arose by chance or reflected a real improvement in performance. The esophageal Doppler monitor accurately reflected the direction and magnitude of the changes in cardiac output with time.
-
Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. · Sep 2000
The Preterm Prediction Study: prediction of preterm premature rupture of membranes through clinical findings and ancillary testing. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network.
Our objective was to determine the relative importance of demographic characteristics, clinical risk factors, and ancillary screening tests in the prediction of preterm birth as a result of premature rupture of membranes. ⋯ The combination of short cervical length, previous preterm birth caused by preterm premature rupture of membranes, and positive fetal fibronectin screening results was highly associated with preterm delivery caused by preterm premature rupture of membranes in the current gestation.
-
Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. · Aug 2000
ReviewAbortion with mifepristone and misoprostol: regimens, efficacy, acceptability and future directions.
Mifepristone at a dose of 600 mg followed by 400 microg misoprostol orally has been used for early abortion by hundreds of thousands of women with success rates at 49 days' gestation. ⋯ Although most research protocols have used ultrasonography to confirm gestational age, the method can be provided safely without routine reliance on ultrasonography. Acceptability of the method to care providers and to patients has been high in all studies. The introduction of medical abortion into general medical practice in the United States will teach us much about the practical aspects of service provision.
-
Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. · Aug 2000
Risk factors for adverse maternal outcomes among women with HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count) syndrome.
This study was undertake to determine risk factors for adverse maternal outcomes among women with HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count) syndrome. ⋯ Among women with HELLP syndrome, African American race is a risk factor for eclampsia. Both acute renal failure and abruptio placentae are associated with disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. Laboratory parameters of HELLP syndrome are not independent risk factors for adverse maternal outcome.
-
As early medical abortion becomes more widespread in the United States, those who wish to provide it need to understand how existing abortion restrictions apply to this procedure. Although these laws were written with a primary regard for surgical procedures, most will be broadly applicable to the provision of medical abortion as well. ⋯ We discuss the applicability of such requirements to medical abortions and describe how providers of medical abortion can comply. Finally, we address potential legislative and regulatory changes that could help to make medical abortion more widely accessible to women in the United States.