Conference on Extending Horizons of Research in Prematurity, Berlin, Germany, September 18-19: Instrumentation for the diagnosis of term and preterm labour

R. E. Garfield, K. Chwalisz, L. Shi, G. Olson, G. R. Saade

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

60 Scopus citations

Abstract

The problems associated with labor during pregnancy are among the most important health issues facing physicians. Understanding the role of the uterus and cervix in labor and developing methods to control their function is essential to solving problems relating to labor. At the moment, only crude, inaccurate and subjective methods are used to assess changes in the uterus and cervix that occur in preparation for or during labor. In the past several years, we have developed noninvasive methods to quantitatively evaluate the uterus and cervix based respectively on recording of uterine electrical signals from the abdominal surface (uterine EMG) and measurement of light-induced cervical collagen fluorescence (LIF) with an optical device (Collascope). The methods are rapid and allow assessment of uterine contractility and cervical ripening. Studies in rats and humans indicate that uterine and cervical function can be successfully monitored during pregnancy using these approaches and that these techniques might be used in a variety of conditions associated with labor to better define management. The potential benefits of the proposed instrumentation and methods include a reducing the rate of preterm delivery, improving maternal and perinatal outcome, monitoring treatment, decreasing cesarean section rate and improving research methods to understand uterine and cervical function.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)413-436
Number of pages24
JournalJournal of perinatal medicine
Volume26
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 1998

Keywords

  • Cervix
  • Labor monitor
  • Myometrium
  • Pregnancy
  • Preterm labor
  • Uterus myometrium

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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