Podcast
Questions and Answers
In which of the following scenarios is arresting preterm labor generally contraindicated?
In which of the following scenarios is arresting preterm labor generally contraindicated?
A patient presents in preterm labor at 28 weeks gestation. After initial assessment, which intervention is the MOST appropriate FIRST step, according to best practices?
A patient presents in preterm labor at 28 weeks gestation. After initial assessment, which intervention is the MOST appropriate FIRST step, according to best practices?
Which of the following tocolytic agents acts through a mechanism MOST directly related to reducing intracellular calcium concentrations in uterine smooth muscle cells?
Which of the following tocolytic agents acts through a mechanism MOST directly related to reducing intracellular calcium concentrations in uterine smooth muscle cells?
During the management of preterm labor, what is the PRIMARY goal concerning the prevention of birth asphyxia and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in the neonate?
During the management of preterm labor, what is the PRIMARY goal concerning the prevention of birth asphyxia and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in the neonate?
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A patient at 26 weeks gestation presents with possible preterm labor. Transvaginal sonography reveals a cervical length of 25 mm. According to the provided information, what is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
A patient at 26 weeks gestation presents with possible preterm labor. Transvaginal sonography reveals a cervical length of 25 mm. According to the provided information, what is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
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What are the key factors that influence the management of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PROM)?
What are the key factors that influence the management of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PROM)?
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Surveillance for infection is crucial in PROM management when the duration exceeds a certain timeframe. Which of the following durations warrants heightened infection monitoring?
Surveillance for infection is crucial in PROM management when the duration exceeds a certain timeframe. Which of the following durations warrants heightened infection monitoring?
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Which of the following is a significant long-term risk for infants born preterm?
Which of the following is a significant long-term risk for infants born preterm?
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A patient is experiencing regular uterine contractions at 32 weeks gestation with documented cervical changes. According to the definitions, what is the most accurate description of her condition?
A patient is experiencing regular uterine contractions at 32 weeks gestation with documented cervical changes. According to the definitions, what is the most accurate description of her condition?
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A baby is born at 35 weeks gestation. How would this be classified?
A baby is born at 35 weeks gestation. How would this be classified?
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During a physical examination of a patient presenting with suspected preterm labor, what cervical finding would suggest a significant risk of imminent preterm delivery?
During a physical examination of a patient presenting with suspected preterm labor, what cervical finding would suggest a significant risk of imminent preterm delivery?
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A sterile speculum exam is performed on a patient presenting with possible premature rupture of membranes (PROM). Besides checking for ROM, what other crucial information can be obtained during this exam?
A sterile speculum exam is performed on a patient presenting with possible premature rupture of membranes (PROM). Besides checking for ROM, what other crucial information can be obtained during this exam?
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What does the presence of fetal fibronectin in vaginal discharge indicate?
What does the presence of fetal fibronectin in vaginal discharge indicate?
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Flashcards
Preterm labor management
Preterm labor management
Strategies to prevent and arrest premature birth, including bed rest and tocolytics.
Tocolytic agents
Tocolytic agents
Medications used to delay labor allowing time for corticosteroid administration.
Cervical length significance
Cervical length significance
Measurement indicating risk of preterm birth; ≤ 30 mm is low risk, 20-30 mm requires further assessment.
Risk factors for complications
Risk factors for complications
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Neonatal care principles
Neonatal care principles
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Preterm Birth (PTB)
Preterm Birth (PTB)
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Complications of Preterm Birth
Complications of Preterm Birth
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Categories of Preterm Birth
Categories of Preterm Birth
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Fetal Fibronectin
Fetal Fibronectin
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Cervical Inspection
Cervical Inspection
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Duration of PROM
Duration of PROM
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Cervical Length Measurement
Cervical Length Measurement
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Investigations for Preterm Risk
Investigations for Preterm Risk
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Study Notes
PROM (Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes)
- PROM is the rupture of membranes before the onset of labor, after 28 weeks of gestation.
- Preterm PROM is rupture of membranes before 37 weeks of gestation.
- Term PROM is rupture of membranes after 37 weeks of gestation.
- Prolonged PROM is the rupture of membranes for more than 12 hours.
- The exact cause of PROM is unknown, but many conditions are linked, including maternal infection (e.g., urinary tract infection, sexually transmitted diseases), intrauterine infection, cervical incompetency, and hydramnios.
Possible Causes of PROM
- Maternal infections (e.g., urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases)
- Intrauterine infection
- Cervical incompetency
- Hydramnios (excessive amniotic fluid)
- Decreased tensile strength of membranes
Effects of PROM
- PROM is a significant cause of preterm labor, prolapsed cord, placental abruption, and intrauterine infection.
- Chorioamnionitis (infection of the amniotic membranes and chorion) is a consequence of PROM and can precede endomyometritis or puerperal sepsis.
Clinical Findings of PROM
- Symptoms: The key to diagnosis is the patient's report of a sudden gush or continuous leakage of fluid. Additional useful symptoms are the fluid's color, consistency, presence of vernix or meconium, decreased uterine size, and increased fetal prominence on palpation.
- Sterile Speculum Examination: This is crucial for differentiating PROM from vaginitis or urinary incontinence. Key confirmatory findings are:
- Pooling of amniotic fluid in the posterior fornix.
- A positive Nitrazine test (amniotic fluid turns Nitrazine paper blue, indicating alkaline pH).
- A fern-like pattern of crystallization on a slide after air-drying vaginal fluid (amniotic fluid specific).
- Further Examination (if no free fluid): If no free fluid is found, a dry pad is placed under the patient to observe for leakage, and ultrasound can be done.
Natural History of PROM
- The duration of the latent period (time between PROM and labor) is inversely related to the gestational age at the time of rupture.
- Less than 26 weeks gestation: 30-40% of women have a latent period of at least a week, and 20% of the women retain fluid beyond 4 weeks.
- Term pregnancies (after 37 weeks): 80% progress into labor within 24 hours of rupture.
Management of PROM
- General Management: Confirm the diagnosis, evaluate maternal and fetal well-being, check for signs of labor, determine gestational age, assess cervical status via sterile speculum examination.
- Infections: Check for signs of intra-amniotic infection (chorioamnionitis), including maternal fever, tachycardia, fetal tachycardia (FHR over 160 bpm), tenderness of the uterus, offensive cervical discharge, and leukocytosis (elevated white blood cell count).
- Management Decisions: Management depends on the mother's condition (presence or absence of chorioamnionitis), fetal condition, and gestational age.
- Infection present: Immediately start treatment with broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics and ideally induce labor and delivery, promptly. Cesarean section is considered only if abnormal labor occurs. Continue antibiotics post-partum for at least 24hrs until the fever subsides.
- Preterm PROM (before 37 weeks): Expectant management is prioritized (excluding cases with infection) due to the risks of premature delivery. Goal is to delay labor.
- Term PROM (after 37 weeks): Wait 8 hours for spontaneous labor to begin. If spontaneous labor does not begin, induce labor. Use antibiotics if the rupture has lasted for more than 12 hours.
Prediction of Preterm Labor
- Fetal fibronectin, transvaginal sonography to assess cervical length, and/or triage based on cervical length criteria can be used to predict preterm labor.
Complications of Preterm Delivery
- Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)
- Birth injury
- Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH)
- Metabolic complications (e.g., hypocalcemia, hypoglycemia, hypomagnesemia, hypothermia)
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)
- Hyperbilirubinemia
- Infection
- Malnutrition
Long-Term Outcomes of Preterm Birth
- Cerebral palsy
- Neurosensory impairment
- Reduced cognition and motor performance
- Academic difficulties
- Attention deficit disorders
- Chronic lung disease
- Vision and hearing impairment
Risk Factors for Preterm Birth
- Spontaneous: maternal conditions, prior pregnancy history, current pregnancy risks, host factors.
- Iatrogenic: medical interventions.
- Prior Preterm Delivery: increases the risk by 15-30%
- Non-white race/ethnicity: Increased Risk
- Age extremes (<18 or >35 years): increased risk
- Low socioeconomic status: Increased Risk
- Low pre-pregnancy weight: Increased Risk
- Vaginal bleeding: Increased risk
- Smoking: Increased Risk
- Physically stressful job (over 40 hrs a week): Increased risk
- Uterine anomalies: Increased risk
- Second trimester abortion: Increased risk
- Preterm rupture of membranes: Increased risk
- Multiple first trimester abortions: Increased risk
- Cervical conization: Increased risk
- Fibroids: Increased risk
- Polyhydramnios (excessive amniotic fluid): Increased risk
- DES exposure: Increased risk
- Anemia: Increased risk
- Narcotic and cocaine use: Increased risk
- Periodontal disease: Increased risk
- Maternal Factors: Low socioeconomic status, non-white race, young or older maternal age, low pregravid weight, smoking, previous preterm delivery.
- Infection: Chorioamnionitis, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), bacterial vaginosis (BV).
- Uterine Factors: Multiple gestation, polyhydramnios, uterine anomalies
Etiology of Preterm Birth
- The cause is unknown in 50% of cases
- Multifactorial origin associated with risk factors.
- Maternal complications in current pregnancy (APH, PROM, preeclampsia etc), fetal issues, uterine abnormalities, infections, and iatrogenic causes.
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Description
PROM involves membrane rupture before labor after 28 weeks. Preterm PROM occurs before 37 weeks, while term PROM is after. Prolonged PROM lasts over 12 hours. Causes include maternal infections, cervical issues and hydramnios.