PURPOSE: To analyze and compare the clinical factors and neurodevelopmental outcomes compare early- and late-onset periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) in very low birth weight infants (VLBWI). METHODS: We performed a retrospective study involving 199 newborn infants weighing < 1,500 g admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit between March 2009 and December 2015. VLBWI with PVL were categorized into early- and late-onset PVL groups based on the time of diagnosis based on 28 days of age. We analyzed the clinical factors and neurodevelopmental outcomes between the groups. RESULTS: The incidence rate of PVL was 10.1% (16/158). The Apgar score at 1 minute and the mean duration of tocolytic therapy were associated with the development of PVL. The incidence rate of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) was significantly higher in the early-onset PVL group (P=0.041). No significant differences were observed in neurodevelopmental outcomes between the early- and late-onset PVL groups. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that a higher incidence of PROM was associated with clinical characteristics in the early-onset PVL group. No significant intergroup differences were observed in neurodevelopmental outcomes; however, the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-III scores were lower in the early-onset PVL group.
Apgar Score ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Fetal Membranes, Premature Rupture ; Humans ; Incidence ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Very Low Birth Weight ; Intensive Care, Neonatal ; Leukomalacia, Periventricular ; Membranes ; Pregnancy ; Retrospective Studies ; Rupture ; Tocolysis ; Weights and Measures

OBJECTIVE: In terms of efficacy, several previous studies have shown that the success rate in inhibiting preterm labor was not different between magnesium sulfate and ritodrine. However, there is a paucity of information regarding the efficacy of both medications after consideration of intra-amniotic infection, which is one of the most important prognostic factors in patients of threatened preterm birth. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of magnesium sulfate with that of ritodrine in preterm labor. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we included patients who were admitted and treated with either ritodrine or magnesium sulfate with the diagnosis of preterm labor at 24–33.6 weeks of gestational age between January 2005 to April 2015. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the first-used tocolytics (ritodrine group and magnesium sulfate group). We compared the efficacy and prevalence of side effect in each group. The efficacy of both tocolytics was evaluated in terms of preterm delivery within 48 hours, 7 days, or 37 weeks of gestation and need for 2nd line therapy. RESULTS: A total number of 201 patients were enrolled including 177 cases in ritodrine group and 24 cases in magnesium sulfate group. The efficacy of both tocolytics (preterm delivery within 48 hours, 7 days, or 37 weeks of gestation and need for 2nd line therapy) was not different between the 2 groups of cases. In multivariate analysis, gestational age at treatment, twin gestation, intra-amniotic infection and maternal C-reactive protein (CRP) was associated with treatment failure (preterm delivery within 48 hours), but the type of tocolytics was not significantly associated with treatment failure. The type of side effect was different in the 2 groups, but the frequency of total adverse effect, need for discontinuation of therapy because of maternal adverse effect, and severe adverse effect were not different between the two groups of cases. CONCLUSION: The efficacy and safety of magnesium sulfate was similar to ritodrine, and can be a substitute tocolytics. Additionally, failure of tocolytic therapy was determined by gestational age at treatment, twin gestation, intra-amniotic infection, and maternal CRP, not by the type of tocolytics.
C-Reactive Protein ; Cohort Studies ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Magnesium Sulfate ; Magnesium ; Multivariate Analysis ; Obstetric Labor, Premature ; Pregnancy ; Premature Birth ; Prevalence ; Retrospective Studies ; Ritodrine ; Tocolysis ; Tocolytic Agents ; Treatment Failure ; Twins

BACKGROUND: The consequences of preterm birth not only for the baby but also for the mother has been well documented over the years. Numerous interventions have been tried and tested and yet it is still a significant problem to date. Progesterone has been documented to be an effective prophylactic drug against preterm labor for those considered at high risk for developing the condition. However, little is known its effectiveness when given in oral form as a maintenance tocolysis for those who already suffered from an acute episode or preterm labor.
OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the effectiveness of oral progesterone in the prevention of preterm birth after being diagnosed of preterm labor
DESIGN: Meta-analysis
SUBJECTS: The study population consisted of women with singleton gestation who were diagnosed with preterm labor, defined as having contractions associated with corresponding cervical dilatation, which were treated with oral progesterone as a maintenance tocolytic until delivery.
DATA COLLECTION: Journals were searched in different journal databases. Reviewers independently assessed the eligibility of the articles included in this study. Methodologic quality was reviewed using the Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions. Version 5.1.0 (updated March 2011). Data extracted were analysed using the Review Manager 5.3 Software (Revman 2014) and the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software (CMA3 2016).
RESULTS: No statistical difference was noted in terms of latency prolongation, gestational age at birth, occurrence of preterm birth, and on neonatal outcomes such as APGAR Score < 7 at birth, neonatal death between those who received progesterone and those who did not. However, babies in the progesterone group had a mean birthweight higher than their placebo counterparts.
CONCLUSION: The use of oral progesterone as a maintenance tocolysis after arrested preterm labor showed no statistically significant benefit except for higher birthweight in babies upon delivery.

Human ; Female ; Tocolysis ; Tocolytic Agents ; Gestational Age ; Premature Birth ; Progesterone ; Perinatal Death ; Obstetric Labor, Premature ; Birth Weight ; Delivery, Obstetric

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine clinical practice patterns in the management of pregnant women admitted with threatened preterm labor (TPL) in Korea. METHODS: Data from women admitted with a diagnosis of TPL were collected from 22 hospitals. TPL was defined as regular uterine contractions with or without other symptoms such as pelvic pressure, backache, increased vaginal discharge, menstrual-like cramps, bleeding/show and cervical changes. Data on general patient information, clinical characteristics at admission, use of tocolytics, antibiotics, and corticosteroids, and pregnancy outcomes were collected using an online data collections system. RESULTS: A total of 947 women with TPL were enrolled. First-line tocolysis was administered to 822 (86.8%) patients. As a first-line tocolysis, beta-agonists were used most frequently (510/822, 62.0%), followed by magnesium sulfate (183/822, 22.3%), calcium channel blockers (91/822, 11.1%), and atosiban (38/822, 4.6%). Of the 822 women with first-line tocolysis, second-line tocolysis were required in 364 (44.3%). Of 364 with second-line, 199 had third-line tocolysis (37.4%). Antibiotics were administered to 29.9% of patients (284/947) with single (215, 22.7%), dual (26, 2.7%), and triple combinations (43, 4.5%). Corticosteroids were administered to 420 (44.4%) patients. Betamethasone was administered to 298 patients (71.0%), and dexamethasone was administered to 122 patients (29.0%). CONCLUSION: Practice patterns in the management of TPL in Korea were quite various. It is needed to develop standardized practice guidelines for TPL management.
Adrenal Cortex Hormones ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Back Pain ; Betamethasone ; Calcium Channel Blockers ; Dexamethasone ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Korea ; Magnesium Sulfate ; Muscle Cramp ; Obstetric Labor, Premature* ; Physician's Practice Patterns ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Outcome ; Pregnant Women ; Premature Birth ; Retrospective Studies* ; Tocolysis ; Tocolytic Agents ; Uterine Contraction ; Vaginal Discharge

Preterm birth (PTB) remains a major cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity, despite improvements in tocolytic treatment and neonatal care. Progesterone (17a-hydroxyprogesterone) produced naturally or synthetically can prevent PTB when applied vaginally and orally. Progesterone use may be a safe and cost-effective option in cases of singleton pregnancy with prior PTB, asymptomatically short cervix and arrested preterm labor.
Cervix Uteri ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant Mortality ; Obstetric Labor, Premature ; Pregnancy ; Premature Birth ; Progesterone ; Tocolysis

The incidence of multifetal pregnancies has significantly increased because of progress of assisted reproductive technologies. Preterm delivery is the most common and significant obstetrical problem in multifetal pregnancies. When the first twin of mutifetal pregnancy is prematurely delivered at previable gestational age, the success of delayed interval delivery of the second twin can improve the neonatal outcome for the remaining fetus. The optimal management of delayed interval delivery is not defined. Tocolysis, prophylactic antibiotics, and cervical cerclage are generally used. I present a case of delayed interval delivery in twin pregnancy with an interval of 89 days. The first twin was delivered at 21.3 weeks of gestation and delayed delivery of the second twin was succeeded by conservative treatment without cervical cerclage. This case is the longest interval case in Korea.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Cerclage, Cervical ; Fetus ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy, Twin ; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted ; Tocolysis

Premature labor remains one of the most intractable risk factors that contribute to perinatal morbidity and mortality. Tocolytics, antibiotics and corticosteroid have been used as the typical management for preterm labor. Various treatment of women with signs and symptoms of preterm labor has failed to decrease in the incidence of preterm births in the world. The management of preterm labor remains very controversial problems today. There are no clear "first-line" tocolytic drugs and antibiotics to prolong gestation period and improve perinatal outcome. But in Royal College of Obstetricians and gynecologists (RCOG) recommend that atosiban and nifedipine appear to be preferable as they have fewer side effects and seem to comparable effectiveness. So far there is insufficient evidence for any firm conclusions about whether or not maintenance tocolytic therapy following preterm labor is valuable. In conclusion, clinical circumstances and physician preferences should dictate treatment. Individual approach or combined treatment for preterm labor may be helpful in determining which treatment is suitable to each patient.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Mortality ; Nifedipine ; Obstetric Labor, Premature* ; Pregnancy ; Premature Birth ; Risk Factors ; Tocolysis ; Tocolytic Agents

OBJECTIVE: To study the neonatal outcomes of pregnancies complicated with preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM) and to assess the prognostic factors for poor neonatal outcomes. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of pregnancies registered and managed in Korea from Jan 1st, 2000 to Dec 31st, 2005. The 217 women with preterm premature rupture of membranes in singleton pregnancies from 16 to 36 gestational weeks were enrolled in this study. We investigated respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and neonatal infection for poor neonatal outcomes. Prognostic variables included for analysis were age, BMI, parity, history of PPROM, history of preterm labor, preterm labor, amniotic fluid index, tocolysis, antibiotics, antenatal steroid, hemoglobin, WBC, CRP, gestational age at PPROM, interval from PPROM to delivery, gestational age at delivery, placental findings, and etc. We compared the characteristics of those who developed neonatal morbidity (n=144) with those who did not (n=65) using the Student t test for continuous variables, and the Pearson's chi-square or the Fisher exact test for categorical variables. RESULTS: Total of 217 cases of PPROM were registered and treated expectantly during the study period. The majority of cases were delivered within 48 hours of PPROM. There were 64 cases diagnosed with RDS, 21 with IVH, 3 with NEC, 117 with neonatal infection and 8 neonatal mortalities. The gestational age at PPROM (p<0.000), interval from PPROM to delivery (p<0.036), gestational age at delivery (p<0.000), decreased amniotic fluid index (p<0.048), and high level of WBC, CRP (p<0.010, p<0.049) were significantly correlated with poor neonatal outcomes. Birth weight (p<0.000) and APGAR (p<0.000) score at 5 minute were significantly lower in cases resulting in neonatal morbidity. CONCLUSION: Neonatal outcomes of pregnancies with preterm premature rupture of membranes are related to gestational age at PPROM, interval from PPROM to delivery, and gestational age at delivery. The decreased amniotic fluid index, and high level of WBC, CRP presented before delivery are significantly correlated with poor neonatal outcomes. Birth weight and APGAR scores at 5 minute are significantly lower in cases resulting in neonatal morbidity.
Amniotic Fluid ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Birth Weight ; Enterocolitis, Necrotizing ; Female ; Gestational Age ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant Mortality ; Korea ; Membranes* ; Obstetric Labor, Premature ; Parity ; Pregnancy* ; Retrospective Studies ; Rupture* ; Tocolysis

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of abdominal breathing on relieving anxiety in women diagnosed with preterm labor. METHOD: This was a pilot study, which was based on a repeated pre-post experiment design without a control group. Seven patients with preterm labor who were admitted to Y university medical center, Seoul, Korea, participated in the experiment. They were under receiving ritodrine hydrochloride(Yutopa) as tocolytic therapy and did not have any other complications. The patients were taught abdominal breathing, which is a modified version of Mason's breathing technique. The experimental treatments were done 33 times from February 18 to June 19 in 2005. RESULT: After abdominal breathing, the average psychological anxiety level decreased significantly. The physical anxiety levels of preterm labor patients were measured by blood pressure, pulse, and skin temperature. After abdominal breathing, the average systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased from 117.3mmHg to 107.6 mmHg (z=-3.85, p<.001) and from 67.3mmHg to 62.7 mmHg (z=-3.14, p<.005), respectively. The average pulse rate also decreased from 97.2/min to 89.8/mim (z=-4.76, p<.001). The average skin temperature increased from 94.0 to 94.9(z=-4.80. p<.001). CONCLUSION: Abdominal breathing is effective for relieving anxiety of women diagnosed with preterm labor. This study, however, has been limited to short-term effects, and therefore further studies are required in order to examine the long-term effects of abdominal breathing.
Academic Medical Centers ; Anxiety* ; Blood Pressure ; Female ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Korea ; Obstetric Labor, Premature* ; Pilot Projects ; Pregnancy ; Respiration* ; Ritodrine ; Seoul ; Skin Temperature ; Tocolysis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the perinatal outcomes and maternal complications associated with triplet pregnancies. METHODS: Medical records of consecutive triplet pregnancies delivered in ( )( )Hospital from 1997 to 2005 were reviewed for maternal and neonatal outcomes. Pregnancies associated with lethal congenital anomalies or the case that being delivered before 20 weeks of gestation were excluded. Neonatal outcomes included respiratory distress syndrome, retinopathy of prematurity, necrotizing enterocolitis, intraventricular hemorrhage and low Apgar scores, congenital anomaly and so on. Maternal outcomes included preeclampsia, preterm delivery, anemia and blood transfusion and so on. RESULTS: The mean gestational age at delivery was 31.5+/-4.1 weeks, and the mean birth weight for triplets was 1,654.4+/-578.1 g. 31 of total 39 neonates (79.5%) were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit, and 9 neonates (23.1%) received mechanical ventilator care as well. Neonatal death occurred in 6 of 39 neonates (15.4%). Congenital anomaly was seen in 3 of 39 neonates (7.7%). Hyperbilirubinemia developed in 16 of 39 neonates (44.4%). Respiratory distress syndrome developed in 3 of 39 neonates (7.7%). The most common maternal complication was preterm labor (76.9%), followed by anemia (46.1%), preterm premature rupture of membrane (30.8%) and blood transfusion (7.7%). Five patients (5/13, 38.5%) received tocolytic therapy. CONCLUSION: The main cause of neonatal death in triplet pregnancies is the respiratory distress syndrome in extreme preterm delivery. The most common neonatal morbidities are hyperbilirubinemia and apnea of prematurity. There is no difference in neonatal outcomes according to birth order. The most common maternal complications are preterm delivery and anemia. The adverse outcomes of triplet pregnancies are mainly due to preterm delivery.
Anemia ; Apnea ; Birth Order ; Birth Weight ; Blood Transfusion ; Enterocolitis, Necrotizing ; Female ; Gestational Age ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Hyperbilirubinemia ; Infant, Newborn ; Intensive Care, Neonatal ; Medical Records ; Membranes ; Obstetric Labor, Premature ; Pre-Eclampsia ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy, Triplet* ; Retinopathy of Prematurity ; Rupture ; Tocolysis ; Triplets* ; Ventilators, Mechanical