Preterm Birth - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1900364921 ISBN 13: 9781900364928

Publisher: RCOG Press, 2004

Synopsis

It is depressing that obstetricians have made little contribution to improving the outcome for preterm babies and that almost all advances have been made in neonatal and paediatric care. There remain many fundamental questions that need to be answered concerning preterm birth, in both basic science and clinical management. We frequently do not know the cause of preterm labour in an individual. The mechanisms of myometrial contraction and cervical ripening and dilatation are poorly understood and there is no management that has been convincingly demonstrated to improve neonatal outcome. It is therefore timely to review what is currently known about preterm labour and delivery. This 46th RCOG Study Group was designed to bring together some of the field's leaders to inform, debate and discuss the crucial aspects. Short lectures provided an overview of the basic science, epidemiology, prevention, clinical management, investigation and implications of preterm delivery. Adequate time was provided for discussion, which was lively and informative.

Examples of issues debated include the lack of consensus on whether tocolysis should be administered in preterm labour, which drug should be used if a tocolytic is given, and even whether the condition can be prevented by administration of progesterone. This book provides a comprehensive summary of the lectures and an overview of the discussions. It will be a valuable reference text for researchers and a key manual for obstetric or midwifery clinicians. Given the diverse opinion and often apparent lack of consensus highlighted during the Study Group, coupled with the lack of clinical and scientific data, it has been impossible to develop guidelines for many of the clinical aspects of preterm labour. Moreover, a number of guidelines have been recently produced by national organisations. In contrast to previous Study Groups, therefore, we do not provide clinical recommendations. This Study Group did highlight a critical need to invest in quality basic science and clinical trials relating to prematurity. It would be short-sighted to remove funding from basic science that provides the basis of future trials. Advances must be based on sound scientific principles.

Given that this area of medicine causes so much mortality and morbidity, we must support further research if we are to advance clinical management and help these infants.

Edition details

• Publisher: RCOG Press
• Publication date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1900364921
• ISBN 13: 9781900364928
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 386
• Editor: Critchley Hilary, Bennett Phillip, Thornton Steven