Basic Mechanisms Controlling Term and Preterm Birth: Workshop on the Basic Mechanisms Controlling Term and Preterm Labour: v. 7 (Ernst Schering Foundation Symposium Proceedings) - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 3540571914 ISBN 13: 9783540571919

Publisher: Springer-Verlag Berlin and Heidelberg GmbH & Co. K, 1993

Synopsis

The mechanisms that initiate labour (i. e. , the conversion of the quies- cent uterus to an active and reactive organ at term) are poorly under- stood. Of considerable importance are the factors that control preterm labour and preterm birth, with their devastating effects on society. This problem is the leading obstetrical issue. Preterm labour affects ap- proximately 10% of all pregnant women (even higher numbers are re- Abb. I. The participants of the workshop VI Preface ported for less developed countries or where prenatal healthcare is a low priority) and it is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality of babies. Current practices to arrest preterm labour, once initiated, are in- effective. In addition, procedures to stimulate labour and dilate the cer- vix at term may not be used effectively. On October 19th - 21 st, 1992, a Schering Foundation Workshop took place in Berlin to discuss the "Basic Mechanisms Controlling Term and Preterm Labour". Leading scientists from Europe and North America were assembled to consider the fundamental systems which regulate the uterus and cervix during pregnancy. The topics in the sym- posium ranged from key cellular events governing uterine contractility and cervical dilatation during labour to clinical advances and applica- tions. This book contains the proceedings of the workshop. We were pleased to have been part of the workshop and to have been responsible for its organization.

About this title

Synopsis

This comprehensive summary of the physiology of the pregnant uterus discusses four main themes: myometrial physiology and electrophysiology; hormonal control of labour (including the cervix); prostaglandins, infection and immune control of pregnancy; and clinical management of preterm labour treatment and labour induction. It also reviews and discusses the mechanism of action of antiprogestins in the late pregnant uterus and its therapeutic potential in obstetrics. In addition, some basic questions are indicated where further research is needed in both university institutions and the pharmaceutical industry towards understanding the onset of normal and preterm labour.

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer-Verlag Berlin and Heidelberg GmbH & Co. K
• Publication date: 1993
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 3540571914
• ISBN 13: 9783540571919
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 329
• Editor: Chwalisz Kristof, Garfield Robert E.