title: Predicting prematurity: the mammary stimulation test.
abstract: The MST appears to have theoretical rationale, predictive utility, simplicity, safety, and low cost that suggests that its routine use in prematurity prevention may ultimately save significant health care dollars. Presently, the MST should be used as an adjunct to prenatal care until further and more definitive investigation has been conducted; however, it seems promising that the MST will provide some reassurance in patients with negative tests and signify patients that are at significant risk for premature delivery (positive MST). It is hoped that further investigation will validate the MST's use in prematurity prevention in order to help decrease the incidence of preterm delivery.
authors.affiliation: Desert Hospital, Palm Springs, California.
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Eden
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Sokol
mesh_terms: D015148:Cardiotocography / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D002985:Clinical Protocols / Q000592:standards; D017046:Cost Savings; D003663:Decision Trees; D016002:Discriminant Analysis; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D009558:Nipples; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D010812:Physical Stimulation; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014590:Uterine Contraction