title: Preterm labour.
abstract: Studies in the past year have clarified the roles of inflammatory mediators in preterm labour. Exploration of possible genetic predisposition is just beginning. Ultrasound measurement of cervical length has the potential to predict women at risk of preterm delivery several weeks before it occurs. Biochemical testing such as fetal fibronectin can possibly increase its predictive value and differentiate true preterm labour from more innocent preterm contractions. The use of antibiotics for preterm premature rupture of membranes has been clarified with the ORACLE I trial, which shows health benefits for the neonate with the use of erythromycin, whereas antibiotics do not seem to play a beneficial role in spontaneous preterm labour without evidence of clinical infection. There have been further studies suggesting that agents other than beta-agonists are preferable for acute tocolysis and that repeated doses of corticosteroids should be used with caution.
authors.affiliation: Imperial College School of Science, London, UK. v.terzidou@ic.ac.uk
authors.forename: Vasso
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Terzidou
authors.forename: Phillip R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Bennett
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D023802:Cerclage, Cervical; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004917:Erythromycin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005353:Fibronectins; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D009543:Nifedipine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D015149:Tocolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D015415:Biomarkers; C403421:FFN protein, human; D005353:Fibronectins; D006023:Glycoproteins; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D015149:Tocolytic Agents; D004917:Erythromycin; D009543:Nifedipine