Anti-inflammatory interventions in pregnancy: now and the future.
A growing body of evidence implicates inflammatory pathways in adverse reproductive outcomes. This expanding evidence suggests that anti-inflammatory interventions may hold promise in reducing the maternal and neonatal morbidities and mortalities associated with these obstetrical complications. Preterm birth, preeclampsia, pregnancy loss and adverse neonatal outcomes have all been associated with the activation of inflammatory pathways during pregnancy. Because of the number of observational human studies, as well as animal models of preterm birth, the mechanisms by which inflammation may promote preterm parturition and adverse effects on the fetus are beginning to be elucidated. Although the future use of anti-inflammatory interventions in this context holds significant promise, much research is still warranted. Only when the pathogenesis of obstetrical complications is more fully understood can meaningful therapeutic interventions become a realistic goal.
Elovitz
Michal A
MA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 421 Curie Boulevard, 1353 BRB 2/3, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6142, USA. melovitz@obgyn.upenn.edu
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007249:Inflammation / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000209:etiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000628:therapy*; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000209:etiology; D011372:Progestins / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D011372:Progestins