title: Pathological interactions with the timing of birth and uterine activation.
abstract: The physiological processes that regulate the onset of parturition and birth are slowly being elucidated, and the points at which pathology can intervene are becoming more apparent. The data support the view that multiple pathways lead to myometrial activation. The clinical corollary is that combinations of tocolytics that operate via different mechanisms may be more effective than single agents. It may also be necessary to divide preterm labour into groups based on underlying mechanisms and to tailor therapy accordingly.
authors.affiliation: Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, John Hunter Hospital, and School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Roger.Smith@newcastle.edu.au
authors.forename: Roger
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Dirk
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Van Helden
authors.forename: Jon
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hirst
authors.forename: Tamas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Zakar
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Read
authors.forename: Eng-Cheng
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Hannah
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Palliser
authors.forename: Dimitris
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Grammatopoulos
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Nicholson
authors.forename: Helena C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Parkington
mesh_terms: D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000502:physiology; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000502:physiology; D009215:Myometrium / Q000502:physiology; D036801:Parturition / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015149:Tocolytic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014590:Uterine Contraction / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D015149:Tocolytic Agents; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone