Pathological interactions with the timing of birth and uterine activation.
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.
Smith
Roger
R
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
Van Helden
Dirk
D
Hirst
Jon
J
Zakar
Tamas
T
Read
Mark
M
Chan
Eng-Cheng
EC
Palliser
Hannah
H
Grammatopoulos
Dimitris
D
Nicholson
Richard
R
Parkington
Helena C
HC
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*
D015149:Tocolytic Agents; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone