Researchers Discover Clues to the Mystery of Preterm Delivery

Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have found that excessive formation of calcium crystal deposits in the amniotic fluid may be a reason why some pregnant women suffer preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM) leading to preterm delivery.

Common Causes of Preterm Delivery

Researchers already know that certain types of infection, maternal stress and placental bleeding can trigger some preterm deliveries, but the cause of many other preterm deliveries remains a mystery. In some cases, women may experience early contractions, cervical dilation and a torn amniotic sac. These are the causes researchers would like to find an answer for.

What the Researchers Have Discovered

A team of researchers in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences at Yale, including first author Lydia Shook and her mentor Irina Buhimschi, M.D., investigated the idea that calcification which causes excessive buildup of calcium of the fetal membranes may lead to PPROM and preterm birth. "We noticed that in many women, analysis of the proteins in their amniotic fluid did not show signs of inflammation, and we could not find any cause for their preterm birth," said Shook, a Yale medical student. "We took a fresh look for what was causing breakdown of the membranes, which can lead to lost elasticity, integrity and eventually rupture."

Conclusion

“The goal of this research is to identify women at risk of developing this condition early in their pregnancy and to intervene with targeted therapy." To help prevent as many preterm deliveries as possible.

Source: http://www.indiatalkies.com/2011/02/scientists-find-clues-mystery-preter...