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The irritable uterus: a risk factor for preterm birth?
W E Roberts1, K G Perry, R W Naef
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson 39216-4505.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Women with uterine irritability have a lower incidence of preterm labor but are more likely to deliver extremely early. This suggests a need for more aggressive perinatal assessment in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Perinatology
Background:
- Uterine irritability is a condition that can lead to preterm labor.
- Identifying risk factors and outcomes associated with uterine irritability is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and preterm delivery rate in patients with uterine irritability.
- To analyze the indications for delivery in this patient group.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective, descriptive study.
- Comparison of 2637 women with uterine irritability against 17,186 patients with other high-risk factors for preterm labor.
Main Results:
- Incidence of preterm labor in uterine irritability was 18.7%, lower than in other high-risk groups (OR 0.35).
- Women with uterine irritability experiencing preterm labor were more likely to deliver before 34 weeks' gestation (OR 2.50).
- These patients were also more likely to deliver due to advanced preterm labor or membrane rupture (OR 2.20).
Conclusions:
- Preterm labor is less frequent in uterine irritability compared to other high-risk factors but higher than the general obstetric population (18.7% vs 11.0%).
- Uterine irritability may indicate resistance to standard tocolytic therapy.
- Aggressive perinatal assessment is recommended for patients with uterine irritability.