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Query: UMLS:C0728731 (prematurity)
 7,134 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

This paper describes criteria used to assess maturity of the newborn foal and their clinical application to field cases of prematurity and dysmaturity. Premature and mature foals may be clearly distinguished by their behavioural and physical characteristics. Measurement of haematological parameters (mean cell volume, total white cell and differential counts), pancreatic beta cell activity (plasma glucose and insulin levels), adrenocortical-medullary function (plasma cortisol, adrenocorticotrophic hormone and catecholamines) and the renin-angiotensin system (plasma renin substrate concentrations) were found useful in evaluating the status of the newborn foal. Confirmation of the initial diagnosis can be made by response to various challenge tests eg, glucose tolerance test, short acting synthetic adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH1-24) and frusemide. In the present investigation a small number of individuals appeared to be intermediate in maturity to the other two groups, indicating that a third state of maturity may be identified. The clinical implications of this work suggest that cortisol replacement therapy and administration of long acting synthetic ACTH1-24 may be of benefit.
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PMID:Studies on equine prematurity 6: Guidelines for assessment of foal maturity. 609 Jan 20

Twenty-two neonates with acute osteomyelitis (AO) or septic arthritis (SA) were included in a study based on a review of medical reports and a long-term clinical and radiological follow up. Clinical symptoms, bacteriology, risk factors, and outcome are discussed. The diagnoses were difficult, the clinical symptoms vague, fever rare and white cell count normal. Detection by plain radiological films was more efficient than by radionuclide bone scan. Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant causative organism and a shift towards group B Streptococcus in recent years was not identified. Risk factors for AO and SA were prematurity (13/22), respiratory distress syndrome (15/22) and perhaps most important: umbilical artery catheterisation (15/22). Severe sequelae were found in only 1 patient, while 3 patients had slight asymptomatic changes. The relatively favourable long-term outcome is unexplained, but may be related to early and appropriate, long lasting antibiotic treatment.
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PMID:Acute osteomyelitis and septic arthritis in the neonate, risk factors and outcome. 835 17

Despite advances in perinatal medicine in the past decade, the diagnosis and treatment of premature rupture of membranes remain controversial. Premature rupture occurs in 2.7-7.0% of pregnancies and most cases occur spontaneously without apparent cause. The disparity in reported rates of premature rupture is due to differences in the definition and diagnostic criteria for premature rupture and lack of comparability in the populations studied. Mexico's National Institute of Perinatology has adopted the definition of the American COllege of Gynecology and Obstetrics which views premature rupture as that occurring before regular uterine contractions that produce cervical dilation. 8.8% of its patients have premature rupture according to this definition. 20% of cases occur before the 36th week of pregnancy. Treatment of rupture occurring before 37 weeks must balance the threat of amniotic infection with the dangers of premature birth. Infections appear more common in low income patient populations. Chorioamnionitis is a serious complication of pregnancy and is the main argument against conservative treatment of premature rupture. The rate of maternal infection is directly related to the time elapsing between rupture of the membranes and birth. The rate increases after the 1st 24 hours and is at least 10 times higher after 72 hours. But recent studies suggest that there is no considerable increase in infection if vaginal explorations are avoided and careful techniques are used in treating the patient. Those who advise conservative treatment believe that prenatal outcomes are better because respiratory disease syndrome due to prematurity is avoided. Conservative management requires a white cell count at least every 24 hours and measurement of pulse, maternal temperature, and fetal heart rate ideally every 4 hours. Perinatal mortality rates due to premature rupture of membranes range from 2.5-50%. The principal causes are respiratory disease syndrome, infection, asphyxia, and congenital malformations. Neonatal sepsis occurs in about 5% of live births following premature rupture, but the rate triples after 24 hours, especially in premature infants. The rate of neonatal asphyxia also increases considerable after 24 hours. Congenital malformations, prolapse of the cord, and pelvic presentation are positively associated with premature rupture of membranes. If the decision is made to interrupt the pregnancy, it should be done between 12-24 hours after rupture because the risks of infection and respiratory difficulty are most balanced at that point. Vaginal deliveries should be preferred only if conditions are favorable for a prompt delivery. The gestational age, presence of infection, obstetric condition of the mother, and indication for hysterectomy are the most important points to consider i management of premature rupture.
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PMID:[Premature rupture of membranes and chorioamnionitis]. 1234 87