Adrenomedullin requires an intact nitric oxide system to function as an endogenous vasodilator in rat gestation.

Objective: We hypothesize that administration of adrenomedullin (AM), an endogenous vasodilator, will ameliorate the hypertension and growth restriction associated with chronic nitric oxide inhibition induced by L-omega nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) infusion in pregnant rats.

Methods: Osmotic minipumps were inserted on day 14 of gestation to deliver continuously either AM, L-NAME, AM+L-NAME, or vehicle control. Systolic blood pressure was recorded daily in pregnant rats.

Placental and fetal growth and development in late rat gestation is dependent on adrenomedullin.

Adrenomedullin is a potent, endogenous vasodilator peptide synthesized and secreted by diverse locations such as adrenal glands, lungs, kidneys, vascular smooth muscle, and endothelium. Homozygous deletion of the adrenomedullin gene is embryonic lethal. We hypothesized that adrenomedullin has an important role in placental and fetal growth and development in rat pregnancy.

Perinatal and maternal outcome following abruptio placentae.

Objective: To characterize the maternal and fetal presentation of abruptio placentae and associated maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality by mode of delivery and fetal status on admission.

Study Design: Perinatal data (gestational age > 24 weeks) from women with abruptio placentae at a tertiary referral center were analyzed. For the purpose of evaluating fetal morbidity and mortality, group 1 included women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (preeclampsia or chronic hypertension), PROM, cocaine abuse, and > 20% abruptio placentae without regard to fetal status on admission (reassuring, nonreassuring, or stillborn).

Growth and fertility rates in the offspring of pregnant rats treated with L-omega nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a nitric oxide inhibitor.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine neonatal growth, fertility, and blood pressure for offspring of pregnant rats following in utero exposure to L-omega nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME).

Study Design: Osmotic mini-pumps were inserted on day 14 of gestation during the index pregnancy to deliver L-NAME (50 mg/day/rat) or a placebo control continuously. Pup weights were obtained longitudinally until postnatal day 76.

Postpartum stroke: a twenty-year experience.

Objective: The aim of this study was to characterize the clinical presentation, etiology, and acute and subsequent outcomes of postpartum stroke.

Study Design: This 20-year, single-center, retrospective review included 20 women without previous neurologic deficit with clinical and neuroimaging diagnoses of postpartum stroke.

Results: Eight of 20 women (40%) were delivered abdominally.