Atrial natriuretic peptide production and natriuretic peptide receptors in the human uterus and their effect on myometrial relaxation.

Objective: The objective of the study was to identify the effect of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) on uterine contractility, production of ANP, and natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR) expression in human myometrial tissue.

Study Design: In an institutional review board-approved study, gravid human myometrium was obtained from patients undergoing cesarean section. Uterine contractility was examined using isometric force tension studies.

The association of hypotonia and depression in the term and near-term neonate with metabolic acidemia.

Aims: To determine the association of hypotonia and depression in neonates at or near term with metabolic acidemia at birth (umbilical arterial pH<7.0 and base excess <-12 mM).

Methods: This case-control study identified 87 infants without chromosomal or congenital abnormalities born at a single university hospital between 7/91 and 10/04 with hypotonia at birth requiring resuscitation and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit that had a cord gas at delivery.

Thyroid disease in pregnancy.

Twenty-seven million Americans are affected with thyroid disease, yet over half of this population remains undiagnosed. Thyroid disease often manifests itself during the reproductive period of a woman's life and is the second most common endocrinopathy that affects women of childbearing age. The physiologic changes of pregnancy can mimic thyroid disease or cause a true remission or exacerbation of underlying disease.