Tocolysis does not improve neonatal outcome in patients with preterm rupture of membranes.

To investigate the effects of magnesium sulfate therapy in premature preterm rupture of membranes (PPROM), this retrospective cohort study of deliveries after PPROM over a 3-year period was performed. Gestational age-matched patients, who received magnesium sulfate therapy after PPROM, were compared with those who did not receive tocolysis. Deliveries within 48 hours (47 versus 22%) and a week (92 versus 44%) of PPROM occurred more frequently in those who received tocolysis.

Diagnosis and management of abdominal pregnancy. A case report.

Background: Abdominal pregnancy is a rare obstetric emergency, occurring in 1 in 10,000 pregnancies.

Case: An 18-year-old woman, gravida 3, para 1, presented for evaluation of an abnormal level of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein. Transabdominal ultrasound examination revealed absence of amniotic fluid with limited imaging ability.

Randomized trial of lidocaine ointment versus placebo for the treatment of postpartum perineal pain.

Objective: To estimate the efficacy of lidocaine ointment in relieving pain after a vaginal delivery with an episiotomy or perineal laceration.

Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 200 women received lidocaine ointment (n = 108) or a placebo (n = 92). Pain relief was assessed by the amount of ointment used (weight of jar before use - weight of jar after use), total number of pain pills used, and a pain questionnaire.

Favorable outcome in a pregnancy with complete fetal heart block and severe bradycardia.

Background: Pregnancies complicated by congenital heart block usually have a poor prognosis when there is severe fetal bradycardia.

Case: We present a pregnancy with fetal heart rate of 40 beats per minute. She previously delivered a child with third-degree heart block by cesarean at 28 weeks.

Is meconium passage a risk factor for maternal infection in term pregnancies?

Objective: To study the association between meconium and maternal infection.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of 678 pregnant women. All term deliveries during a 31-month period with meconium passage were included.

Prolonged-interval delivery between the first and second twin. A case report.

Background: Prolonged-interval delivery between twins can improve neonatal outcome and, under careful monitoring, poses minimal maternal risk.

Case: A 27-year-old, nulliparous woman conceived after in vitro fertilization and was found to have diamniotic-dichorionic twins. At 17 weeks she presented with premature preterm rupture of the membranes of twin A.