Recommendations for strain elastography of the uterine cervix.

Purpose: Conventional vaginal strain ultrasound elastography, not based on shear-wave elastography imaging, can assess the biomechanical properties of the uterine cervix. This assessment may inform the risks of preterm birth and failed induction of labor. However, there is considerable variation in the approaches to strain elastography, including the placement of the region of interest (ROI).

Quantitative strain elastography of the uterine cervix assessed by the GE Voluson E10 system in combination with a force-measuring device.

Objective: During pregnancy, the stiffness of the cervical tissue decreases long before the cervical length decreases. Therefore, several approaches have been proposed in order to ensure a more objective assessment of cervical stiffness than that achieved by digital evaluation. Strain elastography has shown promising results.

A force-measuring device combined with ultrasound-based elastography for assessment of the uterine cervix.

Introduction: In this feasibility study, we hypothesize that the evaluation of cervical biomechanical strength can be improved if cervical length measurement is supplemented with quantitative elastography, which is a technique based on conventional ultrasound elastography combined with a force-measuring device. Our aims were to: (a) develop a force-measuring device; (b) introduce a cervical elastography index (CEI) and a cervical strength index (CSI; defined as cervical length × CEI); (c) evaluate how these indexes assess the cervical softening that takes place during normal pregnancy; and (d) how these indexes predict the cervical dilatation time from 4 to 10 cm.

Material And Methods: An electronic force-measuring device was mounted on the handle of the transvaginal probe, allowing for force measurement when conducting elastography.

Vitamin D and the risk of dystocia: A case-control study.

Background: Dystocia is one of the most common causes of cesarean section in nulliparous women. Studies have described the presence of vitamin D receptors in the myometrium, but it is still unclear whether vitamin D affects the contractility of the smooth muscles. We therefore aimed to determine the association between the vitamin D serum level at labor and the risk of dystocia.

Seasonal variation in the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in Denmark.

Introduction: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, are leading causes of morbidity and mortality for both mother and fetus. It has been proposed that vitamin D affects a number of biological processes involved in the pathogenesis of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Therefore, a seasonal variation in the risk of these disorders might be expected in areas such as Denmark with marked seasonal variation in sunlight exposure.

Hypomelanosis of Ito presenting with pediatric orthopedic issues: a case report.

Introduction: Hypomelanosis of Ito was originally described as a purely cutaneous disease. Extracutaneous manifestations were described later, forming a neurocutaneous syndrome including skeletal, muscular, ocular and central nervous system symptoms.Hypomelanosis of Ito is characterized by a depigmentation along the lines of Blaschko on the trunk and extremities in certain patterns.

Seasonal variation of dystocia in a large Danish cohort.

Background: Dystocia is one of the most frequent causes of cesarean delivery in nulliparous women. Despite this, its causes are largely unknown. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) has been found in the myometrium.