Misoprostol administered sublingually at a dose of 12.5 μg versus vaginally at a dose of 25 μg for the induction of full-term labor: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Labor induction is defined as any procedure that stimulates uterine contractions before labor begins spontaneously. The vaginal and oral routes of administration of misoprostol are those most used for the induction of labor in routine practice, with the recommended dose being 25 μg. Nevertheless, the sublingual route may reduce the number of vaginal examinations required, increasing patient comfort and lowering the risk of maternal and fetal infection.

Interstitial and angular pregnancies: Case reports and differential diagnosis.

Interstitial and angular pregnancies are rare and have high rates of morbidity and mortality. These terms continue to create confusion and are frequently misused. The standardization of terminology and differentiation of cases is necessary to distinguish between different outcomes.

Factors associated with maternal mortality among patients meeting criteria of severe maternal morbidity and near miss.

Objective: To evaluate factors associated with maternal death among women experiencing life-threatening conditions during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy.

Methods: A secondary analysis of data prospectively collected in a Brazilian multicenter cross-sectional study between July 2009 and June 2010 was conducted. Women were identified who delivered at a hospital in Ceará and who had potentially life-threatening conditions.

Associated ultrasonographic findings in fetuses with microcephaly because of suspected Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy.

Objective: To describe fetal ultrasonographic findings and outcomes in a series of cases of fetal microcephaly associated with Zika virus infection.

Methods: Retrospective case series of microcephaly with definite (laboratory evidence) or highly probable (specific neuroimaging findings and negative laboratory results) maternal Zika virus infection. Microcephaly was graded as mild if the head circumference was between 2 and 3 standard deviation (SD) below the mean, and severe if 3 or more SD below the mean.

Titrated oral misoprostol solution versus vaginal misoprostol for labor induction.

Objective: To determine the efficacy and safety of a titrated oral misoprostol solution compared with vaginal misoprostol tablets for labor induction.

Methods: A randomized, triple-blind, multicenter clinical trial was conducted between March 2010 and June 2011. Women with a single gestation (n=200) were randomized to receive a titrated oral misoprostol solution (initial misoprostol dose 20 μg/hour; dose increased by 20 μg/hour every 6 hours up to 80 μg/hour for a maximum of 48 doses) or vaginal misoprostol tablets (25 μg of misoprostol every 6 hours for a maximum of 8 doses).

Term angular pregnancy: successful expectant management.

Interstitial pregnancy sometimes is mistakenly referred to as cornual pregnancy and is frequently confused with angular pregnancy. A strict distinction among these three conditions is clinically important because their findings, management and outcomes are different. We report an unusual case of pregnancy where interstitial pregnancy was diagnosed at 6 weeks of pregnancy, located close to the right cornual portion of the uterus.