Influence of adolescence and obesity on the rate of stillbirth.

Background: We hypothesise that the rate of stillbirth is increased in mothers younger than 18 years of age compared to adult mothers, and that obesity further increases the risk of stillbirth in this population.

Methods: We conducted a population-based cohort study comparing rates of stillbirth between adolescent, defined as young women under the age of 18 and adult women. We then compared the rate of stillbirth in normal weight vs.

Modulation of lipopolysaccharide-induced chorioamnionitis in fetal sheep by maternal betamethasone.

Objective: We tested the hypothesis that the order of exposure to maternal betamethasone and intra-amniotic (IA) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) will differentially modulate inflammation in the chorioamnion.

Study Design: Time-mated Merino ewes with singleton fetuses received saline alone, IA LPS alone, maternal betamethasone before LPS, or betamethasone after LPS. We assessed inflammatory markers in the chorioamnion and the amniotic fluid.

Modulation of lipopolysaccharide-induced chorioamnionitis by Ureaplasma parvum in sheep.

Objective: Ureaplasma colonization in the setting of polymicrobial flora is common in women with chorioamnionitis, and is a risk factor for preterm delivery and neonatal morbidity. We hypothesized that Ureaplasma colonization of amniotic fluid would modulate chorioamnionitis induced by Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Study Design: Sheep received intraamniotic (IA) injections of media (control) or live Ureaplasma either 7 or 70 days before delivery.

The influence of hospital type on induction of labor and mode of delivery.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare labor induction and cesarean delivery rates at term in community vs university hospitals.

Study Design: A population-based retrospective cohort study of births was performed. Primary outcomes were term gestation at <39 weeks, labor induction, and cesarean delivery.

The effect of maternal obesity on the rate of failed induction of labor.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to quantify the relationship between class of obesity and rate of failed induction of labor.

Study Design: Using the Ohio Department of Health's birth certificate database from January 1, 2006, through December 31, 2007, we performed a population-based cohort study that compared failed induction of labor rates between obese and normal-weight women.

Results: The rate of induction is associated with increasing body mass index from 28% in normal-weight women to 34% in class III obese women (body mass index, ≥40 kg/m2).