Sex-specific associations of insulin-like peptides in cord blood with size at birth.

Objective: Insulin-like peptides (insulin, IGF-1, IGF-2) are essential regulators of foetal growth. We assessed the role of these peptides for birth size in a sex-specific manner.

Design: Cross-sectional cohort analysis.

[Amniotic fluid insulin levels versus mean maternal blood glucose levels in gestational diabetes mellitus: an analysis of the neonatal outcome].

Purpose: To compare the obstetric and neonatal outcome in pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus after amniocentesis for amniotic fluid insulin measurement or maternal blood glucose monitoring or both as selection criterion for therapy.

Material And Methods: In a retrospective study, 408 diabetic pregnancies were analyzed; 307 were treated with diet alone (group 1) and 101 with diet and insulin (group 2). Pearson's chi2 or Fisher's exact test was used to assess obstetric and anthropometric data within these groups, and p values <0.

Maternal urine for prenatal diagnosis--an analysis of cell-free fetal DNA in maternal urine and plasma in the third trimester.

Objectives: The aim of the study was the detection, quantification and correlation of cell-free fetal (cff) DNA in maternal urine and plasma in normal and complicated pregnancies during the third trimester.

Methods: One hundred and fifty-one urine and plasma samples obtained from 96 women carrying male fetuses, and 55 carrying female fetuses were collected and analyzed for cff-DNA using fluorescent PCR and quantitative real-time PCR. DNA was extracted from 1 mL maternal urine and analyzed with two different primer sets (SRY and DYS-14).

In vivo characterization of the mechanics of human uterine cervices.

The uterine cervix has to provide mechanical resistance to ensure a normal development of the fetus. This is guaranteed by the composition of its extracellular matrix, which functions as a fiber-reinforced composite. At term a complex remodeling process allows the cervical canal to open for birth.

A prospective analysis of cell-free fetal DNA concentration in maternal plasma as an indicator for adverse pregnancy outcome.

Objectives: To evaluate whether cell-free fetal (cff) DNA in maternal plasma during the second trimester is a marker for developing pregnancy-associated complications. Two PCR techniques for the detection and quantitation of fetal DNA were compared.

Methods: Plasma samples were prospectively collected from 84 pregnant women carrying male fetuses before amniocentesis (14-29 weeks).