Effect of gestational age and position on peak expiratory flow rate: a longitudinal study.

Objective: We sought to study the effects of gestational age and maternal position on peak expiratory flow rates.

Methods: Peak expiratory flow rates were measured in the standing, sitting, and supine positions in 38 healthy pregnant women at 4-week intervals starting at less than 10 weeks until delivery and again at 6 weeks postpartum. The highest reading of 3 consecutive peak expiratory flow rate measurements for each encounter and position was used in the analysis.

Localization of the Fas-Fas ligand system in human fetal membranes.

Objective: To determine if fetal membranes might be one of the sources of Fas and Fas ligand in amniotic fluid.

Study Design: Human fetal membranes from elective cesarean section (n = 6) were fixed in paraformaldehyde. Rolls of paraffinembedded fetal membranes were cut into 5-micron sections.

Amniotic fluid matrix metalloproteinase-9 and interleukin-6 in predicting intra-amniotic infection.

Objective: To assess the potential role of amniotic fluid (AF) matrix metalloproteinase-9 and interleukin-6 in predicting intra-amniotic infection.

Methods: Eighty-four women with singleton gestations with preterm contraction, preterm labor, preterm premature rupture of membranes, or clinical suspicion of intra-amniotic infection were studied. Amniotic fluid was obtained by transabdominal amniocentesis before starting any treatment.