Maternal obesity alters fetal neuroinflammation in a murine model of preterm birth.

Background: Preterm birth from intrauterine infection is a leading cause of neonatal neurologic morbidity. Likewise, maternal obesity is associated with intra-amniotic infection and inflammation. Whether maternal obesity is a risk factor for fetal brain injury that occurs with premature birth remains unknown.

Estrogen receptor 1 appears essential for fetal viability in a murine model of premature birth.

Problem: Protective effects for adult neurological disorders have been attributed to sex hormones. Using a murine model of prematurity, we evaluated the role of estrogen signaling in the process of perinatal brain injury following exposure to intrauterine inflammation.

Method Of Study: Intrauterine lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to invoke preterm labor and fetal neuroinflammation.

ZIKV can infect human term placentas in the absence of maternal factors.

Zika virus infection can result in devastating pregnancy outcomes when it crosses the placental barrier. For human pregnancies, the mechanisms of vertical transmission remain enigmatic. Utilizing a human placenta-cotyledon perfusion model, we examined Zika virus exposure in the absence of maternal factors.

A Case Study of Puerperal Group A Streptococcal Infection Complicated by Toxic Shock Syndrome.

Puerperal infection with group A streptococcus (GAS), , is associated significant morbidity and mortality. When associated with toxic shock syndrome (TSS), mortality rates rise to approximately 50%. We present the case of a 32-year-old Para 2 reporting severe left distal lower extremity pain, fevers, and chills at 1 week following an uncomplicated vaginal delivery.

Perinatal Pyogenic Liver Abscess: A Rare Entity and First Reported Case of .

 Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is a rare clinical entity, occurring in ∼2.3 per 100,000 patients. Perinatal PLA syndromes are exceedingly rare with just seven previously described cases in the literature and no prior Klebsiella-associated reports.

Evaluation of Sildenafil and Tadalafil for Reversing Constriction of Fetal Arteries in a Human Placenta Perfusion Model.

Fetal growth restriction resulting from reduced placental blood perfusion is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Aside from intense surveillance and early delivery, there is no treatment for fetal growth restriction. A potential treatment associated with placental vasoconstriction is the class of PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) inhibitors such as sildenafil, which is known to cross the placenta.