Phenotype of atopic dermatitis subjects with a history of eczema herpeticum.

Background: A subset of subjects with atopic dermatitis (AD) are susceptible to serious infections with herpes simplex virus, called eczema herpeticum, or vaccina virus, called eczema vaccinatum.

Objective: This National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases-funded multicenter study was performed to establish a database of clinical information and biologic samples on subjects with AD with and without a history of eczema herpeticum (ADEH(+) and ADEH(-) subjects, respectively) and healthy control subjects. Careful phenotyping of AD subsets might suggest mechanisms responsible for disseminated viral infections and help identify at-risk individuals.

Obstetricians' knowledge and practice behaviors concerning periodontal health and preterm delivery and low birth weight.

Introduction: Investigators have reported that periodontal disease may be a risk factor for pregnancy complications including preterm delivery (PTD) and low birth weight (LBW). This study assessed obstetricians' knowledge and practice behaviors concerning periodontal disease and its role in adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Methods: One hundred ninety four practicing obstetricians in a 5 county area in central North Carolina were surveyed.

Periodontal disease increases the risk of preterm delivery among preeclamptic women.

Background: Preterm births are a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, and represent an important public health issue. About 30% of preterm births are due to medical conditions of the mother or the fetus, among "which preeclampsia plays a major role. We have previously reported that maternal periodontal disease enhances the risk for preterm delivery and preeclampsia.

Maternal periodontal disease is associated with an increased risk for preeclampsia.

Objective: To determine if maternal periodontal disease is associated with the development of preeclampsia.

Methods: A cohort of 1,115 healthy pregnant women were enrolled at less than 26 weeks' gestation and followed until delivery. Maternal demographic and medical data were collected.