Occlusive lung arterial lesions in endothelial-targeted, fas-induced apoptosis transgenic mice.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a lethal disease that is characterized by functional and structural abnormalities involving distal pulmonary arterioles that result in increased pulmonary vascular resistance and ultimately right heart failure. In experimental models of pulmonary hypertension, endothelial cell (EC) apoptosis is a necessary trigger for the development of obliterative lung arteriopathy, inducing the emergence of hyperproliferative and apoptosis-resistant vascular cells. However, it has not been established whether EC apoptosis is sufficient for the induction of complex lung arteriolar lesions.

Maternal serum interleukin-6 levels predict impending funisitis in preterm premature rupture of membranes after completion of antibiotics.

Objective: To determine if maternal serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels remain predictive of funisitis after completion of antibiotic administration in preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).

Methods: A secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study. Daily blood samples obtained from PPROM subjects were analyzed for IL-6 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

The influence of prior obstetrical history on current 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate use.

Objective: To determine if gestational age of prior preterm delivery influences a woman's receipt of 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHP-C).

Methods: Retrospective cohort of women eligible for 17-OHP-C at Duke Obstetrics Clinic were identified by medical record review. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were abstracted.

Preterm premature rupture of membrane management--inpatient versus outpatient: a retrospective review.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) managed as inpatients who would have been candidates for outpatient management by prior published criteria. A retrospective review of medical records of PPROM subjects enrolled in a prospective cohort study was performed. Similar criteria to those established in a randomized trial for home management of PPROM by Carlan et al were applied.

Maternal serum cytokines in preterm premature rupture of membranes.

Objective: To estimate whether maternal serum interleukin (IL)-6 or granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) obtained daily are elevated in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes who develop funisitis.

Methods: Daily blood samples were obtained from women with preterm premature rupture of membranes and analyzed for IL-6 and G-CSF by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Funisitis was determined by placental examination.

Association of maternal IL-1 receptor antagonist intron 2 gene polymorphism and preterm birth.

Objective: This study was undertaken to determine whether the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RN) variable number tandem repeat polymorphism is associated with preterm birth.

Study Design: A case-control study was performed. Cases (n = 95) delivered before 37 weeks after preterm labor (PTL) or preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and controls (n = 105) delivered after 37 weeks.