Work

Innovative Methods of Cervical Assessment and Potential for Novel Treatment

Year: 2014

Type: article

Abstract: A multitude of pathophysiologic pathways culminate in the final common denominator of cervical softening, shortening, and dilation that lead to preterm birth. At present, a variety of emerging technology aims to objectively quantify critical cervical parameters such as microstructural organization and softening of the cervix. If the nature and timing of cervical changes can be precisely identified, it should be possible to identify the causative upstream molecular processes and resultant biomechanical events associated with each unique pathway. This would promote molecular studies, ultimately leading to novel approaches to preterm birth prediction, novel treatments, and prevention.

Source: Clinical Obstetrics & Gynecology

DOI: 10.1097/grf.0000000000000049

Authors: HELEN FELTOVICH, MICHAEL HOUSE

Institutions: Intermountain Healthcare, Tufts Medical Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison

Language: English

Topic: Preterm Birth and Chorioamnionitis

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development