In brief The syndrome of preterm labor comprises multiple established and novel etiologies.
This review summarizes the distinct immune mechanisms implicated in preterm labor and …

Background The efficacy of vaginal progesterone for preventing preterm birth and adverse
perinatal outcomes in singleton gestations with a short cervix has been questioned after …

Acute inflammatory lesions of the placenta consist of diffuse infiltration of neutrophils at
different sites in the organ. These lesions include acute chorioamnionitis, funisitis, and …

Several healthy developmental processes such as pregnancy, fetal development, and infant
development include a multitude of physiological changes: weight gain, hormonal, and …

Chorioamnionitis or intrauterine inflammation is a frequent cause of preterm birth.
Chorioamnionitis can affect almost every organ of the develo** fetus. Multiple microbes …

Background The human placenta has been traditionally viewed as sterile, and microbial
invasion of this organ has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Yet, recent …

Labor is a complex physiological process requiring a well-orchestrated dialogue between
the mother and fetus. However, the cellular contributions and communications that facilitate …

Background Microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity resulting in intra-amniotic infection is
associated with obstetrical complications such as preterm labor with intact or ruptured …

Objective To determine the frequency and type of histopathologic lesions in placentas
delivered by women with a normal pregnancy outcome. Methods This retrospective cohort …

Background Intra-amniotic infection is present in 10% of patients with an episode of preterm
labor, and is a risk factor for impending preterm delivery and neonatal morbidity/mortality …