Fragestellung: Die Symptome einer drohenden und die tatsächlich eingetretene Frühgeburt stehen am Ende eines pathophysiologischen Prozesses, der bislang ungenügend verstanden wird. So verwundert es nicht, wenn bisherige Präventions- und Therapiestrategien unzureichende Erfolge in der Prävention der Frühgeburtlichkeit gebracht haben. Ähnliches ist für die intrauterine Wachstumsretardierung festzustellen, die wohl das Ergebnis eines sehr früh in der Schwangerschaft beginnenden Prozesses darstellt. Es gibt eine Reihe von Studien, die die Bedeutung psychosozialer Bedingungen für den Verlauf von Schwangerschaft und Geburt belegen. Entscheidende Defizite bisheriger Untersuchungen liegen zum einen in der Vernachlässigung wichtiger psychosozialer Einflussfaktoren (insbesondere Ängste, Kindheitserfahrungen, soziale Netze und Partnerschaft) zum anderen beschränkt das retrospektive Design die Aussagekraft. Material und Methode: In der vorliegenden prospektiven Studie wurde 589 Frauen in der 16. - 22. SSW mittels eines im Projekt entwickelten Fragebogens untersucht. Von 508 Einlingsschwangeren konnten später Daten zum Schwangerschafts- und Geburtsverlauf aus den medizinischen Unterlagen entnommen werden. Zur Datenreduktion wurden Faktorenanalysen mit der Hauptkomponentenmethode und anschließender Varimax-Rotation gerechnet und die ermittelten Faktoren einer Reliabilitätsprüfung unterzogen. Als statistisches Auswertungsverfahren wurde die logistische Regression eingesetzt. Ergebnisse: Die vorliegende Untersuchung erbrachte erste interessante Hinweise auf gleichgerichtete aber auch unterschiedliche Ressourcen- und Risikokonstellationen bei verschiedenen, im Kontext der Frühgeburtlichkeit bedeutsamen Komplikationen. Schwangere, die wegen drohender Frühgeburt behandelt werden, scheinen stärker sozial belastet zu sein als diejenigen, die später tatsächlich vor der vollendeten 37. SSW gebären. Ein fehlendes weibliches Netzwerk und fehlendes emotionales Verständnis des Partners sind mit beiden Komplikationen korreliert, wobei die Paarbeziehung für die tatsächliche eintretende Frühgeburt eine besondere Bedeutung hat. Eine anamnestische Belastung durch gynäkologische Störungen war ebenfalls sowohl für die drohenden wie auch die tatsächlich eingetretene Frühgeburt prädiktiv. Ausgeprägte schwangerschaftsbezogene Ängste und eine geringe allgemeine Ängstlichkeit sind weitere signifikante Prädiktoren im Modell der Frühgeburt vor der vollendeten 37. SSW. Schwangere, deren Kinder intrauterin eine Mangelentwicklung erfahren, haben in der vorliegenden Studie eine unreflektierte Ambivalenz gegenüber Schwangerschaft und Mutterrolle. Sie betonen auf bewusster Ebene die Erwünschtheit ihrer Schwangerschaft, während unbewusste negative Emotionen auf potentielle somatische Probleme projiziert werden. Ein niedriger prägravider BMI wird sowohl durch andere Untersucher wie auch durch die eigenen Ergebnisse als Risikofaktor bestätigt. Neben den bekannten somatischen Einflüssen ist auch an einen Zusammenhang im Kontext der unbewussten Ablehnung weiblicher Körperlichkeit, wie sie z.B. von Anorexiepatientinnen bekannt ist, zu denken. Schlussfolgerungen: Paarbeziehung, weibliche Netzwerke, psychosomatische Reagibilität in Hinblick auf Erkrankungen der reproduktiven Organe und Ängste verdienen zur Prävention der Frühgeburt stärkere Aufmerksamkeit. Angebote psychosozialer Unterstützung sollten frühzeitig in der Gravidität und zielgruppenspezifisch gemacht werden und die Schwangeren in ihrem Kompetenz- und Autonomieempfinden stützen. / Research question: The symptoms of preterm labour and preterm delivery stand at the end of a pathophysiological process which is understood up to now insufficiently. So it does not amaze if previous preventive and therapeutic strategies have brought inadequate successes in the prevention of preterm delivery. Similar one is to be arrested for the intrauterine fetal growth retardation which represents presumably the result of a process beginning very early in the pregnancy. Some studies give evidence for psychosocial conditions for the process of pregnancy and birth. On the one hand fundamental deficits of previous investigations are in the disregard of important psychosocial performance-influencing factors (in particular fears, biographic factors, social network and partnership), on the other hand the retrospective design limits the informative value. Material and means: In the present prospective study 589 women between 16th and 22nd week of pregnancy were examined using a questionnaire that was designed for the study. This resulted in 508 women pregnant with a single child, whose pregnancy and delivery were examined based on their medical records. Factor analysis and main component analysis with subsequent varimax rotation resulted in factors that were subject to a proof of reliability. Statistical analysis was based on logistic regression. Results: The present investigation produced first interesting indications of rectified but also different resource and risk constellations in the context of the preterm delivery. Pregnant women with preterm labour seeming to be burdened more strongly socially than those that later in fact have a preterm delivery. A missing feminine net and missing emotional understanding of the partner are correlated with both complications. The partnership has a special importance for the preterm delivery. An anamnestic load through gynaecological troubles was predictive also both for the threatening labour ones as also the preterm delivery. Marked pregnancy related fears and a small general anxiety are further significant predictors in the model of the preterm delivery. Pregnant women with intrauterine fetal retardation have in the present study an unconscious ambivalence opposite pregnancy and motherhood. On conscious tier they stress the desire of their pregnancy while unconscious negative emotions are being projected onto potential somatic problems. Compatible with other investigations a low pre-pregnancy weight was a risk factor. Next to the known somatic influences also a connection is to be thought of in the context of the unconscious refusal of feminine body as for example is known from anorectic patients. Conclusions: Partner relationship, female networks, psychosomatic reactivity in terms of diseases/disorders of the reproductive organs, and anxieties appear to be worthwhile targets in the prevention of preterm delivery. Psychosocial support should be given oriented to different target groups from early in the pregnancy.

The molecular mechanisms by which pregnancy malaria affects the outcome of fetal development are unknown. Megalin, which has been well studied in kidney, has high expression in the placenta from early stages to term, and is proposed to be an important factor in extensive maternofetal exchange during development of the fetus. Pregnancy malaria (PM) is characterized by inflammation in placenta and is associated with low birthweight (LBW), stillborn birth, and other pathologies. It is hypothesized that PM disturbs megalin function/expression/distribution in the brush boarder of syncytiotrophoblast which, in turn, may contribute significantly to pathology of LBW. Our studies show that the presence of infected erythrocytes in placenta at the time of delivery negatively affects protein abundance for megalin and Dab2. This is the first report associating the abundance of placental megalin system proteins with the birth weight of newborn babies, and associating PM with changes in megalin system protein abundance. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2015. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Leung, Siu Lun. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2013. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 153-190). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts also in Chinese.

Orientador: Cristina Maria Garcia de Lima Parada / Banca: Vera Lúcia P. Tonete / Banca: Maria José Clapis / Acompanha 1 CD-Rom / Resumo: A morte materna é um evento trágico que acomete a mulher durante o processo fisiológico da reprodução. Constitui um indicador da iniquidade existente entre gêneros e está inversamente associada ao grau de desenvolvimento humano. Os objetivos deste estudo foram compreender a experiência relativa à morbidade materna grave, a partir de um grupo de mulheres que vivenciou esse problema, bem como caracterizá-las considerando aspectos sociodemográficos e dados relativos ao pré-natal, admissão, pré-parto, parto e puerpério. Foram sujeitos da investigação 16 mulheres (uma gestante e 15 puérperas), atendidas em serviço terciário. Adotaram os preceitos metodológicos da pesquisa qualitativa, para tanto, elegeram-se as Representações Sociais como Referencial Teórico e como referencial metodológico utilizou-se a construção do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo (DSC). A coleta de dados deu-se a partir de entrevista semiestruturada e as questões norteadoras relacionaram-se ao desejo e programação da gestação em curso e sobre a experiência e vivência da gestação de alto risco. Os resultados foram sistematizados em quatro temas e suas respectivas ideias centrais: Tema 1. Descrevendo o desejo e a programação para ter um filho (ICs: Não planejei, mas está sendo uma bênção; Já passei por gravidez de alto risco, por isso não planejei; Minha gravidez foi planejada); Tema 2. Percebendo seu problema de saúde, sua influência na gestação e para o concepto (ICs: Senti que estava correndo risco de vida, mas agora estou bem; Encontrei força na minha igreja; Foi horrível, senti que estava matando a minha filha; Me sinto culpada por tudo o que aconteceu); Tema 3. Superando o choque inicial no pós-parto (ICs: Fiquei Resumo Ana Paula Pinho Carvalheira sem saber notícias sobre o meu filho após o nascimento; Foi sofrido ver meu filho na UTI, a gente sonha em pegar no colo... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Maternal death is a tragic event that affects women during the physiological process of reproduction. It constitutes an indicator of the iniquity existing between genders, and it is inversely associated to the level of human development. The objectives of the present study were to understand the experience related to severe maternal morbidity based on a group of women who experienced such problem as well as to characterize such women by taking into account sociodemographic aspects and data related to prenatal follow-up, hospital admission, prepartum period, parturition and puerperium. The subjects of investigation were 16 women (one pregnant woman and 15 puerperae) attended to by a tertiary service. The methodological precepts of qualitative research were adopted, and for that end, Social Representations were elected as a theoretical framework, and the construction of the Collective Subject Discourse (CSD) was used as a methodological framework. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews, and the guiding questions were related to the desire for and planning of the pregnancy in course and to the experience of a high-risk pregnancy. The results were systematized into four themes and their respective core ideas: Theme 1. Describing the desire and plan to have a child (CIs: I didn't plan it, but it's been a blessing; I've had high-risk pregnancies, for this reason I wasn't planning it: My pregnancy was planned); Theme 2. Perceiving one's health problem, its influence on pregnancy and on the conceptus (CIs: I felt that I was at risk of death, but I'm fine; I found strength in my church; It was horrible, I felt like I was killing my daughter; I feel guilty for everything that happened); Theme 3. Summary Ana Paula Pinho Carvalheira Overcoming the initial shock in the post-partum period (CIs: I didn't hear about my child after the birth; It was a lot of suffering... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Normal birth, defined as birth without induction of labour, anaesthetic, instruments or caesarean section conveys significant maternal and neonatal benefits. Currently one-fifth of women in the United Kingdom are obese. There is increasing evidence of the detrimental effects obesity has on intrapartum outcomes. There is a lack of research on how to minimise the associated risks of obesity through non-medicalised interventions and how to support obese women to maximise their opportunity for normal birth. This thesis aims to provide evidence to address this gap and develop an evidence-based intervention to promote normal birth. Using a methodological approach aligned with pragmatism, this research was conducted in four parts and underpinned by the Medical Research Council framework for the development of complex interventions. Part one was a national survey involving 24 maternity units. Part two was a qualitative study of the experiences of 24 health professionals and part three involved 8 obese women. The final part was a multi-disciplinary workshop that used consensus decision-making to design the intervention. Collectively, the findings suggest that intrapartum care of obese women is medicalised. Health professionals face challenges when caring for obese women but many strive to optimise the potential for normal birth by challenging practice and utilising ‘interventions’ to promote normality. The findings also demonstrate that obese women have an intrinsic fear of pregnancy and birth, have a desire for normal birth and ‘obese pregnancy’ presents a window of opportunity for change. The intervention consists of three component parts; an educational aspect (e-learning package), a clinical aspect (intrapartum care pathway) and a leadership aspect (ward champions). Whilst acknowledging the importance of safety, increasing intervention during labour for obese women may further increase the risk of complications, with detrimental effects. Addressing intrapartum management of obese women through non-medicalised interventions is of paramount importance in order to promote normality, maximise the opportunity for normal birth and reduce the associated morbidities.

Orientador: José Guilherme Cecatti / Tese ( doutorado ) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas / Made available in DSpace on 2018-11-09T15:32:48Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Pacagnella_RodolfodeCarvalho_D.pdf: 10638117 bytes, checksum: 8f100a09c4f1f7363e14fe20dcfe772e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011 / Resumo: Introdução: Embora a maioria das causas das mortes maternas seja evitável, não podem ser previstas, mesmo nos melhores contextos, mesmo onde haja pré-natal adequado, educação adequada e bom suporte nutricional. Contudo, embora as complicações no parto e puerpério não sejam previsíveis e nem preveníveis, os indicadores de mortalidade materna são extremamente sensíveis à instituição de cuidados obstétricos adequados e o tempo na obtenção de cuidados adequados é o fator mais importante relacionado às mortes maternas. A partir dessa observação um modelo "three delays" que avalia as demoras na assistência obstétrica tem sido amplamente utilizado como referencial teórico para a pesquisa sobre mortalidade materna. Seu uso tem sido intensificado a partir da utilização do conceito de near-miss materno, uma alternativa à mortalidade materna. Objetivos: Avaliar a associação entre demoras na obtenção de cuidados obstétricos adequados e diferentes desfechos maternos segundo o modelo "three delays". Método: foi realizada ampla revisão bibliográfica e elaboração de um ensaio abordando o marco conceitual sobre o tema e um estudo de corte transversal multicêntrico para vigilância prospectiva e coleta de dados para a identificação dos casos com morbidade materna grave (MMG) e condições potencialmente ameaçadoras da vida (CPAV) segundo critérios previamente definidos pela OMS. Dados sobre as demora foram colhidos dos prontuários médicos e por informações com a equipe assistente. Resultados: Os dados da literatura permitiram inferir que o uso da análise de demoras na assistência obstétrica com o modelo "three delays" pode ser extremamente útil na avaliação dos determinantes da mortalidade materna, especialmente se associada à investigação do near-miss materno. Os dados obtidos no estudo transversal permitiram a comparação entre diferentes desfechos maternos e com isso observou-se uma associação crescente entre a identificação de alguma demora no atendimento obstétrico e desfechos maternos adversos extremos (near-miss materno e óbito). Observou-se 54% de demoras em geral, 52% de demoras nas mulheres apenas com condições potencialmente ameaçadoras da vida, 68,4% no grupo de near-miss materno e 84,1% no grupo de com óbito materno. Conclusão: O modelo "Three delays" é um importante referencial teórico para o estudo dos casos de near-miss materno. A freqüência de demoras na assistência obstétrica está diretamente relacionada ao pior desfecho materno / Abstract: Introduction: Although the majority of causes of maternal deaths are preventable they cannot be predicted, even in the best settings, where there is adequate antenatal care, education and good nutritional support. However, maternal mortality indicators are extremely sensitive to the adequate obstetric care and time in getting appropriate care is the most important factor related to maternal deaths. Considering this, the "three delays model", which evaluates the delays in obstetric care, has been widely used as a theoretical framework for research on maternal mortality. Its use has been intensified since the use of the concept of maternal near-miss, a proxy of maternal mortality. Objectives: To evaluate the association between delays in obtaining adequate obstetric care and different maternal outcomes according to the "three delays model". Methods: We performed an extensive literature review and preparation of an essay addressing the conceptual framework on the issue and a multicenter cross-sectional study for prospective surveillance and data collection of cases with maternal near-miss (MNM) and potentially life threatening conditions (PLTC) according to previously defined criteria by WHO. Data on delay were collected from medical records and interviews with the staff. Results: The literature data allowed inferring that the use of the analysis of delays in obstetric care using the "three delays model" can be extremely useful in assessing the determinants of maternal mortality, especially if associated with the investigation of maternal near-miss. The data provided by the crosssectional study allowed comparison between different maternal outcomes and it was observed that there was a growing association between the identification of some delay in obstetric care and extreme maternal adverse outcomes (nearmiss and maternal death). In general, there was a frequency of 54% delays, 52% of delays in women only with potentially life-threatening conditions, 68.4% in the maternal near-miss group and 84.1% in the group with maternal death. Conclusion: The "Three Delays model" is an important theoretical framework for the study of near-miss cases. The frequency of delays in obstetric care is directly related to worse maternal outcome / Doutorado / Saúde Materna e Perinatal / Doutor em Ciências da Saúde

Lee, Man Yuen. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2011. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 191-215). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese.

Objectives: Adherence to National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for ovarian cancer treatment improves patient outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess disparities associated with ovarian cancer treatment in the state of Kentucky and central Appalachia. Methods: Data on patients diagnosed as having ovarian cancer from 2007 through 2011 were extracted from administrative claims-linked Kentucky Cancer Registry data. NCCN compliance was defined by stage, grade, surgical procedure, and chemotherapy. Selection criteria were reviewed carefully to ensure data quality and accuracy. Descriptive analysis, logistic regression, and Cox regression analyses were performed to examine factors associated with guidelines compliance and survival. Results: Most women were age 65 years or older (62.5%), had high grade (65.9%) and advanced stage (61.0%) ovarian cancer. Two-thirds of cases (65.9%) received NCCN-recommended treatment for ovarian cancer. The hazard ratio (HR) of death for women who did not receive NCCN-compliant care was 62% higher compared to the women who did receive NCCN compliant treatment (HR 1.62, 95% CI 1.11-2.35). Results from the logistic regression showed that NCCN-compliant treatment was more likely for: women age 65-74 years compared to age 20-49 (OR=3.32, 95% CI=1.32- 8.32), late stage compared to early stage cancers (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.20-0.53), receipt of care at tertiary hospitals (OR=1.92, 95% CI=1.10-3.34), and privately insured compared to Medicaid (OR=0.31, 95% CI=0.13-0.77) or Medicare (OR=0.31, 95% CI=0.15-0.66). Conclusions: When the treatment of ovarian cancer did not follow NCCN-recommendations, patients had a significantly higher risk of death. Women were less likely to receive NCCN-compliant care if they were of younger age (20-49 years), had early stage disease, were not privately insured, or had care provided at a non-tertiary hospital.

Abstract not available

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 228-257). Aims to determine the impact of maternal undernutrition during late gestation and during the periconceptional and gestational periods on fetal growth, fetal blood pressure and the fetal hypothalamo-pituitary adrenal axis in the sheep.