46 results about "Preterm labor" patented technology

A method and a pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting premature rapture of the fetal membranes, ripening of the uterine cervix and preterm labor of female mammals including human. The method includes the step of administering compounds for reversing at least two biochemical conditions being associated with the above processes. The pharmaceutical composition includes compounds for reversing at least two biochemical conditions being associated with the above processes.

Systems and methods for monitoring uterus contraction activity and progress of labor. The system of the subject invention can comprises (1) a plurality of sensors; (2) an amplifying / filtering means; (3) a computing means; and (4) a graphical user interface. Accurate clinical data, which can be extracted and provided to the user in real-time using the system of the invention, include without limitation, progress of labor, prediction and monitoring of preterm labor, and intrauterine pressure prediction. In a preferred embodiment, the system of the invention includes an intelligence means, such as a neural network system, to analyze and interpret clinical data for use in clinical diagnosis as well as delivery strategy.

This invention is about a method for the prenatal diagnosis of preterm delivery, fetal infection, and fetal damage, and diagnostic reagent system and diagnostic kit for the diagnosis. The method, diagnostic reagent system, and kit are based on the finding that the level of MMP-8 in the amniotic fluid is significantly higher when the pregnant woman is at risk for preterm delivery, intrauterine infection, and fetal damage. The diagnostic reagent system and kit can be applied to the patients without, as well as with, clinical signs of preterm labor or premature rupture of fetal membranes. With the superiority in sensitivity and specificity as well as its less invasiveness compared to the conventional method of measuring fetal blood cytokine levels, this diagnostic reagent system and kit is very useful in the prenatal diagnosis of preterm delivery, fetal infection, and fetal damage.

The invention is directed to kits and methods that allow one to predict the risk for preterm labor in a pregnant woman. The inventors have discovered that various extracellular matrix components can be detected in cervical secretions. The quantification of certain extracellular matrix proteins found within cervical secretions can be used as a diagnostic for the biomechanical state of the cervix, which indicates whether preterm labor is likely. Some extracellular matrix components that can be found in cervical secretions include decorin, thrombospondins and matrix metalloproteinases.

A method for uterine activity monitoring may include: acquiring a plurality of signals from a plurality of sensors during uterine activity; processing the plurality of signals to extract a plurality of uterine electrical activity characteristics; analyzing the plurality of uterine electrical activity characteristics; and classifying the uterine activity as one of: a preterm labor contraction, a labor contraction, a Braxton-Hicks contraction, and a state of no contraction. A method of assessing over time a pre-term birth risk of a pregnant female may include: calculating a baseline pre-term birth risk score based on a user input; acquiring, over time, a signal from a sensor; analyzing the signal to extract a parameter of interest, such that the parameter of interest comprises a physiological parameter; and calculating an instant pre-term birth risk score based, at least in part, on the parameter of interest and the user input.

Compositions, kits and methods for the prevention of, for example, spontaneous abortion, preeclampsia, preterm labor or implantation failure during assisted reproduction are provided. The compositions, kits and methods provide an effective amount of granulocyte colony stimulating factor to prevent, for example, spontaneous abortion, preeclampsia, preterm labor or implantation failure of an embryo.

The present invention provides methods and compositions for identifying subjects at risk of developing a complication of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia or preterm labor. The compositions are microRNAs and associated nucleic acids.

A system, method and apparatus for monitoring uterine and / or cervical activity indicative of labor in a patient. The system includes a medical device and a data processor in communication with the medical device. The medical device includes a structural component, a first electrode attached to the structural component, and a second electrode attached to the structural component. The structural component is structured to be in contact with a cervical surface and a vaginal surface of the patient, such that said first electrode is in electrical contact with said cervical surface and said second electrode is in electrical contact with said vaginal surface. The first electrode is adapted to receive an electrical activity of the cervical surface and the second electrode is adapted to receive an electrical activity of the uterus through the vaginal surface. The data processor is adapted to process the electrical activity of the electrodes to detect contractions on a surface of the patient indicative of labor.

The invention provides a method for treating or preventing preterm labor in pregnant female subjects. The method comprises the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of a Toll-like Receptor 9 antagonist sufficient to prevent the activation of Toll-like Receptor 9 by fetal DNA. The invention further provides compositions comprising a Toll-like Receptor 9 antagonist for use in the methods of the invention. The compositions and methods of the present invention enhance gestation and therefore improve neonatal morbidity and mortality.