45 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

In accordance with the present invention, recombinant human PBEF has been produced in order to study its ability to stimulate the transcription of the key cytokine mediators of labor induction, using the amnion-like epithelial (WISH) cell line and fetal membrane explants. As a result of these studies, it has been determined that PBEF is a good indicator of initiation of labor. This makes PBEF a useful marker, especially for the identification of subjects who have initiated preterm labor. Accordingly, methods for the identification of subjects who have commenced labor are provided. In addition, methods are also provided for blocking labor, as well as compositions useful therefor. This is accomplished by blocking the production of PBEF or by blocking the action of PBEF.

A method operable to more accurately monitor the state and function of the cervix is provided. Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to detection of fluorescence from the female mammalian cervix. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to predicting true term and preterm labor and delivery, characterizing the function and state of the cervix, and for assessing and monitoring the efficacy of treatments for the cervix. Embodiments of the present disclosure use light induced fluorescence (LIF) via a non-invasive optical probe to accurately and quantitatively measure changes in the cervical tissue during pregnancy and labor. As gestational age increases, the LIF decreases. Ideally, cervical collagen should be at a minimum just prior to delivery. The present invention can be used to monitor the state and function of the cervix during pregnancy, as well as efficacy of cervical treatments during pregnancy.

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 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. Said compositions and methods enhance gestation and therefore improve neonatal morbidity and mortality.

The present invention relates to an association between specific polymorphisms of the COMT polypeptide and the development, or risk of developing, preterm labor and uterine diseases and conditions. Disclosed are therapeutic, preventative and diagnostic methods and compositions relating to pre-term labor, uterine diseases and conditions, and ovarian conditions and diseases. In certain embodiments, such methods and compositions involve a COMT inhibitor.

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.

Methods and compositions are provided for treating and preventing preterm labor using liposome encapsulated tocolytic agents, such as indomethacin. In certain aspects, targeted liposomes are provided that allow delivery of tocolytic agents directly to the uterus, such as by targeting to the oxytocin receptor.

The present invention provides novel tricyclic benzodiazepine carboxamides compounds and methods and pharmaceutical compositions utilizing them for the treatment and / or prevention and / or suppression of disorders which may be remedied or alleviated by oxytocin antagonist activity, including prevention and / or suppression suppression of preterm labor, suppression of labor at term prior to caesarean delivery, and for the treatment of dysmenorrhea. These compounds are also useful in enhancing fertility rates, enhancing survival rates and synchronizing estrus in farm animals; and may be useful in the prevention and treatmraent of disfunctions of the oxytocin system in the central nervous system including obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and neuropsychiatric disorders.