engleski

Dynamic model of cyclic load on fetal membranes in simulated intrauterine conditions

Intact fetal membranes are significant for pregnancy and fetus development. Obstetricians meet with premature rupture of fetal membranes in about 20-25 % of all term pregnancies, and more importantly, with preterm premature rupture of fetal membranes that causes premature childbirth, which occurs in about 2-3 % of all pregnancies. Every rupture of fetal membranes means the beginning of the delivery. Premature childbirth is related to considerably higher perinatal mortality and morbidity. Since the mechanical factor role (regular contractions during the childbirth) in weakening of the membranes in both term and premature childbirth is still unexplained, we designed a dynamic model of cyclic load on fetal membranes in simulated intrauterine conditions. Investigation was performed on 35 fetal membranes from Department of Obstetrics Gynecology in Clinical Hospital Osijek. Biomechanical studies were carried out in a special device for dynamic load of connective structures. Specimens were tested by simulating physiological intrauterine pressures in the rhytm of contractions during normal labour to determine firmness and deformation in gradual structure disruption of fetal membranes by intermitent load. The study included only the membrane specimens obtained from the patients whose bacteriology cervix smear test during pregnancy was negative. Characteristics of preterm and term prematurely ruptured fetal membranes are determined. This study underlyine mechanical factor in membrane weakening in both preterm and term pregnancies, as well as the differences in their biophysical characterictics. Results will help in better understanding pathophysiology of preterm labour.

ruptured fetal membranes; premature

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