P re t e r m L a b o r Approach to Decreasing Complications of Prematurity Anna Locatelli, MDa, Sara Consonni, Alessandro Ghidini, MDb,*
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KEYWORDS Prematurity Tocolysis Antibiotics Corticosteroids In utero transfer Magnesium sulfate Mode of delivery Delayed cord clamping KEY POINTS Implementation of certain obstetric practices in women in preterm labor can significantly improve the prognosis for the premature neonate. Tocolytic agents can delay preterm birth for at least 2 days, thus allowing the administration of antenatal corticosteroid and in utero transfer to appropriate neonatal health care settings; these two interventions reduce perinatal mortality. Antepartum administration of magnesium sulfate in preterm delivery reduces the risk of cerebral palsy. In preterm birth, cesarean delivery offers survival advantage in nonvertex presentation. In preterm infants, delayed cord clamping is associated with a reduced risk of blood transfusion, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, and mortality (
MD
a
,
KEYWORDS Prematurity Tocolysis Antibiotics Corticosteroids In utero transfer Magnesium sulfate Mode of delivery Delayed cord clamping KEY POINTS Implementation of certain obstetric practices in women in preterm labor can significantly improve the prognosis for the premature neonate. Tocolytic agents can delay preterm birth for at least 2 days, thus allowing the administration of antenatal corticosteroid and in utero transfer to appropriate neonatal health care settings; these two interventions reduce perinatal mortality. Antepartum administration of magnesium sulfate in preterm delivery reduces the risk of cerebral palsy. In preterm birth, cesarean delivery offers survival advantage in nonvertex presentation. In preterm infants, delayed cord clamping is associated with a reduced risk of blood transfusion, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, and mortality (
