MATERNAL PLASMA CORTICOTROPHIN-RELEASING FACTOR (CRF) IN PRETERM LABOR

Abstract

A pretenn birth is one of the major health hazards of human being. Preterm birth is the greatest cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, furthermore the sequelae of an untimely birth for those infants who survive often causes life long disabilities. To suffer the agony of life long mental and physical impairment is surely one of the greatest tragedies that can face a person, his or her family, society and even economies of the world. (Cunning/tam FG, et al., 1993). Spontaneous preterm labour and premature rupture of membranes are responsible for most pretenn deliveries. Tocolytic agents can stop contractions, but on population basis their use has not been associated with a marked reduction in the preterm delivery rate. One reason given for the lack of effectiveness of tocolytic agents is that most women seen in preterm labour have progressed too far and are, therefore, not appropriate candidates for tocolysis. Recent investigations have attempted to determine those patients at greatest risk for pretenn delivery by the identification of various biochemical markers for this disorder, to enhance tocolytic effectiveness and subsequently prevent preterm delivery.