Preterm Birth: Mechanisms, Mediators, Prediction, Prevention & Interventions PDF

Preface

It is with great pleasure that we introduce the first volume of the ‘SGI Summit' series. These volumes will each address important topics in the fields of reproductive and women's health in a multidisciplinary fashion, encompassing both basic and clinical science. It represents the Proceedings of the Meeting on Preterm Birth held in Siena on November 10–12, 2005.

Preterm birth was chosen because it is the most critical obstetric syndrome. Given the immense societal impact of prematurity, there is an on-going need to assess the state of current knowledge and the direction of future research. The aim of the present volume is to provide the reader with an understanding of the innovations and complex mechanisms regulating preterm birth and to illustrate the immense progress that has been made. The combination of basic science and clinical implications are the guideline of the book. The present volume includes not only the latest information but is rich in diagrams, figures and references which will also be useful to scientists and physicians.

While the role of the myometrium, cervix, placenta and membranes in initiating labor is clear, the series of events has not yet been established. These opening chapters contain the most up-to-date information on the anatomical and functional aspects of this process.

The new development in the knowledge of the extracellular matrix, hormones, cytokines, prostaglandins and growth factors is the major content of the Section II.

New mediators are often discovered and their role in the pathogenesis of preterm labor is suggested. Section III on the methods of prediction and prevention is more clinically oriented and refers to the new tools offered to understand the predisposition of pregnant women for preterm birth. The genetic or biochemical studies on populations are innovative.

The treatment of women with preterm labor is the last topic in this volume. Drug development is challenging, not only because it is difficult to combine both efficacy and safety, but because we are still seeking to understand the causes of preterm birth. There are several drugs now under investigation, and the future will undoubtedly bring new therapies.

The SGI will pursue this series and will do the best to remain a great source of new scientific knowledge in obstetrics and gynecology. Meetings and publications will generate an incredible exchange and development of reproductive science in the service of women's health. We hope this monograph will set the standard for those to come.