Electrical pacemaker as a safe and feasible method for decreasing the uterine contractions of human preterm labor

• Published in: Journal of perinatal medicine Vol. 40; no. 6; pp. 697 - 700
• Main Authors: Karsdon, Jeffrey, El Daouk, Manal, Huang, William M., Ashmead, Graham G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin Walter de Gruyter 01.11.2012; De Gruyter
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Delivery. Postpartum. Lactation; Electrical intervention; electrical stimulation; Female; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Medical sciences; Obstetric Labor, Premature; Pregnancy; premature birth; preterm birth; prevention; Prevention and actions; Public health. Hygiene; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine; Radiotherapy. Instrumental treatment. Physiotherapy. Reeducation. Rehabilitation, orthophony, crenotherapy. Diet therapy and various other treatments (general aspects); tocolytic; Uterine Contraction; Human; Premature; preterm birth; electrical stimulation; Pregnancy disorders; Methodology; Electrical stimulus; Premature delivery; Neonatology; Instrumentation therapy; Method; Birth; Contraction; Tocolytic; Prevention; Instrumental stimulation; premature birth; Prematurity; Uterus; Pacemaker; Female genital system; Electrical intervention
• ISSN: 0300-5577; 1619-3997
• DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2012-0136

Aim: The aim of the study was to test the safety and feasibility of a system designed to decrease the uterine contractions of human preterm labor using a weak electrical current. Methods: Patients in preterm labor had an electrode catheter placed in the posterior vaginal fornix and attached to an electrical pacemaker. Contraction intervals were determined during the 60-min study, in which minutes 0–20 was the preintervention control period (C1); 21–40 was the electrical intervention (EI), with a 10-s burst of current administered just before each expected contraction; and 41–60 was the postintervention control (C2). Mean intervals were calculated and compared mixed-model ANOVA. Results: Five patients were studied. No maternal or fetal vital sign irregularities were seen. All the babies had a normal neonatal intensive care unit stay for gestational age. The respective mean contraction intervals for C1, EI, and C2 and their within- and between-subject standard deviations were 4.64 (±0.81, ±2.45), 5.71 (±3.03, ±1.62), and 3.83 (±0.83, ±1.31) min. There was a significant difference between EI and C2 (P=0.0078) and no difference between C1 and C2 or between EI and C1 (P=0.1373). Conclusions: EI appears to be a safe and feasible method for decreasing preterm contractions. To confirm and test effectiveness, longer interventions and additional cases are needed.