Variation in infant birth weight: socioeconomic factors versus medical conditions.

This paper seeks to determine the relative effect of socioeconomic variables and medical conditions in explaining changes in infant birth weight, specifically, low birth weight (LBW). Using ordinary least squares regression, we first analyze the effects of these variables on the birth weight of 621 infants. Four of the independent variables--gestational age in number of days, sex, parity, and health insurance--are statistically significant (P<.

Detection of sonographic markers of fetal aneuploidy depends on maternal and fetal characteristics.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine factors that influence the detection rate of sonographic markers of fetal aneuploidy (SMFA).

Methods: We reviewed the sonographic images of 160 consecutive second-trimester trisomic fetuses for the presence of SMFA, either structural anomalies or sonographic soft markers.

Results: One hundred forty-nine (93.

Prospective randomized clinical trial of inpatient cervical ripening with stepwise oral misoprostol vs vaginal misoprostol.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of stepwise oral misoprostol vs vaginal misoprostol for cervical ripening before induction of labor.

Study Design: Two hundred and four women between 32 to 42 weeks of gestation with an unfavorable cervix (Bishop score < or = 6) and an indication for labor induction were randomized to receive oral or vaginal misoprostol every 4 hours up to 4 doses. The oral misoprostol group received 50 microg initially followed by 100 microg in each subsequent dose.