Document Detail


In vivo characterization of the mechanics of human uterine cervices.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  17363446     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
The uterine cervix has to provide mechanical resistance to ensure a normal development of the fetus. This is guaranteed by the composition of its extracellular matrix, which functions as a fiber-reinforced composite. At term a complex remodeling process allows the cervical canal to open for birth. This remodeling is achieved by changes in the quality and quantity of collagen fibers and ground substance and their interplay, which influences the biomechanical behavior of the cervix but also contributes to pathologic conditions such as cervical incompetence (CI). We start by reviewing the anatomy and histological composition of the human cervix, and discuss its physiologic function and pathologic condition in pregnancy including biomechanical aspects. Established diagnostic methods on the cervix (palpation, endovaginal ultrasound) used in clinics as well as methods for assessment of cervical consistency (light-induced fluorescence, electrical current, and impedance) are discussed. We show the first clinical application of an aspiration device, which allows in vivo testing of the biomechanical properties of the cervix with the aim to establish the physiological biomechanical changes throughout gestation and to detect pregnant women at risk for CI. In a pilot study on nonpregnant cervices before and after hysterectomy we found no considerable difference in the biomechanical response between in vivo and ex vivo. An outlook on further clinical applications during pregnancy is presented.
Authors:
Margit Bauer; Edoardo Mazza; Alessandro Nava; Willibald Zeck; Martina Eder; Michael Bajka; Fernando Cacho; Uwe Lang; Gerhard A Holzapfel
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Review     Date:  2007-03-15
Journal Detail:
Title:  Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences     Volume:  1101     ISSN:  0077-8923     ISO Abbreviation:  Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci.     Publication Date:  2007 Apr 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2007-04-27     Completed Date:  2007-06-22     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  7506858     Medline TA:  Ann N Y Acad Sci     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  186-202     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Biomechanics* / instrumentation,  methods
Cervix Uteri / anatomy & histology,  pathology,  physiology*,  physiopathology
Female
Humans
Hysterectomy / instrumentation,  methods
Pregnancy
Uterine Cervical Incompetence / diagnosis,  physiopathology

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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