Uterine contractility as a cause of amniotic band syndrome.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine whether puncturing the uterine wall and the amnion causes uterine contractions that result in fetal abnormalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An experimental study was performed using four groups of three female rabbits. Group A received a puncture of the amniotic membranes of one of the uteri on day 15 of gestation followed by group B on day 16, group C on day 17, and group D on day 18. The duration and force of contractions and fetal abnormalities were determined. RESULTS: There were immediate contractions after the puncture, which lasted 20 to 132 seconds with forces that ranged from 309 to 4,411 mg. All of the experimental fetuses exhibited anomalies of the head and extremities, exencephaly, cleft palates, and an absence of eye-lids. CONCLUSION: Injury to the uterine wall and the aniion can immediately cause uterine contractions, which are associated with different types of fetal abnormalities.