Grand Rounds: Endocrinology of the Maternal-fetal-placental Unit
(Credits no longer offered.)
Presented by Leslie Myatt, Ph.D., University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio
The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology has developed guidelines for learning for the subspecialty of reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI). These guidelines specify that training in this subspecialty should include training in the endocrinology of the maternal-fetal-placental unit. This live internet activity is designed to provide such training to reproductive endocrinology and infertility fellows as well as other practitioners of reproductive medicine. The presentation is designed to provide an overview of the maternal-fetal physiology/pathophysiology and develop a management protocol of endocrinopathies in obstetrical patients. The activity will consist of a didactic presentation followed by a question and answer session.
EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES:
At the conclusion of the educational activity, participants should be able to:
- Define central role of placenta in regulation of maternal and fetal physiology of pregnancy.
- Demonstrate placenta structure and cell lineages.
- Outline placental production of placental hormones, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), steroids, and angiogenic factors.
- Define the interaction of maternal and fetal compartments in progesterone and estrogen synthesis.
- Describe the role of 11bHSD2 in limiting fetal exposure to glucocorticoids.
- Describe interactions of maternal-placental-fetal hormonal mechanisms regulating parturition.