Significance of fetal fibronectin and cytokine measurement in the cervicovaginal secretions of women at term in predicting term labor and post-term pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether fetal fibronectin (FFN) or cytokine concentrations in cervicovaginal secretions can be used to predict term labor and post-term pregnancy.

STUDY DESIGN

FFN and cytokines were assayed in cervicovaginal mucus from 122 pregnant women at 29-35 weeks and weekly from week 36 to parturition.

RESULTS

FFN concentrations were elevated from about 3 weeks before parturition; a correlation was found between FFN levels and sampling-to-delivery intervals. Parturition was best predicted within 7 days of sampling when the FFN value was >or=50ng/ml between 36 and 41 gestational weeks. Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) concentrations were elevated from 3 to 4 weeks before parturition; a correlation was found between IL-1beta levels and sampling-to-delivery intervals. Parturition was best predicted within 7 days of sampling, with an IL-1beta cut-off value of >or=100pg/ml.

CONCLUSION

Term labor and post-term pregnancy can be predicted within 7 days of sampling, using FFN and IL-1beta concentrations in cervicovaginal secretions of pregnant women.