Maternal C-reactive protein and preterm labor.

Maternal C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured in 109 pregnant women: 34 who were in labor before 35 weeks, 25 who were in labor at term and 50 who were not in labor. CRP values were correlated with outcome of tocolysis and with gestational age. Among 34 women in preterm labor, a CRP of greater than of equal to 0.8 mg/dL had a sensitivity of 85% (17/20) and a value of 81% (17/21) in predicting delivery within one week. Ten of the 14 who delivered more than one week following tocolysis had a CRP less than 0.8 mg/dL (71% specificity). Maternal CRP of greater than or equal to 0.8 mg/dL identifies a subgroup of women in preterm labor at highest risk of preterm delivery.