The value of acute phase reactants in predicting preterm delivery

Objective: We aimed to determine the potential value of maternal serum levels of acute phase reactants in the prediction of preterm delivery in women with threatened preterm labor (TPL).

Methods: Ninety-one pregnant women diagnosed with TPL and 83 healthy pregnant women as a control group were included in this prospective controlled study. All the pregnant women were followed until delivery and obstetric data and the serum levels of acute phase reactants were recorded for each participant. The study group was further divided into two groups according to the gestational age at delivery, which include women delivering prematurely and the ones who gave birth at term.

Results: Serum albumin levels were significantly lower and mean serum ferritin levels were significantly higher in the study groups when compared the control group.

Conclusion: Although an association between decreased serum albumin level and TPL, also between increased serum ferritin levels and preterm birth and low birth weight were demonstrated, more extensive studies are needed to clarify the potential use of the acute phase reactants in the prediction of preterm birth.