α and β-defensins and bacterial vaginosis as preterm birth predictors. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract

Preterm birth is an entity with potential damage to the newborn and it is the leading cause of mortality in children under 5 years old. Even though research on this topic has been increasing in the last decade, it has not reflected in a reduction in the incidence of this problem. Nowadays, raised cervical-vaginal fetal fibronectin concentration and short cervical length are considered the only predictors of spontaneous preterm birth [1], and given the adverse and severe consequences of preterm birth, the early identification of women with a higher risk of presenting this type of delivery is crucial for pregnancy care. Several studies have tried to find new inflammation markers that may allow the early identification of pregnant women at high risk of premature delivery, because as on many diseases, inflammatory mediators play a role on the pathophysiology of this entity. This literature review aims to discuss recent findings regarding to the association between the innate immune response, specifically β-defensins with preterm birth.