Abstract
Estriol (E3) and progesterone (P) concentrations in saliva were determined by direct chemiluminescence immunoassays, using solid-phase monoclonal antibodies bound to the wells of microtitre plates, and isoluminol-labelled steroids conjugates. Saliva samples were obtained from women during pregnancy, from 34 to 1 weeks before delivery. The smoothed median and mean salivary E3:P ratios in normal pregnancy rose gradually from 0.45 at -34 weeks to 1.5 at -1 week. In twin pregnancy a similar rise was observed. However, in preterm delivery the smoothed mean ratio rose more slowly, from 0.6 at -30 weeks to 1.1 at -1 week. In pregnancy associated with intra-uterine growth retardation, the smoothed mean ratio did not reach a value of 1 towards the end of pregnancy. In all instances high and low E3:P ratios were observed shortly before spontaneous delivery. This raises the question of whether the E3:P ratio could be used as a predictor providing useful information in relation to the onset of labour.
Published Version
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