Thrombophilic polymorphisms – factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T mutations – and preterm birth

Abstract

To evaluate the influence of three common thrombophilic polymorphisms, factor V Leiden (FV), prothrombin G20210A (PT), and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T mutations, on preterm birth of unknown cause. A single-centre case-control study of women with preterm infants < or =35 weeks of gestation, in whom obvious maternal, uterine, and fetal causes responsible for preterm birth were excluded (n = 35). The controls were 54 women with term infants hospitalised in the same ward. There were no significant differences between the groups of mothers in history of fetal loss, venous or familial thrombosis, or previous preterm birth. FV was found in 8.6% of the cases, PT in 5.7%, and MTHFR mutation (homozygous) in 4.8% compared with 5.4% (p=0.292, OR 1.594, CI95% 0.303-8.384), 7.4% (p=0.379, OR 0.758, CI95% 0.131-4.374), and 4.5% (p = 0.485, OR 1.050, CI95% 0.090-12.276), respectively, in the controls. Differences in the three thrombophilic polymorphisms in the two groups of infants were also not significant. We could not demonstrate a distinct association between these thrombophilic polymorphisms and preterm birth.