Symptoms Of Preterm Labor Research Articles

Utilization of fetal fibronectin testing and pregnancy outcomes among women with symptoms of preterm labor

ObjectivesTo identify pregnant health plan members triaged through the emergency department (ED), including labor and delivery (ELD) units, with symptoms of preterm labor (PTL), and evaluate the use of fetal fibronectin (fFN) testing; and to calculate the rate of hospitalization and timing of delivery in relation to the ED visit.MethodsRetrospective cohort study using Medical Outcomes Research for Effectiveness and Economics Registry®, a national multipayer claims database. A cohort of pregnant women evaluated in an ELD with a diagnosis of PTL from June 2012 through November 2015 was identified. The proportion of women with PTL who received fFN testing was calculated.ResultsA total of 23,062 patients met the criteria for inclusion in the study. The rate of fFN testing prior to delivery was 12.0%. Of the 23,062 patients included in the analysis, 75.9% were discharged home. Of those who were discharged from the emergency room, one in five went on to deliver within 3 days and almost 96% of this group was not screened for the presence of fFN. Of the remaining 24.1% of patients admitted to the hospital, 91.3% delivered during their stay. In a sensitivity analysis, the percentage of women who delivered within 3 days of the ELD encounter was lower for women who received fFN testing only (6.6%) versus those who had a history of transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) only (21.6%). Furthermore, the rate of delivery within 3 days was lowest among patients who had both fFN testing and TVUS (4.7%).ConclusionThe utilization of fFN testing is 12%. The majority of pregnant patients triaged through the ELD with symptomatic PTL do not receive an fFN test. As part of PTL evaluation, fFN testing may identify women at increased risk for preterm delivery and help determine appropriate patient management.

Detection and risk stratification of women at high risk of preterm birth in rural communities near Nagpur, India

BackgroundPresently, preterm birth is globally the leading cause of neonatal mortality. Prompt community based identification of women at high risk for preterm births (HRPB) can either help to avert preterm births or avail effective interventions to reduce neonatal mortality due to preterm births. We evaluated the performance of a package to train community workers to detect the presence of signs or symptoms of HRPB.MethodsPregnant women enrolled in the intervention arm of a cluster randomized trial of Antenatal Corticosteroids (ACT Trial) conducted at Nagpur, India were informed about 4 directly observable signs and symptoms of preterm labor. Community health workers actively monitored these women from 24 to 36 weeks of gestation for these signs or symptoms. If they were present (HRPB positive) the identified women were brought to government health facilities for assessment and management. HRPB positive could also be determined by the provider if the woman presented directly to the facility. Risk stratification was based on the number of signs or symptoms present. The outcome of preterm birth was based on the clinical assessment of gestational age < 37 weeks at delivery or a birth weight of <2000 g.ResultsBetween July 1, 2012 and 30 November, 2013, 686 of 7050 (9.7%) pregnant women studied, delivered preterm. 732 (10.4%) women were HRPB positive, of whom 333 (45.5%) delivered preterm. Of the remaining 6318(89.6%) HRPB negative women 353 (5.6%) delivered preterm. The likelihood ratio (LR) of a preterm birth in the HRPB positives was 8.14 (95% confidence interval 7.16–9.26). The LR of a preterm birth increased in women who had more signs or symptoms of HRBP (p < 0.00001). More signs or symptoms of HRPB were also associated with a shorter time to delivery, lower birth weight and higher rates of stillbirths, neonatal deaths and postnatal complications. Addition of risk stratification improved the prediction of preterm delivery (Integrated Discrimination Improvement 17% (95% CI 15–19%)).ConclusionsThe package for detection of signs and symptoms of HRPB is feasible, promising and likely to improve management of preterm labor.Trial registrationNCT01073475 on February 21, 2010 and NCT01084096 on March 9, 2010.

Performance of cervical phIGFBP-1 test alone or combined with short cervical length to predict spontaneous preterm birth in symptomatic women

We aimed to assess the accuracy of cervical phosphorylated insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (phIGFBP-1) test alone or in combination with cervical length (CL), to predict preterm birth (PTB) in symptomatic women. We performed a prospective cohort study from 2012 to 2015 including singleton pregnancies with symptoms of preterm labor, intact membranes and CL < 25 mm at 24–34 weeks of gestation. Studied outcome were spontaneous delivery within 7 and 14 days of testing and spontaneous PTB at <34 and <37 weeks of gestation. Among 180 women, 21 (11.7%) had a positive phIGFBP-1 test. Spontaneous PTB occurred within 7 days, 14 days of testing and before 34 weeks and 37 weeks in 7.8%, 10.6%, 12.9% and 28.8%, respectively. The phIGFBP-1 test had a low predictive performance for all studied outcomes varying for positive likelihood ratios (2.8 to 3.4) and negative likelihood ratios (0.8). Combining phIGFBP-1 and CL did not increase its predictive ability. After adjustment, positive phIGFBP-1 test was no more independently associated with a delivery within 7 days (p = 0.55), unlike CL < 15 mm (p = 0.04). In conclusion, phIGFBP-1 test alone or in combination with CL has a low predictive accuracy to predict PTB in symptomatic women.

The QUiPP App: a safe alternative to a treat-all strategy for threatened preterm labor.

To evaluate the impact of triaging women at risk of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) using the QUiPP App, which incorporates a predictive model combining history of sPTB, gestational age and quantitative measurements of fetal fibronectin, compared with a treat-all policy (advocated by the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) among women with threatened preterm labor before 30 weeks' gestation. Prospectively collected data of pregnant women presenting with symptoms of preterm labor (abdominal pain or tightening) at 24-34 weeks' gestation were retrieved from the research databases of the EQUIPP and PETRA studies for subanalysis. Each episode of threatened preterm labor was retrospectively assigned a risk for sPTB within 7 days using the QUiPP App. A primary outcome of delivery within 7 days was used to model the performance accuracy of the QUiPP App compared with a treat-all policy. Using a 5% risk of delivery within 7 days according to the QUiPP App as the threshold for intervention, 9/9 women who presented with threatened preterm labor < 34 weeks would have been treated correctly, giving a sensitivity of 100% (one-sided 97.5% CI, 66.4%) and a negative predictive value of 100% (97.5% CI, 98.9-100%). The positive predictive value for delivery within 7 days was 30.0% (95% CI, 11.9-54.3%) for women presenting before 30 weeks and 20.0% (95% CI, 12.7-30.1%) for women presenting between 30 + 0 and 34 + 0 weeks. If this 5% threshold had been used to triage women presenting between 24 + 0 and 29 + 6 weeks, 89.4% (n = 168) of admissions could have been safely avoided, compared with 0% for a treat-all strategy. No true case of preterm labor would have been missed, as no woman who was assigned a risk of < 10% delivered within 7 days. For women with threatened preterm labor, the QUiPP App can accurately guide management at risk thresholds for sPTB of 1%, 5% and 10%, allowing outpatient management in the vast majority of cases. A treat-all approach would not have avoided admission for any woman, and would have exposed 188 mothers and their babies to unnecessary hospitalization and steroid administration and increased the burden on network and transport services owing to unnecessary in-utero transfers. Prediction of sPTB should be performed before 30 weeks to determine management until there is evidence that such a high level of unnecessary intervention, as suggested by the treat-all strategy, does less harm than the occurrence of rare false negatives. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Women with Symptomatic Preterm Birth Have a Distinct Cervicovaginal Metabolome.

Objective The objective was to determine if women with symptoms of preterm labor who ultimately have a spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) have a distinct cervicovaginal (CV) metabolome compared with women who deliver at term. Study Design A nested case–control study of women presenting with symptoms of preterm labor was performed. CV fluid was collected from women between 22 and 336/7 weeks' gestation. The CV metabolome was compared between women with sPTB (n = 20) and women who delivered at term (n = 30). Global biochemical profiles were determined using ultraperformance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Welch's two-sample t-test was used to identify metabolites that differed significantly. Level of significance was defined as p ≤ 0.05. Results Eighty-eight percent of women were African-American and none had a prior history of sPTB. A total of 301 metabolites were identified in CV fluid. Thirty metabolites were significantly different in women with preterm birth compared with term birth. Two metabolites (mannitol and methyl phosphate) were significantly upregulated, and the remaining 28 metabolites were significantly downregulated and consisted of medium chain-fatty acids and collagen degradation markers. Conclusion The CV metabolome is significantly altered among women who present with preterm labor symptoms and ultimately have a sPTB.

Cerclage Use: A Review of 3 National Guidelines.

Preterm birth is a major contributor to perinatal morbidity and mortality. The most common intervention performed to improve perinatal outcomes for a woman experiencing cervical dilation in the second trimester without signs or symptoms of preterm labor is the cerclage. We sought to review and compare available national guidelines on cerclage use. We performed a descriptive review of 3 national guidelines on cerclage: The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Practice Bulletin on "Cerclage for the Management of Cervical Insufficiency," Green-top Guideline from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists entitled "Cervical Cerclage," and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada Clinical Practice Bulletin entitled "Cervical Insufficiency and Cervical Cerclage." Guidelines were compared, and the following aspects of cerclage use for prevention of preterm delivery were summarized: indications and contraindications, risk factors for cervical insufficiency, perioperative considerations, and timing of removal. Recommendations and strength of evidence were reviewed based on each guideline's method of reporting. The references were compared with regard to the total number of randomized control trials, Cochrane Reviews, and systematic reviews/meta-analyses cited. The variations highlighted in the guidelines reflect the heterogeneity of the literature contributing to guidelines and the challenges of diagnosing and managing cervical insufficiency. A cohesive international guideline may improve safety and quality and optimize patient outcomes. Obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians. After completing this activity, the learner should be better able to outline variations in indications and contraindications for cervical cerclage use by international guideline, identify variation in perioperative considerations for cervical cerclage use by international guideline, and recognize variation in timing of removal by international guideline.

Comparison of rapid MMP-8 and interleukin-6 point-of-care tests to identify intra-amniotic inflammation/infection and impending preterm delivery in patients with preterm labor and intact membranes

Objective: Among patients presenting with preterm labor and intact membranes, those with intra-amniotic inflammation have adverse obstetrical and neonatal outcomes. The diagnosis of intra-amniotic inflammation can easily be made by detecting an elevated concentration of the cytokine interleukin (IL)-6 or the enzyme neutrophil collagenase, also known as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8. The diagnostic performances of MMP-8 and IL-6 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests are similar. Recently, a rapid test has become available for point-of-care determination of either MMP-8 or IL-6. The objectives of this study were to compare the diagnostic indices and predictive values between the rapid MMP-8 and IL-6 tests for the identification of intra-amniotic inflammation in patients with preterm labor and intact membranes.Materials and methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study including 124 women with singleton pregnancies who presented with symptoms of preterm labor and underwent transabdominal amniocentesis for the evaluation of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC). MIAC was defined according to amniotic fluid culture results (aerobic and anaerobic bacteria as well as genital Mycoplasmas). Amniotic fluid white blood cell (WBC) counts were determined using a hemocytometer chamber. An elevated amniotic fluid MMP-8 concentration was assessed using Yoon’s MMP-8 Check® (cutoff: 10 ng/mL). An elevated amniotic fluid IL-6 concentration was scored when there was a positive result for the lateral flow-based immunoassay (cutoff: ≥745 pg/mL and ≥1000 pg/mL). In order to objectively compare rapid MMP-8 and rapid IL-6 tests to identify intra-amniotic inflammation, an amniotic fluid WBC count of ≥50 cells/mm3 was used to define intra-amniotic inflammation.Results: (1) The rapid tests had the same sensitivity for the detection of intra-amniotic inflammation [85.7% (18/21) for all]; (2) the specificity of the rapid MMP-8 test was higher than that of the rapid IL-6 test (cutoff: 745 pg/mL) for the identification of intra-amniotic inflammation [72.8% (75/103) vs. 64.1% (66/103); p < 0.05]; and (3) there were no differences in the sensitivity and specificity between the rapid MMP-8 test and the rapid IL-6 test (cutoff:1000 pg/mL) in the identification of intra-amniotic inflammation. Of 13 patients with discrepant results between the rapid MMP-8 and rapid IL-6 tests, two had a positive MMP-8 but a negative rapid IL-6 test, and both delivered preterm – one within 24 h, and the other within 10 days – and both had acute histologic chorioamnionitis. On the other hand, there were 11 patients with a positive rapid IL-6 but a negative rapid MMP-8 result: 10 delivered preterm, 3 had acute histologic chorioamnionitis and 1 had subacute chorionitis.Conclusion: We conclude that the rapid MMP-8 test has a better specificity than the rapid IL-6 (cutoff: 745 pg/mL) assay for the detection of intra-amniotic infection. Moreover, we observed that among patients who were not identified as having intra-amniotic infection or inflammation by the standard cultivation technique and amniotic fluid WBC count, those who had a positive MMP-8 rapid test delivered preterm and had acute histologic chorioamnionitis.

Amniotic fluid “sludge”; prevalence and clinical significance of it in asymptomatic patients at high risk for spontaneous preterm delivery

Introduction: The aim of our study is to determine prevalence and clinical significance of the presence of amniotic fluid “sludge” among asymptomatic patients at high-risk for spontaneous preterm delivery, prospectively.Material and methods: In our study, 99 patients at high risk for spontaneous preterm delivery were evaluated for the presence of amniotic fluid sludge with transvaginal ultrasonography at 20–22, 26–28, and 32–34 gestational weeks, prospectively; between August 2009 and October 2010 in Hacettepe University Hospital. And, these patients were followed up for their delivery weeks and pregnancy outcomes. We defined the high-risk group as the patients possessing one or more of the followings; a history of spontaneous preterm delivery, recent urinary tract infections, polyhydramnios, uterine leiomyomas, müllerian duct anomalies, and history of cone biyopsy or LEEP. Patients with multiple gestations, placenta previa, fetal anomalies, or symptoms of preterm labor at first examination were excluded.We have obtained ethical board approval from Hacettepe University (16.07.2009-HEK/No:09-141-59).Results: The prevalence of amniotic fluid sludge in the study population was 19,6% (18/92). The rates of spontaneous preterm delivery at <37 weeks of gestation were 66,7% (12/18), within the patients with sludge and 27,0% (20/74) within the patients without sludge. Patients with sludge had a higher rate of spontaneous preterm delivery (p = 0.002). A higher proportion of neonates born to patients with amniotic fluid sludge had a neonatal morbidity (50% (9/18) vs. 24,3% (18/74), p = 0.044) and died in the perinatal period, (p = 0,013) than those born to patients without sludge. When we combined sludge and cervical lenght (CL) (<25 mm) and used it as a screening test to identify women at risk for preterm delivery; it catched more women with preterm delivery, (p = 0.000). While sensitivity of sludge was 37,5%, and sensitivity of CL was 34%, sensitivity of “sludge positive or CL ≤25 mm” was 56% for preterm birth (PTB) in high-risk group.Conclusions: The prevalence of amniotic fluid sludge is 19,6% and “sludge” is an independent risk factor for spontaneous preterm delivery among asymptomatic patients at high-risk for spontaneous preterm delivery. PTB is by far the leading cause of infant mortality, and prevention of PTB has been an elusive goal. When sludge added to screening, we can catch more PTB.

Multiple Factors in the Second Trimester of Pregnancy on Preterm Labor Symptoms and Preterm Birth

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of various factors on preterm labor symptoms (PLS) and preterm birth (PB). This prospective cohort study included 193 women in the second stage of pregnancy. Multiple characteristics including body mass index (BMI), smoking, and pregnancy complications were collected through a self-report questionnaire. Pregnancy stress and PLS were each measured with a related scale. Cervical length and birth outcome were evaluated from medical charts. Multiple regression was used to predict PLS and logistic regression was used to predict PB. Multiple regression showed smoking experience, pregnancy complications and pregnancy specific stress were predictors of PLS and accounted for 19.2% of the total variation. Logistic regression showed predictors of PB to be twins (OR=13.68, CI=3.72~50.33, p<.001), shorter cervix (<25mm) (OR=5.63, CI=1.29~24.54, p<.05), BMI >25 (kg/m²) (OR=3.50, CI=1.35~9.04, p<.01) and a previous PB (OR=4.15, CI=1.07~16.03, p<.05). The results of this study show that the multiple factors affect stage II pregnant women can result in PLS or PB. And preterm labor may predict PB. These findings highlight differences in predicting variables for pretrm labor and for PB. Future research is needed to develop a screening tool to predict the risk of preterm birth in pregnant women.

Comparison of PAMG-1 and phIGFBP-1 Tests for the Prediction of Preterm Delivery in Patients with Preterm Labor

Objective: To compare PAMG-1 and phIGFBP-1 tests in predicting impending spontaneous preterm delivery within 7 days upon presentation in pregnant women with symptoms of preterm labor. Study Design: From September 2014 to April 2015 women with singleton gestation, symptoms of preterm labor, GA 22 - 35, participated in this prospective cohort study upon admission. Recruited patients had intact membranes and a minimal cervical dilatation of ≤3 cm. Vaginal swabs for phIGFBP-1 and PAMG-1 were taken in addition to routine treatment. Biochemical test results were blinded and had no effect on management of patients. Results: A total of 96 patients were screened for inclusion into the trial; 57 met the inclusion criteria for final analysis. The PAMG-1 test was positive in 5.7% of patients, while phIGFBP-1 test was positive in 29.8% of patients. The prediction of spontaneous preterm delivery within 7 days of admission in patients with a cervical length < 25 mm (30%), the PAMG-1 test and phIGFBP-1 test showed a SN of 100% and 100%; SP of 83.3% and 50.0%, (p ≤ 0.05); PPV of 71.4% and 45.5%; and NPV of 100% and 100%. 89.5% of women who received corticosteroids and 84.2% of women who received tocolysis did not go into preterm labor within one week. Conclusion: Our study supports the high negative predictability of biochemical tests to rule out spontaneous preterm labor in patients with a short cervix. However, our study strongly suggests that the PAMG-1 test is more accurate for predicting imminent spontaneous preterm delivery as compared to phIGFBP-1. These findings can significantly reduce economic burden caused by unnecessary admission and treatment of patients suspected of preterm labor. Such a reduction in the use of corticosteroids and tocolytics would lead to a reduction in the short and long term health effects associated with the use of therapeutic drugs like corticosteroids, antibiotics and tocolytics.

Corrigendum: Multiple Factors in the Second Trimester of Pregnancy on Preterm Labor Symptoms and Preterm Birth

This corrects the article on p. 357 in vol. 47, PMID: 28706170.

345: The cervicovaginal metabolome is different in symptomatic women who deliver preterm compared to term

The objective of this study was to determine if women with symptoms of preterm labor who ultimately have a spontaneous preterm birth have a distinct cervicovaginal (CV) metabolome compared to women who deliver at term. A nested case control study was performed from a prospective cohort of women presenting with symptoms of preterm labor. CV fluid was collected from women between 22 and 33 6/7 weeks gestation. The CV metabolome was compared between women with spontaneous preterm birth (n=20) to women who delivered at term (n=30). Samples were extracted and prepared for analysis using a standard extraction solvent method. Global biochemical profiles were determined using ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Vaginal microbiota were characterized using 16s rRNA gene analysis and categorized into community state types (CST). Welch’s two-sample t-test was used to identify metabolites that differed significantly. Mann-Whitney U test was performed to determine if specific metabolites were associated with CST. Level of significance was defined as p≤0.05. Eighty eight percent of women were African-American and none had a prior history of spontaneous preterm birth. A total of 301 metabolites were identified in CV fluid. Thirty metabolites were significantly different between women with preterm birth compared with term birth (Table 1). Two metabolites (mannitol and methyl phosphate) were significantly up-regulated and the remaining 28 metabolites were significantly down-regulated and consisted of medium chain-fatty acids (azelate, suberate, and sebacate) and collagen degradation markers (hydroxyproline, proline, and glycine. None of the metabolites that were significantly altered among women with preterm birth were associated with specific CST. The CV metabolome is significantly altered among women who present with preterm labor symptoms and ultimately have a preterm birth. Whether the altered metabolome results from existing microbial communities, the host, or both requires further study. Understanding what initiates the changes in the metabolomic profile in the CV space of women destined to deliver preterm may reveal novel insight into the pathogenesis of preterm birth and offer new strategies for therapeutic interventions.

404: Utilization of fetal fibronectin testing and timing of delivery among emergency department admissions with symptoms of preterm labor

404: Utilization of fetal fibronectin testing and timing of delivery among emergency department admissions with symptoms of preterm labor

Contraction-based uterine artery Doppler velocimetry: novel approach for prediction of preterm birth in women with threatened preterm labor.

To evaluate whether uterine artery (UtA) Doppler velocimetry during peak uterine contraction is a useful marker for the prediction of preterm delivery. In this prospective cohort study, 172 patients admitted with preterm (24-35 weeks' gestation) uterine contractions were evaluated by UtA Doppler velocimetry during peak uterine contraction and by common obstetric measurements including cervical length. For UtA Doppler velocimetry, flow-velocity waveforms during peak uterine contraction (determined visually on tocodynamometry) were recorded during three consecutive heart cycles, and the mean UtA pulsatility index (UtA-PI) was calculated. UtA-PI during the peak of contractions was significantly higher in patients who delivered within 7 days than in those who did not (P < 0.001). On receiver-operating characteristics curve analysis of UtA-PI on contraction, the areas under the curve for prediction of delivery within 48 h, 7 days or 14 days, ≤ 35 weeks and ≤ 37 weeks were 0.92, 0.88, 0.81, 0.83 and 0.74, respectively. Multiple regression analysis identified UtA-PI on contraction (P < 0.001) and cervical length (P < 0.001) as predictors of admission-to-delivery interval. The corresponding adjusted odds ratios for delivery within 7 days were 16.5 (95% CI, 5.7-47.2) for UtA-PI on contraction ≥ 1.32, and 14.7 (95% CI, 5.2-41.8) for cervical length ≤ 28 mm. Use of UtA Doppler velocimetry during peak uterine contraction for patients exhibiting symptoms of preterm labor might be effective for the identification of pregnant women at risk of preterm delivery. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Placental alpha-microglobulin-1 in cervico-vaginal fluid predicts preterm birth in women with preterm labor and intact membranes

Introduction: Preterm birth is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality in developed countries. The placental alpha-microglobulin-1 (PAMG-1) is a protein that can be found in high concentrations in the amniotic fluid and in lower concentrations in the vaginal secretion in patients with signs of preterm labor without rupture of membranes. We aimed to evaluate PAMG-1 diagnostic kit in the prediction of preterm birth. Material and methods: We included 119 patients (between 24 0/7 and 36 6/7 gestational weeks) in this prospective observational trial. We included patients with symptoms of preterm labor and gestational age-matched controls. We evaluated the sensitivity (SN), specificity (SP), positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of PAMG-1 measurements compared to transvaginal cervical length (CL) measurements. The performance of the test was calculated within 48 hours, 7 days and 14 days. We performed a subgroup analysis in symptomatic patients with CL between 15 and 30 mm. Results: We detected superior SP and PPV in the PAMG-1 compared to CL group at all time points. SN was higher in the CL group and NPV was similar in both groups. PAMG-1 performance was confirmed within the subgroup (CL: 15 – 30 mm) of symptomatic patients, where CL measurements are at least accurate predicting preterm birth. Conclusions: The novel PAMG-1 test has a high PPV and SP compared to other commercially available bed-side tests. Our study suggests clinical usefulness of the PAMG-1 test, especially in addition to cervix length measurements. Its utilization may reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and overtreatment.

Cervicovaginal Fluid Acetate: A Metabolite Marker of Preterm Birth in Symptomatic Pregnant Women.

Changes in vaginal microbiota that is associated with preterm birth (PTB) leave specific metabolite fingerprints that can be detected in the cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) using metabolomics techniques. In this study, we characterize and validate the CVF metabolite profile of pregnant women presenting with symptoms of threatened preterm labor (PTL) by both 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and enzyme-based spectrophotometry. We also determine their predictive capacity for PTB, singly, and in combination, with current clinical screening tools – cervicovaginal fetal fibronectin (FFN) and ultrasound cervical length (CL). CVF was obtained by high-vaginal swabs from 82 pregnant women with intact fetal membranes presenting between 24 and 36 weeks gestation with symptoms of threatened, but not established, PTL. Dissolved CVF samples were scanned with a 400 MHz NMR spectrometer. Acetate and other metabolites were identified in the NMR spectrum, integrated for peak area, and normalized to the total spectrum integral. To confirm and validate our observations, acetate concentrations (AceConc) were also determined from a randomly-selected subset of the same samples (n = 57), by spectrophotometric absorption of NADH using an acetic acid assay kit. CVF FFN level, transvaginal ultrasound CL, and vaginal pH were also ascertained. Acetate normalized integral and AceConc were significantly higher in the women who delivered preterm compared to their term counterparts (P = 0.002 and P = 0.006, respectively). The 1H-NMR-derived acetate integrals were strongly correlated with the AceConc estimated by spectrophotometry (r = 0.69; P < 0.0001). Both methods were equally predictive of PTB <37 weeks (acetate integral: AUC = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.60–0.91; AceConc: AUC = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.57–0.90, optimal predictive cutoff of >0.53 g/l), and of delivery within 2 weeks of the index assessment (acetate integral: AUC = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.58–0.96; AceConc: AUC = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.5–0.9). The predictive accuracy of CVF acetate was similar to CL and FFN. The combination of CVF acetate, FFN, and ultrasound CL in a binary logistic regression model improved the prediction of PTB compared to the three markers individually, but CVF acetate offered no predictive improvement over ultrasound CL combined with CVF FFN. Elevated CVF acetate in women with symptoms of PTL appears predictive of preterm delivery, as well as delivery within 2 weeks of presentation. An assay of acetate in CVF may prove of clinical utility for predicting PTB.

An Educational Intervention to Improve Physician Confidence and Knowledge About Transvaginal Sonographic Cervical Assessment in Obstetric Patients

Local Mentor: David Forstein, DO APGO Advisors: Jody Steinauer, MD, MAS, and Sonya Erickson, MD PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of an educational intervention about transvaginal sonographic cervical length (CL) measurement on obstetrics and gynecology residents' confidence and knowledge. BACKGROUND: Preterm labor admissions are costly. Transvaginal ultrasound measurement of CL has a high negative predictive value for preterm delivery, and can help triage patients with symptoms. Education about transvaginal CL measurement may increase use of this screening tool when triaging patients with preterm labor symptoms. METHODS: This was a before and after study of OB/Gyn residents at a single institution. The intervention consisted of an educational module adapted from a preexisting module from AIUM. Nine pre- and post-test questions evaluated knowledge. Residents were asked about their confidence with each answer and in doing CL measurements. Chi-squared tests were used to compare proportions and ordinal data, and Wilcoxon rank sum test the proportion of correct answers. RESULTS: Twenty-one residents participated. The proportion of residents answering 89% or more of the questions correctly increased from 5% before to 81% (P&lt;.01). The level of confidence about answers to knowledge-based questions about the technique increased significantly, (P&lt;.01) however confidence in doing CL measurement did not change, with 52% of residents saying they were not confident before and 38% after the intervention (P=.4). DISCUSSION: An educational module can increase knowledge about the utility and performance of cervical length measurement, but does not change confidence in doing the measurement. Future efforts should include curricula to teach the actual measurement.

To Evaluate Efficacy of Sonographic Cervical Length to Predict Preterm Labour

Background: Preterm birth is a major challenges faced by obstetricians worldwide during their practice. Preterm birth is one of a leading direct cause of neonatal death (27%) and more than one million preterm newborns die annually due to various complications. This study done to look for diagnostic efficacy of sonographic cervical length to predict preterm labour. Methods: A prospective study comprised of a total of 132 pregnant women with a singleton foetus with symptoms of preterm labour. Sonographic trans-cervical length measurement taken in all patients. Results: Out of which 17 patients were lost during follow up, 3 patients develop premature rupture of membrane. Hence, a study was conducted over 112 patients. Among these 62 patients went in preterm labour and 50 patients delivered at term. For predicting preterm delivery, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of cervical length was 82.2%, 74%, 79.6% and 77%. Conclusion: Sonographic cervical length is a good predictor. Patients with reduced cervical length are more likely to deliver preterm.

Which Factors Contribute to False-Positive, False-Negative, and Invalid Results in Fetal Fibronectin Testing in Women with Symptoms of Preterm Labor?

Objective We assessed the influence of external factors on false-positive, false-negative, and invalid fibronectin results in the prediction of spontaneous delivery within 7 days. Methods We studied symptomatic women between 24 and 34 weeks' gestational age. We performed uni- and multivariable logistic regression to estimate the effect of external factors (vaginal soap, digital examination, transvaginal sonography, sexual intercourse, vaginal bleeding) on the risk of false-positive, false-negative, and invalid results, using spontaneous delivery within 7 days as the outcome. Results Out of 708 women, 237 (33%) had a false-positive result; none of the factors showed a significant association. Vaginal bleeding increased the proportion of positive fetal fibronectin (fFN) results, but was significantly associated with a lower risk of false-positive test results (odds ratio [OR], 0.22; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 0.12-0.39). Ten women (1%) had a false-negative result. None of the investigated factors was significantly associated with a significantly higher risk of false-negative results. Twenty-one tests (3%) were invalid; only vaginal bleeding showed a significant association (OR, 4.5; 95% CI, 1.7-12). Conclusion The effect of external factors on the performance of qualitative fFN testing is limited, with vaginal bleeding as the only factor that reduces its validity.

Repeat Measurement of Cervical Length in Women with Threatened Preterm Labor.

To examine the value of a repeat measurement some days after the first cervical length measurement done at the time of preterm contractions. Retrospective study involving women with singleton pregnancies who presented with preterm contractions at 24 to 33 + 6 weeks of gestation. The cervical length was measured at the time of presentation and some days afterwards. The study population consisted of 17 cases with a preterm delivery within 14 days and 288 uneventful pregnancies. Univariate logistic regression analysis indicated a significant correlation between delivery within 14 days and both, the first and second cervical length measurements as well as the difference between the two measurements. Up to a false positive rate of 20 %, ROC curve analysis showed an improved detection rate for preterm delivery by inluding both measurements. At a false positive rate of 10 % - which corresponds to a first and second cervical length of 10 and 9 mm - the detection rate was 17.6 % with the first cervical length measurement, 47.0 % with the second and 52.9 % if the difference between both measurements was added. Our results indicate that in women with symptoms of preterm labor it is worth to repeat the measurement some days later and to take into account the difference between both measurements.