Oncofetal fibronectin in patients with false labor as a predictor of preterm delivery.
Publication/Presentation Date
2-1-1993
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine whether fetal fibronectin is a discriminator for preterm labor and early delivery in women who have intact membranes and uterine activity.
STUDY DESIGN: In our prospective study 28 women between 24 and 34 weeks' gestation with regular, persistent uterine contractions (> 10/hr) and intact membranes were assessed for presence of fetal fibronectin. A Dacron swab was applied to the external os for 10 seconds. The cervix was < or = 1 cm, and all patients were diagnosed as having false labor. The assay was performed by using monoclonal antibody FDC-6 to bind fetal fibronectin.
RESULTS: Of the 28 patients with false labor, 14 had a positive fetal fibronectin, and all had preterm labor (specificity and positive predictive value 100%). Of these, nine delivered preterm, yielding a specificity and positive predictive value of 72% and 64%, respectively. Among the 14 women with a negative fetal fibronectin, only four developed preterm labor (sensitivity 78%, negative predictive value 71%). One patient delivered preterm at 34 weeks (sensitivity 90% and negative predictive value 93%).
CONCLUSIONS: A positive fetal fibronectin in women who have false labor indicates a significant risk for preterm labor and early delivery. A negative fetal fibronectin is a reassuring sign.
Volume
168
Issue
2
First Page
538
Last Page
542
ISSN
0002-9378
Published In/Presented At
Morrison, J. C., Allbert, J. R., McLaughlin, B. N., Whitworth, N. S., Roberts, W. E., & Martin, R. W. (1993). Oncofetal fibronectin in patients with false labor as a predictor of preterm delivery. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 168(2), 538–542. https://doi.org/10.1016/0002-9378(93)90488-5
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
PubMedID
8438924
Department(s)
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Document Type
Article