Research article summary (published 30 Aug 2009):

Prediction of spontaneous preterm birth in asymptomatic twin pregnancies with the use of combined fetal fibronectin and cervical length.

Full Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate combined fetal fibronectin (fFN) test result and cervical length (CL) as predictors of spontaneous preterm birth in asymptomatic twin pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN: We examined a retrospective cohort of 155 twin pregnancies with combined fFN and CL testing between 22 and 32 weeks gestation. RESULTS: A positive fFN test result at 22-32 weeks or a CL <20 mm increased the risk of spontaneous preterm birth at <37, <34, <32, <30, and <28 weeks' gestation. The combination of a positive fFN test result and CL<20 mm had a significantly higher positive predictive value for delivery at all gestational ages than either positive test alone. On adjusted analysis, a positive fFN test result was a stronger predictor of spontaneous preterm birth than a short CL. CONCLUSION: In asymptomatic twin pregnancies, fFN and CL testing between 22 and 32 weeks gestation can identify pregnancies that are at significantly increased risk for preterm birth, including deliveries at <28 weeks' gestation.

Author information

Author/s: Fox, Nathan S (NS); Saltzman, Daniel H (DH); Klauser, Chad K (CK); Peress, Danielle (D); Gutierrez, Christina V (CV); Rebarber, Andrei (A);

Affiliation: Maternal Fetal Medicine Associates, PLLC, New York, NY 10128, USA.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: American journal of obstetrics and gynecology (Am J Obstet Gynecol), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Sep; vol 201 (issue 3) : pp 313.e1-5

Dates: Created 2009/09/07; Completed 2009/10/08;

PMID: 19733285, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 10/8/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adult Cervix Uteri - anatomy & histology; ultrasonography Female Fibronectins - analysis Gestational Age Humans Predictive Value of Tests

Predictive Value of Tests Pregnancy Pregnancy, Multiple Premature Birth - epidemiology Proportional Hazards Models Risk Assessment Ultrasonography, Prenatal

Associated Chemicals: Fibronectins (0)

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