Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences (Jan 2005)
Cervicovaginal beta human chorionic gonadotropin as a marker for prediction of preterm delivery
Abstract
Background and purpose: New biochemical markers(Fibronection, esteriol, à- feto protein,…) to predict spontaneous preterm birth give a more precise and earlier diagnosis than the usual ones( previous history, risk scoring system,…) there are many women with no obvois risk factors who deliver prematurely. The main purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between preterm delivery and cervicovaginal beta human chorionic gonadotropin(beta- h.c.g) levels.Material and Methods: The study was a nested case control undertaken on 304 pregnant women attending the health centers of Sari, Mazandaran, Iran. Cervicovaginal (beta-h.c.g) titers were measured in 83 high risk women at 24-28 week’s of gestation. Based on getational age (GA) at delivery they allocated in case (GA<34 weeks) and control ≥37 weeks) groups. Beta-h.c.g levels were analyzed and compared in two groups. Odd’s ratioes were calculated..Results: 83(27.3%) high risk pregnant women were selected from a total of 304 participants. 36 ( 43. 37%)subjects delivered at or before 34 weeks of cervicovaginal beta h.c.g showed a range of 0-186 mIU/ml with an optimal cut- off value of 25, Odd’s ratio for gestational age <37 was 3.016 (CI= 1.12-8.06, 95%). There was a correlation between preterm delivery (gestational age<37) and cervicovaginal beta h.c.g titer in 24-28 weeks of gestation. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of the test as a predictor of preterm delivery were 41.67%, 80.85%, 62.5%, and 64.41% respectively.Conclusion: A high sensitivity was not attained in this for the cervicovaginal secretions beta- hcg levels in order to predict preterm delivery, hence further investigation are required to elucidate all aspects of the subjects.
