International Journal of Health Sciences

Predicting Preterm delivery by Measuring plasma Fibronectin Concentration
Sedighe Forouhari, Seyede Zahra Ghaemi, Marjan Azadian, Dr. Mohammad Ebrahim, Dr. Ebrahim Sarvestani, Azam Jokar, MehrabSayadi

Abstract
Preterm delivery is the most prevalent cause of fetus mortality and has considerable social and psychological effects for the family as well as the society. Sometimes, the reasons of preterm delivery are unknown. The influential factors, their prediction and prevention are not profoundly realized. Recognizing women who are at risk of preterm delivery is the first effective step in preventing preterm birth. We aimed to determine the diagnostic value of plasma concentration of fibronectin in diagnosing preterm delivery. This case-control study was conducted on79 pregnant primigravida women who were in their 24-34 weeks of gestation. The women were selected by simple sampling and divided into three groups. Medical, demographic, and midwifery data were studied along with the measurements of fibronectin plasma level. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann- Whitney tests and the ROC diagram were used as appropriated. P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. The mean (±SD) plasma fibronectin level was 1320 ( 547) Mg/ml in the women with pretermdelivery and708 ( 301) ng/mlin those with term delivery(P<0.001). Based on ROC diagram, the best cut-off point for fibronectin concentration in predicting pretermdelivery was determined as 700.The sensitivity, specificity, positive predicting value, and negative predicting value for this test were 100%,61.1%,54.3%, and 100%, respectively. Fibronectin plasma level in women with preterm delivery was significantly higher than those with term delivery. Considering the high sensitivity of the cut-off point, this test could be regarded as a screening test for diagnosing pretermdelivery due to its accuracy and ease.

Full Text: PDF