TY - JOUR
T1 - Biochemical markers for the prediction of preterm birth
AU - Goldenberg, Robert L.
AU - Goepfert, Alice R.
AU - Ramsey, Patrick S.
PY - 2005/5
Y1 - 2005/5
N2 - The prediction of preterm birth may be important (1) to initiate risk specific treatment; (2) to define a population that is at risk in which to study a particular treatment; or (3) to better understand the pathways that lead to preterm birth. Biologic fluids that have been used as sources for tests include serum, plasma, amniotic fluid, urine, vaginal and cervical secretions, saliva, and even periodontal fluid. We discuss the types of substances that are found in body fluids (eg, organisms, cytokines, enzymes, hormones) that have been studied as predictors of preterm birth, the fluids in which they are found, and issues that are related to the timing of the test, the cost, and the ease of fluid collection and processing. We emphasize that a test for any of these substances should not be introduced into clinical practice until the use of the test, which is followed by an appropriate intervention, leads to a reduction in preterm birth.
AB - The prediction of preterm birth may be important (1) to initiate risk specific treatment; (2) to define a population that is at risk in which to study a particular treatment; or (3) to better understand the pathways that lead to preterm birth. Biologic fluids that have been used as sources for tests include serum, plasma, amniotic fluid, urine, vaginal and cervical secretions, saliva, and even periodontal fluid. We discuss the types of substances that are found in body fluids (eg, organisms, cytokines, enzymes, hormones) that have been studied as predictors of preterm birth, the fluids in which they are found, and issues that are related to the timing of the test, the cost, and the ease of fluid collection and processing. We emphasize that a test for any of these substances should not be introduced into clinical practice until the use of the test, which is followed by an appropriate intervention, leads to a reduction in preterm birth.
KW - Biologic fluid
KW - Preterm birth
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=18844361913&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=18844361913&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.ajog.2005.02.015
DO - 10.1016/j.ajog.2005.02.015
M3 - Article
C2 - 15891711
AN - SCOPUS:18844361913
SN - 0002-9378
VL - 192
SP - S36-S46
JO - American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
JF - American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
IS - 5 SPEC. ISS.
ER -