Volume 201, Issue 3 , Pages 313.e1-313.e5, September 2009
Prediction of spontaneous preterm birth in asymptomatic twin pregnancies with the use of combined fetal fibronectin and cervical length
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.
Key words: cervical length, fetal fibronectin, prediction, preterm birth, twins
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Authorship and contribution to the article is limited to the 6 authors indicated. There was no outside funding or technical assistance with the production of this article.
Cite this article as: Fox NS, Saltzman DH, Klauser CK, et al. Prediction of spontaneous preterm birth in asymptomatic twin pregnancies with the use of combined fetal fibronectin and cervical length. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2009;201:313.e1-5.
PII: S0002-9378(09)00640-1
doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2009.06.018
© 2009 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.
Volume 201, Issue 3 , Pages 313.e1-313.e5, September 2009
