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C-reactive protein: a serological marker for preterm delivery?
Gitte B Hvilsom1, Poul Thorsen, Bernard Jeune
1Department of Epidemiology, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense. Gitte@hvilsom.dk
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica
|May 25, 2002
Summary
High C-reactive protein levels in early pregnancy are linked to an increased risk of preterm delivery. This finding suggests a potential early marker for predicting premature birth, though clinical utility is currently limited.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Investigating the association between maternal serum C-reactive protein (CRP) in early pregnancy and preterm delivery.
- CRP is an inflammatory marker with potential implications in pregnancy outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if elevated C-reactive protein levels in the first half of pregnancy predict preterm delivery.
- To quantify the risk associated with high CRP levels for preterm birth.
Main Methods:
- Prospective nested case-control study.
- Included 84 singleton preterm deliveries (cases) and 400 singleton term deliveries (controls).
- Maternal serum CRP levels measured in early second trimester (median 16.3 weeks gestation).
Main Results:
- Statistically significant differences in CRP levels between preterm and term delivery groups.
- Odds ratios for preterm delivery ranged from 1.7 to 2.0 based on CRP cut-off values.
- CRP levels at the 85th percentile (7.6 mg/l) showed an odds ratio of 2.0 (95% CI, 1.2-3.5).
Conclusions:
- Elevated C-reactive protein in early pregnancy is associated with a nearly twofold increased risk of preterm delivery.
- CRP may serve as an early predictive marker for preterm birth.
- The current clinical value of CRP for predicting preterm delivery remains limited.