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Published on: June 24, 2020
Amniotic-fluid Lactoferrin: A Marker for Subclinical Intraamniotic Infection Prior to 32 Weeks Gestation
K A Heller1, P C Greig, R P Heine
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA USA.
Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Amniotic fluid lactoferrin levels can indicate subclinical intraamniotic infection in preterm labor. Elevated levels (>2.5 mug/ml) before 32 weeks suggest infection, aiding clinical decisions.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Lactoferrin, a glycoprotein from activated neutrophils, is involved in infection responses.
- Subclinical intraamniotic infection (IAI) is a concern in preterm labor (PTL).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if amniotic fluid (AF) lactoferrin levels are elevated in PTL patients with subclinical IAI.
- To assess the diagnostic potential of AF lactoferrin for IAI in PTL.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure AF lactoferrin levels.
- AF samples were collected from 186 pregnant patients across four groups: term/no labor, preterm/no labor, PTL with IAI, and PTL without IAI.
Main Results:
- AF lactoferrin levels increased in normal gestation after 31 weeks (P < 0.0001).
- In PTL patients at ≤31 weeks, infected patients had significantly higher lactoferrin levels than non-infected patients (P = 0.005).
- An AF lactoferrin level >2.5 mug/ml showed 82% sensitivity and 83% specificity for IAI in PTL patients before 32 weeks.
Conclusions:
- AF lactoferrin levels rise normally after 31 weeks gestation.
- Elevated AF lactoferrin (>2.5 mug/ml) before 32 weeks strongly suggests IAI in PTL patients.
- AF lactoferrin may serve as a clinical marker to guide management of PTL patients, including potential antimicrobial therapy or closer monitoring.
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