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Published on: December 18, 2013
Single measurement of salivary estriol as a predictor of preterm birth
Insights
Salivary estriol measurement can help predict preterm birth. High levels indicate risk, while low levels suggest a lower likelihood, aiding in avoiding unnecessary interventions.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Preterm birth is a significant challenge in obstetrics and pediatrics.
- Accurate prediction methods are crucial for timely intervention and improved outcomes.
- Salivary estriol is being explored as a non-invasive biomarker for preterm birth prediction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the predictive value of a single salivary estriol measurement for preterm birth.
- To determine the relationship between salivary estriol levels and the occurrence of preterm birth.
- To assess the diagnostic accuracy of salivary estriol in identifying pregnant women at risk for preterm delivery.
Main Methods:
- Salivary specimens were collected from 466 pregnant women between 25-34 weeks of gestation.
- Estriol levels were measured in thawed salivary samples.
- A receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve determined the cut-off point (2.6 ng/mL) for salivary estriol.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between salivary estriol levels and preterm birth (χ2 = 10.636, p = 0.001).
- The estriol (+) group (≥2.6 ng/mL) had 18.3% preterm deliveries, while the estriol (-) group (<2.6 ng/mL) had 8.2%.
- Salivary estriol demonstrated a sensitivity of 62%, specificity of 60%, positive predictive value of 18.3%, and negative predictive value of 82%.
Conclusions:
- A single measurement of salivary estriol between 25-34 weeks gestation has a high negative predictive value.
- This biomarker can help identify women unlikely to experience preterm labor, potentially reducing unnecessary interventions.
- Salivary estriol shows promise as a valuable tool in managing preterm birth risk.
Abstract:
One of the major problems in obstetrics and pediatrics is preterm birth. A new method of prediction of preterm birth is by salivary estriol. This study aimed to determine the predictive value of single measurement of salivary estriol and its relationship with preterm birth. In this study, the salivary specimens of 466 pregnant women of 25-34 weeks gestational age were collected and kept in a freezer until delivery. Consequently, the salivary specimens were thawed and estriol levels were measured. The cut-off point for estriol was determined by a receiver operating characteristics curve. Salivary estriol levels equal to or higher than the cut-off point (2.6 ng m(-1)) were considered as the estriol (+) group and those lower than 2.6 ng mL(-1) were considered as the estriol (-) group. Our findings showed that 36 (18.3%) subjects in the estriol (+) group and 22 (8.2%) subjects in the estriol (-) group had preterm deliveries. There was a significant relationship between salivary estriol levels and preterm birth (χ2 = 10.636, p = 0.001). Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values (positive and negative) of estriol were 62, 60, 18.3 and 82%, respectively. Single measurement of salivary estriol at 25-34 weeks of gestation, with its high negative predictive values, could be beneficial to identify women who will not develop preterm labor. This outcome suggests that unnecessary interventions should be avoided to prevent preterm births.
