A diagnostic profile on the PartoSure test

Introduction: Preterm birth (PTB) is common, occurring in over 10% of all live births globally, and is increasing worldwide. The limitations of traditional biomarkers of PTB, such as fetal fibronectin (fFN) and phosphorylated insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 (phIGFBP-1) have been well demonstrated in the literature. Therefore, augmenting clinical assessment with newer biomarkers, such as placental alpha macroglobulin-1 (PAMG-1); PartoSure, has the potential to improve disease monitoring and the best interventions. Areas covered: The present expert opinion evaluates the utility and limitations of PAMG-1; PartoSure as a biomarker for PTB in light of the current literature. Expert opinion: Although fFN, phIGFBP-1 and PAMG-1; PartoSure test had similar negative predictive value (NPV) and negative likelihood ratio (LR-), the PAMG-1; PartoSure test had the highest specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and positive likelihood ratio (LR+) across all at-risk pregnant women. Although findings of this review may be encouraging, the PartoSure test should not be interpreted as absolute evidence for prediction of PTB. The PartoSure test result should always be used in conjunction with information available from the clinical evaluation of the pregnant woman and other diagnostic procedures such as cervical examination, assessment of uterine activity, and evaluation of other risk factors.