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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
07:34
FISH for Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis
Published on: February 23, 2011
From phenotype-based to biology-driven screening for preterm birth risk: an expert European perspective
Gian Carlo Di Renzo1, Nandor Acs2, Jose Luis Bartha3
1PREIS International and European School of Perinatal, Neonatal and Reproductive Medicine, Florence, Italy; Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Perinatal Medicine , I.M. Sechenov First State University of Moscow, Moscow, Russia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
Summary
Preterm birth (PTB) prediction needs better methods beyond clinical factors. A syndromic approach and maternal serum biomarker tests show promise for improving risk screening and reducing adverse outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Preterm birth (PTB) is a major public health issue with significant neonatal morbidity and mortality.
- Current risk screening methods for PTB have limited predictive power due to reliance on clinical factors not present in all affected individuals.
- PTB is a heterogeneous syndrome, necessitating a move beyond single-marker prediction to a more comprehensive biological understanding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the current state of preterm birth risk screening in Europe.
- To advocate for a 'syndromic' approach to PTB risk assessment, acknowledging its heterogeneous nature.
- To explore the potential of maternal serum biomarker tests in improving PTB risk screening.
Main Methods:
- Expert opinion review of current PTB risk screening strategies.
- Discussion of the limitations of clinical risk factors in PTB prediction.
- Introduction of a maternal serum biomarker test (PreTRM®) as a potential solution.
Main Results:
- Current clinical risk factors are insufficient for accurate PTB prediction.
- A syndromic view of PTB is crucial for developing effective screening tools.
- Maternal serum biomarker tests offer a potential advancement in PTB risk assessment.
Conclusions:
- Future PTB risk screening should integrate biological insights beyond clinical indicators.
- A syndromic approach is essential for addressing the complexity of PTB.
- Biomarker tests like PreTRM® may help mitigate PTB and associated neonatal complications.
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