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Association between preterm birth and increased maternal plasma cortisol concentrations
M Mazor1, W Chaim, R Hershkowitz
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka Medical Center of Kupat Holim, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|October 1, 1994
Summary
Maternal plasma cortisol levels are higher in women experiencing preterm labor and delivery. However, amniotic fluid cortisol concentrations do not differ significantly, suggesting labor stress may elevate maternal cortisol.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive endocrinology
- Maternal-fetal medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Preterm labor is a significant concern in obstetrics.
- Cortisol plays a crucial role in stress response and labor initiation.
- Understanding cortisol dynamics in preterm labor is essential for clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify amniotic fluid (AF) and maternal plasma cortisol levels in women with preterm labor and intact membranes.
- To compare these levels between women who delivered preterm and those who delivered at term.
Main Methods:
- Amniocentesis was performed on 38 women with preterm labor and intact membranes (32-36 weeks' gestation).
- Participants were divided into two groups: preterm delivery within 1 week and term delivery.
- Maternal plasma and AF cortisol concentrations were measured using radioimmunoassay kits.
Main Results:
- Median plasma cortisol was significantly higher in the preterm delivery group (260 ng/mL) compared to the term delivery group (240 ng/mL).
- No significant difference in median AF cortisol concentrations was observed between the two groups (13 ng/mL vs. 14 ng/mL).
Conclusions:
- Elevated maternal plasma cortisol in preterm labor may indicate a stress response.
- Amniotic fluid cortisol levels do not appear to change significantly in preterm labor.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the role of cortisol in preterm birth mechanisms.