Quantifying Fetal Fibronectin: A Better Window into Preterm Birth Risk?

Quantitative FFN was better than traditional qualitative assays for predicting preterm birth in high-risk, asymptomatic women.

Measurement of fetal fibronectin (FFN) in maternal cervicovaginal fluid to foretell risk for spontaneous preterm birth has traditionally relied on a 50-ng/mL threshold. To determine whether quantifying different FFN levels would be better for predicting risk, U.K. investigators conducted a prospective, observational study in 1448 asymptomatic women with singleton pregnancies and risk factors for preterm birth who underwent quantitative FFN testing of cervicovaginal fluid between 22 0/7 and 27 6/7 weeks' gestation. FFN levels were grouped into five categories ranging from <10 ng/mL to ≥500 ng/mL.

Preterm birth rates increased with FFN concentration, from 3% at 10 ng/mL to 48% at ≥500 ng/mL. As a threshold, 200 ng/mL had a positive predictive …

Reviewing Author

Diane J. Angelini, EdD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN, NEA-BC

Disclosures

RoyaltiesOB Triage: Emergency Care Protocols (Springer Publications)

Editorial boardsJournal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing

Diane J. Angelini, EdD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN, NEA-BC

Disclosures

RoyaltiesOB Triage: Emergency Care Protocols (Springer Publications)

Editorial boardsJournal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing

Quantifying Fetal Fibronectin: A Better Window into Preterm Birth Risk?

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Reviewing Author