CERVICAL FETAL FIBRONECTIN CORRELATES TO CERVICAL RIPENING

Aim of study. It is well established that the cervical ripeness is of great prognostic value at labor induction. The available methods of me asuring the cervical ripeness are not satisfactory. This study was the refore initiated to investigate if there is any correlation between ce rvical fetal fibronectin and cervical ripening at term. Method Three g roups were included in this study: women with unripe cervices, women w ith spontaneous cervical ripening and those with PGE(2)-induced cervic al ripening. Fetal fibronectin was measured by ELIZA after sampling fr om the cervical canal. Results. The cervical fetal fibronectin was low in women with unripe cervices. In women with favorable cervices a ten fold higher level was found. The fibronectin level was even higher af ter PGE(2)-induced ripening. Conclusion. Conclusively an increased amo unt of cervical fetal fib ronectin is registered during the cervical r ipening process. A level of >0.80 mu g/ml of cervical fetal fibronecti n seems to indicate a favorable cervix.