STUDY OF CERVICOVAGINAL FETAL FIBRONECTIN STATUS TO GUIDE TREATMENT OF THREATENED PRETERM LABOR

A sequential controlled pilot study of 48 women (16 study, 32 controls ) was performed to explore the place of bedside fetal fibronectin test ing in the managment of appal:ent preterm labour; 80% of the study gro up were successfully managed without tocolytic therapy, on the basis o f fetal fibronectin test results, without detriment to the babies. Rap id bedside fetal fibronectin testing holds promise that protocols for management of women in apparent preterm labour, with intact membranes and without significant cervical dilatation, may be altered so that mo st of the unnecessary use of tocolytic drugs is avoided.