Maternal serum levels of macrophage colony-stimulating factor are associated with adverse pregnancy outcome

Objective: The aim of this study was the measurement of maternal serum leve ls of M-CSF throughout pregnancy, in a low risk obstetrical population, to examine the relationship of M-CSF and pregnancy outcome. Study design: Mate rnal serum was obtained at various stages of pregnancy and post partum, M-C SF levels were measured by ELISA, pertinent clinical data tabulated, and pr egnancy outcome was determined. Results: In 564 pregnancies studied, 22% of 260 nulliparous pregnancies and 10% of 304 multiparous pregnancies were hy pertensive. Preeclampsia occurred in 1.5% of nulliparous and in 1% of the m ultiparous women. In apparently normal pregnancies with good outcome, M-CSF levels rose throughout pregnancy. No cases of preeclampsia occurred if mat ernal serum M-CSF levels increased more than 100% throughout pregnancy. Con clusions: This study suggests that absolute levels and relative changes in maternal serum M-CSF levels during pregnancy are associated with adverse pr egnancy outcomes. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserve d.