Serum ferritin level as a marker of preterm labor

Objective: To compare the serum ferritin levels in women with preterm labor (PTL) or preterm premature rupture of membranes with those in normal gravi d women. Method: The study group consisted of 50 consecutive subjects with preterm labor and 49 subjects with preterm premature rupture of membranes ( PROM). The control group consisted of 50 subjects matched with the study gr oup for hemoglobin (Hb) and gestation who did not have PTL or preterm FROM. Serum ferritin levels were assayed in both the groups. Results: Mean serum ferritin levels in patients with preterm labor and preterm premature ruptu re of membranes were 23.24 +/- 12.13 ng/ml and 29.44 +/- 28.41 ng/ml, respe ctively. The mean serum ferritin in control subjects was 8.69 +/- 3.7 ng/ml . The difference was evaluated by Student's t-test and was found to be stat istically significant. Conclusion: The serum ferritin level is significantl y raised in pregnant women with preterm labor and preterm FROM. (C) 2000 In ternational Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. All rights reserved.