New biotechnologies in the prediction of preterm birth

We compared the diagnostic value of Fn fFN test and PhIGFBP-1(Birth test) a nd IGFBP-1 (PROM test) as markers of FROM and in prediction of preterm labo r with intact membranes. The study population included 120 asymptomatic women (group 1), with gestat ion of 24-34 weeks; we also considered 21 patients with clinically confirme d FROM (group 2) and 26 patients with suspected PROM with gestation between 15 and 24 weeks (group 3) (as measured by sonography data). From our data, it seems that only the predictive value of each test is rela ted to the characteristics of the population considered. The fFn test and the Birth test prove to be highly predictive in pregnant w omen without FROM, on the contrary the use of the FROM test is optimal in p regnant women with suspected FROM or with FROM, regardless of risk factor o r with contractile activity.