[Predictive value of fetal fibronectin for preterm labor].
OBJECTIVE
We evaluated fetal fibronectin levels for the diagnosis of preterm labor.


METHODS
We included 74 randomized patients who were admitted with the diagnosis of preterm labor. Cervical and vaginal fluid samples were washed in buffer solution prior to the introduction of a reactive strip. Results were interpreted after 10 sec. Patients with negative tests were admitted and followed up. Patients who tested positive were treated according to the protocols of each hospital. Finally, the specificity, sensitivity, predictive value, and odds ratio were determined.


RESULTS
Results showed specificity, 90%; sensitivity, 70%; positive predictive value, 64%; negative predictive value, 78%; and odds ratio, 22; 50% were first pregnancies with gestational ages between 22 and 34 weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
We consider that a positive fibronectin test is a useful, low-cost, and reliable tool for diagnosing preterm labor.
Gómez-Bravo Topete
Enrique
E
Hospital Nicolás San Juan, ISEM.
Castillo-Lechuga
Claudia
C
Villegas-Su
Alvaro
A
Briones-Garduño
Jesús Carlos
JC
D000328:Adult; D002584:Cervix Uteri; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005353:Fibronectins / Q000032:analysis; D005865:Gestational Age; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010298:Parity; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy
C403421:FFN protein, human; D005353:Fibronectins; D006023:Glycoproteins