title: Predictors of preterm birth.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This is a systematic review to assess published scientific evidence on preterm birth predictors.
  
  
  METHODS
  An Internet search for predictors of preterm birth was performed and the evidence level of each method was evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There is strong evidence that preterm birth can be predicted using vaginal sonography to evaluate cervical characteristics, fetal fibronectin in cervicovaginal secretions and interleukin-6 in amniotic fluid. There is consistent evidence that digital cervical examination is a weak predictor, and controversy regarding home uterine activity monitoring. There is scanty evidence about the predictive ability of maternal history and perceptions of symptoms since the study design fails to provide high evidence level.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cervical evaluation by vaginal sonography, fetal fibronectin and interleukin-6 are the best methods for predicting preterm birth.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: F G
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Krupa
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Faltin
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Cecatti
authors.forename: F G C
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Surita
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Souza
mesh_terms: D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000737:chemistry*; D005353:Fibronectins / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000032:analysis*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D018670:Monitoring, Ambulatory; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000097:blood; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal; D014590:Uterine Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D014599:Uterus / Q000502:physiology; D014621:Vagina / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging
chemical_list: D005353:Fibronectins; D015850:Interleukin-6