[Unconjugated serum estriol in the prediction of preterm delivery].
OBJECTIVE
The objective was to analyze the serum estriol levels among patients with sings and symptoms of preterm labor and/or preterm rupture of membranes.


METHODS
A prospective study included pregnant women with sings and symptoms of preterm labor. The main end point of the study was the delivery <28 days from testing.


RESULTS
196 patients were included. 116 patients were included in group I (idiopathic preterm labor), 37 patients in group II (PROM) and the control group (group III) consisted of 43 patients. The incidence of preterm delivery was 31% in group I; in the PROM group all the patients delivered preterm. The mean serum estriol levels in all groups were compared regarding delivery <28 days from testing. In group I patients that delivered <28 days had statistically higher serum level of E3 (14.5 ng/ml vs. 11.1 ng/ml, p = 0.03); in group II the mean E3 serum level did not differ significantly (12.5 ng/ml, p = 0.168). The detailed analysis revealed that significant difference was observed in patients tested after completed 30 wk of gestation (15.4 ng/ml vs 12,8 ng/ml, p = 0.043), but not in patients <30 wk of gestation (9,5 ng/ml vs. 10.0 ng/ml, p = 0.842).


CONCLUSIONS
The serum level of E3 seems to have prognostic value in the diagnosis of preterm delivery among symptomatic patients after 30 week of gestation.
Hincz
Piotr
P
Klinika Medycyny Matczyno-Plodowej i Ginekologii, ICZMP w Lodzi. phincz@plusnet.pl
Podciechowski
Lech
L
Bielak
Adam
A
Obuchowska
Lilia
L
Borowski
Dariusz
D
Wilczynski
Jan
J
D000328:Adult; D004964:Estriol / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods; D011446:Prospective Studies
D004964:Estriol