title: Elevated amniotic fluid stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha (SDF-1alpha) concentration in mid-gestation as a predictor of adverse birth outcomes.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study aimed to predict maternal and neonatal outcomes by measuring mid-trimester amniotic fluid stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha (SDF-1alpha) concentration in healthy women.
  
  
  METHODS
  Mid-trimester amniotic fluid samples from healthy women with a singleton pregnancy were obtained at the time of genetic amniocenteses. SDF-1alpha concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Maternal and neonatal characteristics were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 210 samples were collected. According to the SDF-1alpha cutoff value established by the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (< 6.42 vs. > or = 6.42 pg/mL), there was a trend toward higher preterm birth rate, lower birth weight and lower 1-minute and 5-minute Apgar scores when SDF-1alpha levels increased (p < 0.05). The pair comparison between normal and selected pregnancy disorders (gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and abnormal placentation) showed no statistical significance (p > 0.05). Pearson's correlations of SDF-1alpha to gestational age at delivery (r = -0.151) and birth weight (r = -0.194) were significant (p < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis on mid-trimester SDF-1alpha levels, maternal age at sampling (regression coefficient = -0.163) and 1-minute Apgar score (< 7 vs. > or = 7, regression coefficient = 2.028) were both significant (p < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Increased SDF-1alpha levels in mid-trimester amniotic fluid suggest a possible role in predicting pregnant women at risk of adverse neonatal outcomes including higher preterm birth rate, lower birth weight, and lower Apgar scores.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C. t1018@vghtc.gov.tw
authors.forename: Jenn-Jhy
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Tseng
authors.forename: Ya-Fang
authors.initials: YF
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Yeun-Ting
authors.initials: YT
authors.lastname: Hsieh
authors.forename: Min-Min
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Chou
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000737:chemistry*; D001034:Apgar Score; D054377:Chemokine CXCL12 / Q000032:analysis* / Q000502:physiology; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D011247:Pregnancy; D047928:Premature Birth
chemical_list: D054377:Chemokine CXCL12