title: The acute phase response to parturition: a cross-sectional study in Zimbabwe.
abstract: Parturition triggers an acute phase response, but its magnitude, duration and predictors are not well described. We determined serum alpha1-antichymotrypsin (ACT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) among 216 women attending postpartum services in south-eastern Zimbabwe. Serum CRP peaked during the first week and serum ACT around 9 days postpartum. Serum ACT, but not serum CRP, was lower among HIV infected women. Multiparity was a negative, and preterm delivery and caesarean section were positive predictors of both serum ACT and CRP. There is a need for a better understanding of the acute phase response to parturition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 30, 1958 Frederiksberg, Denmark. hfr@life.ku.dk
authors.forename: Henrik
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Friis
authors.forename: Exnevia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gomo
authors.forename: Wilson
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Mashange
authors.forename: Norman
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Nyazema
authors.forename: Pernille
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kostel
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Wieringa
authors.forename: Henrik
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Krarup
mesh_terms: D000210:Acute-Phase Reaction / Q000097:blood*; D000328:Adult; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D036801:Parturition / Q000097:blood*; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D055815:Young Adult; D015030:Zimbabwe; D000514:alpha 1-Antichymotrypsin / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D000514:alpha 1-Antichymotrypsin; D002097:C-Reactive Protein