title: Evaluation of quantitative fFn test in predicting the risk of preterm birth.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate diagnostic accuracy of quantitative fetal fibronectin (qfFN) test in predicting preterm birth (PTB) risk <34 weeks' gestation or within 14 days from testing. We explored the predictive potential of the test in five-predefined PTB risk categories based on predefined qfFN thresholds (<10, 10-49, 50-199, 200-499 and ≥500 ng/mL).
  
  
  METHODS
  Measurement of cervicovaginal qfFN with Rapid fFN 10Q System (Hologic) in 126 women with singleton pregnancy (23-33 weeks' gestation) reporting signs and symptoms indicative of preterm labour (PTL).
  
  
  RESULTS
  For PTB prediction risk <34 weeks' gestation, sensitivity decreased from 100% to 41.7% and specificity increased from 0% to 99.1% with increasing fFN thresholds. Positive predictive value (PPV) increased from 9.5% to 83.3% with increasing qfFN thresholds, while negative predictive value (NPV) was higher than 90% among the fFN-predefined categories. Diagnostic accuracy results showed an area under a receiving operator characteristic (ROC) curve of 84.5% (95% CI, 0.770-0.903). For delivery prediction within 14 days from the testing, sensitivity decreased from 100% to 42.8% and specificity increased from 0% to 100% with increasing fFN thresholds. Diagnostic accuracy determined by the ROC curve was 66.1% (95% CI, 0.330-0.902).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The QfFN thresholds of tests are a useful tool to distinguish pregnant women for PTB prediction risk <34 weeks' gestation.
authors.forename: Michela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Centra
authors.forename: Giuliana
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Coata
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Picchiassi
authors.forename: Luisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Alfonsi
authors.forename: Samanta
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Meniconi
authors.forename: Vittorio
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Bini
authors.forename: Maria Rosaria
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Di Tommaso
authors.forename: Mauro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cozzolino
authors.forename: Fabio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Facchinetti
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ferrari
authors.forename: Maria Teresa
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Gervasi
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rusconi
authors.forename: Tullia
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Todros
authors.forename: Valentina
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Frisina
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Rizzo
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bisulli
authors.forename: Gian Carlo
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Di Renzo
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005353:Fibronectins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D005353:Fibronectins