OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate the usefulness of testing for fetal fibronectin (fFN) to rule out the diagnosis of preterm labour in symptomatic patients in a Canadian setting. METHODS: This was a prospective, blinded clinical evaluation of fFN testing in women presenting with threatened preterm labour at between 24 and 34 weeks' gestation at two Canadian tertiary care centres. RESULTS: Of the 149 women tested, 32 had a positive fFN test. In the total patient population, 10.1% delivered within seven days of testing, and 18.2% delivered prior to 34 weeks. A negative fFN result was associated with a 97.4% likelihood of delivering more than seven days after testing and with a 91.4% chance of delivering after 34 weeks. CONCLUSION: The fFN test appears to provide useful information in the risk assessment of Canadian women presenting with symptoms compatible with preterm labour. A negative test has a high predictive value for delivering more than seven days after presentation.
OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate the usefulness of testing for fetal fibronectin (fFN) to rule out the diagnosis of preterm labour in symptomatic patients in a Canadian setting. METHODS: This was a prospective, blinded clinical evaluation of fFN testing in women presenting with threatened preterm labour at between 24 and 34 weeks' gestation at two Canadian tertiary care centres. RESULTS: Of the 149 women tested, 32 had a positive fFN test. In the total patient population, 10.1% delivered within seven days of testing, and 18.2% delivered prior to 34 weeks. A negative fFN result was associated with a 97.4% likelihood of delivering more than seven days after testing and with a 91.4% chance of delivering after 34 weeks. CONCLUSION: The fFN test appears to provide useful information in the risk assessment of Canadian women presenting with symptoms compatible with preterm labour. A negative test has a high predictive value for delivering more than seven days after presentation.
Authors: Cyril C Ikeoha; Chidebe C Anikwe; Osita S Umeononihu; Bartholomew C Okorochukwu; Johnbosco E Mamah; George U Eleje; Chukwuemeka O Ezeama; Basil I Nwokoye; Chigozie F Okoroafor; Ikechukwu S Ugwoke Journal: Biomed Res Int Date: 2022-09-15 Impact factor: 3.246
Authors: Wendy E Peterson; Ann E Sprague; Jessica Reszel; Mark Walker; Deshayne B Fell; Sherry L Perkins; Sandra I Dunn; Moya Johnson Journal: BMC Pregnancy Childbirth Date: 2014-06-04 Impact factor: 3.007