The association of subclinical infection with preterm labor: the role of C-reactive protein.

Abstract

The role of subclinical intrauterine infection in preterm labor was evaluated prospectively in 40 patients and appropriate control subjects. The 24 preterm labor patients (60%) with a negative C-reactive protein value responded to tocolysis 95.8% of the time, with a mean delay of delivery of 35.5 days and a mean gestational age of 36.9 weeks. The 16 patients (40%) with a positive C-reactive protein value responded to tocolysis only 37.5% of the time, with a mean delay of delivery of 14.4 days and a mean gestational age of 33.2 weeks. Pathologic evidence of chorioamnionitis was present in 32.9% of 310 preterm deliveries as compared to only 22.3% of 1631 term deliveries. The presence of subclinical infection must be considered in cases of preterm labor, especially among patients for whom tocolytic therapy is unsuccessful.

• Authors: R K Potkul, A H Moawad, K L Ponto
• Journal: American journal of obstetrics and gynecology (Am J Obstet Gynecol) Vol. 153 Issue 6 Pg. 642-5 (Nov 15 1985) ISSN: 0002-9378 [Print] United States
• PMID: 4061533 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• C-Reactive Protein

Topics

• Adult
• C-Reactive Protein
• Chorioamnionitis (complications, diagnosis)
• Female
• Gestational Age
• Humans
• Obstetric Labor, Premature (etiology)
• Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Complications, Infectious (diagnosis)
• Prospective Studies