EP02.42: Cervical length and serum insulin‐like factors in second trimester to predict preterm delivery

This study aimed to investigate which ultrasound findings or serum biomarkers, including insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 and 3 (IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-3), in the first and early second trimesters are the best predictors for preterm delivery. This was a case-control study conducted between March 2011 and March 2013 with women presenting for routine antenatal care at 11–18 weeks. We collected serum samples from pregnant women and stored them at −80°C. All patients underwent cervical length measurement at 18–21 weeks. We retrieved frozen samples for analysis from women with subsequent preterm and term delivery. Prediction models were developed using multivariate stepwise logistic regression. Receiver-operating characteristics curves were used to determine the most useful cutoff point. Of the 72 women recruited, 24 women (33%) underwent spontaneous preterm delivery, and 48 women with term delivery were randomly selected as the control group, in a 1:2 ratio. The maternal serum concentration of IGFBP-3 and cervical length were significantly associated with preterm birth. Among the various known ultrasound findings and serum biomarkers in the early mid-trimester, only cervical length and IGFBP-3 are independent predictors for preterm delivery in asymptomatic women. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.