Maternal serum C-reactive protein in early pregnancy and occurrence of preterm premature rupture of membranes and preterm birth

Association between preterm delivery and the risk of maternal renal disease: A systematic review and meta‑analysis

The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to generate high-quality evidence on the association between preterm delivery (PTD) and subsequent risk of renal disease in the mother. A literature search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL and Scopus until the 15th of May 2023 for studies reporting an adjusted association between PTD and the risk of maternal renal disease. A total of seven studies were eligible. The pooled analysis found that women with PTD had a statistically significant increased risk of chronic kidney disease in the long term [hazard ratio (HR): 1.82 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.38, 2.40; I2=85%]. Similarly, the meta-analysis also found a statistically significant increased risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) amongst women with PTD as compared with those without PTD (HR: 2.22 95% CI: 1.95, 2.53; I2=0%). Overall, the pooled analysis showed a significantly higher incidence of renal disorders with PTD (HR: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.57, 2.50; I2=88%). The results were unchanged on sensitivity analysis. Women with PTD could be at increased risk of future chronic kidney disease and ESRD. The small number of studies and retrospective nature of data are important limitations. Further studies are needed to supplement the available evidence.

Recent Advances and Challenges in the Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Preterm Labor

Preterm birth (PTB) is the primary cause of neonatal mortality and long-term disabilities. The unknown mechanism behind PTB makes diagnosis difficult, yet early detection is necessary for controlling and averting related consequences. The primary focus of this work is to provide an overview of the known risk factors associated with preterm labor and the conventional and advanced procedures for early detection of PTB, including multi-omics and artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML)- based approaches. It also discusses the principles of detecting various proteomic biomarkers based on lateral flow immunoassay and microfluidic chips, along with the commercially available point-of-care testing (POCT) devices and associated challenges. After briefing the therapeutic and preventive measures of PTB, this review summarizes with an outlook.

Physical Activity and High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Pregnancy: Does It Matter during Leisure or Work?

INTRODUCTION

Physical activity (PA), regardless of domain, is recommended for pregnant individuals in clinical guidelines, but limited evidence is available for work-related PA. This study aimed to examine the associations of occupational (OPA) and leisure-time PA (LTPA) with plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), a risk marker for adverse pregnancy outcomes, among pregnant individuals.

METHODS

This longitudinal study included 257 workers in the fetal growth cohort. OPA/LTPA and hs-CRP were measured in each trimester. OPA/LTPA was divided into high and low groups by the median level. Multivariable linear regressions were applied to estimate the adjusted geometric mean differences of hs-CRP (mg·L-1) comparing high versus low OPA/LTPA in each trimester and the changes in OPA/LTPA over pregnancy.

RESULTS

OPA was positively associated with hs-CRP (high: 5.14 vs low: 3.59; P value: 0.001) in the first trimester, particularly for standing/walking or walking fast, regardless of carrying things. LTPA was negatively associated with hs-CRP in the second (high: 3.93 vs low: 5.08; 0.02) and third trimesters (high: 3.30 vs low: 4.40; 0.046). Compared with the low OPA + high LTPA group, hs-CRP was higher in both the high OPA + high LTPA and high OPA + low LTPA groups in the first trimester, and in the high OPA + low LTPA group only in the third trimester. The change in OPA during pregnancy was positively associated with hs-CRP, whereas the change in LTPA was negatively associated with hs-CRP from the second to the third trimester.

CONCLUSIONS

In pregnant individuals, LTPA was negatively associated with hs-CRP, whereas OPA was positively associated with hs-CRP. More research on OPA's health impact among pregnant individuals is needed, and guidelines may consider the potential unfavorable influence of OPA on pregnant individuals.

Prediction of spontaneous preterm birth using CCL2 and CXCL10 in maternal serum of symptomatic high-risk pregnant women: a prospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

CCL2 and CXCL10 are putative biomarkers for the prediction of spontaneous preterm birth. This study evaluates these markers in a cohort of pregnant high-risk women.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In our prospective study, we included 109 women with signs of preterm labor between 20 + 0 and 31 + 6 weeks of gestation. Inclusion criteria were regular (< 3/30 min) or painful contractions, cervical length < 25 mm or a history of previous preterm birth (PTB). Blood samples were obtained upon first admission to our clinic. Biomarker concentrations were measured using pre-coated sandwich immunoassays (ELISA). Primary study outcome was spontaneous preterm birth < 34 weeks, secondary outcome was delivery < 37 weeks or within seven days after study inclusion.

RESULTS

Sixteen women (14.7%) delivered < 34 weeks and twenty women between 34 + 0 and 36 + 6 weeks (18.4%). Six patients (5.5%) gave birth within seven days after study admission. CXCL10 showed higher medium serum levels in women with PTB < 34 weeks (115 pg/ml compared to 61 pg/ml ≥ 34 weeks; p < 0.001) and < 37 weeks (103 pg/ml vs. 53 pg/ml; p < 0.001). In contrary, lower CCL2 serum levels were associated with PTB < 34 weeks (46 pg/ml vs. 73 pg/ml; p = 0.032) and birth within 7 days (25 pg/ml vs. 73 pg/ml; p = 0.008). The CXCL10/CCL2-ratio further improved the predictive model with a ROC-AUC of 0.83 (95% CI 0.73-0.93, p < 0.001) for delivery < 34 weeks. These corresponds to a sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of 0.67, 0.86 and 0.43 at a cut-off of 2.2.

CONCLUSION

Low maternal serum CCL2 levels are associated with a higher risk of preterm delivery within seven days. High CXCL10 serum levels are more associated with a high risk for preterm birth < 34 weeks. Elevated CXCL10/CCL2-ratio is showing the best predictive performance.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER (DRKS-ID)

DRKS00010763, Registration date: September 02, 2016.

First-trimester prediction of preterm prelabour rupture of membranes incorporating cervical length measurement

OBJECTIVES

To examine early pregnancy risk factors for preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM) and develop a predictive model.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of a cohort of mixed-risk singleton pregnancies screened in the first and second trimesters in three Danish tertiary fetal medicine centres, including a cervical length measurement at 11-14 weeks, at 19-21 weeks and at 23-24 weeks of gestation. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to identify predictive maternal characteristics, biochemical and sonographic factors. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine predictors for the most accurate model.

RESULTS

Of 3477 screened women, 77 (2.2%) had PPROM. Maternal factors predictive of PPROM in univariable analysis were nulliparity (OR 2.0 (95% CI 1.2-3.3)), PAPP-A < 0.5 MoM (OR 2.6 (1.1-6.2)), previous preterm birth (OR 4.2 (1.9-8.9)), previous cervical conization (OR 3.6 (2.0-6.4)) and cervical length ≤ 25 mm on transvaginal imaging (first-trimester OR 15.9 (4.3-59.3)). These factors all remained statistically significant in a multivariable adjusted model with an AUC of 0.72 in the most discriminatory first-trimester model. The detection rate using this model would be approximately 30% at a false-positive rate of 10%. Potential predictors such as bleeding in early pregnancy and pre-existing diabetes mellitus affected very few cases and could not be formally assessed.

CONCLUSIONS

Several maternal characteristics, placental biochemical and sonographic features are predictive of PPROM with moderate discrimination. Larger numbers are required to validate this algorithm and additional biomarkers, not currently used for first-trimester screening, may improve model performance.

Relationship between the Dietary Inflammatory Index Score and Cytokine Levels in Chinese Pregnant Women during the Second and Third Trimesters

The impact of dietary inflammatory potential on serum cytokine concentrations in second and third trimesters of Chinese pregnant women is not clear. A total of 175 pregnant women from the Tianjin Maternal and Child Health Education and Service Cohort (TMCHESC) were included. The dietary inflammatory index (DII) was calculated based on 24-h food records. Serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, C-reactive protein (CRP), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels in the second and third trimesters were measured. The mean DII scores (mean ± SD) were -0.07 ± 1.65 and 0.06 ± 1.65 in the second and third trimesters, respectively. In the third trimester, IL-1β (p = 0.039) and MCP-1 (p = 0.035) levels decreased and then increased with increasing DII scores. IL-10 concentrations decreased in pregnant women whose DII scores increased between the second and third trimesters (p = 0.011). Thiamin and vitamin C were negatively correlated with MCP-1 (β = -0.879, and β = -0.003) and IL-6 (β = -0.602, and β = -0.002) levels in the third trimester. In conclusion, the DII score had a U-shaped association with cytokine levels during the third trimester. Changes in DII scores between the second and third trimesters of pregnancy were correlated with cytokine levels during the third trimester.

Effects of Dietary Patterns during Pregnancy on Preterm Birth: A Birth Cohort Study in Shanghai

The objective of this study was to analyse representative dietary patterns during pregnancy in Shanghai and explore the effects of dietary patterns during pregnancy on preterm birth. Data were derived from the ‘Iodine Status in Pregnancy and Offspring Health Cohort’ (ISPOHC) study. Multistage, stratified random sampling was used to select survey participants from 16 districts in Shanghai, which were divided into five sampling areas; 40–70 pregnant women were selected from each area. A total of 4361 pregnant women and their offspring were involved in the study. The male-to-female ratio of the babies was 1.04:1, and the incidence of single preterm birth was 4.2%. Three dietary patterns were extracted by factor analysis: a ‘Vegetarian Pattern’, an ‘Animal Food Pattern’ (AFP), and a ‘Dairy and Egg Pattern’. These patterns explained 40.513% of the variance in dietary intake. Binary logistic regression, which was used to analyse the association between birth outcomes and scores measuring maternal dietary patterns, found only the AFP was a significant risk factor for preterm birth. Higher AFP scores were positively associated with preterm birth (Q2 vs. Q1 OR = 1.487, 95% CI: 1.002–2.207; Q3 vs. Q1 OR = 1.885, 95% CI: 1.291–2.754). After adjusting for other potential contributors, a higher AFP score was still a significant risk factor for preterm birth (Q2 vs. Q1 OR = 1.470, 95% CI: 0.990–2.183; Q3 vs. Q1 OR = 1.899, 95% CI: 1.299–2.776). The incidence of preterm birth was 4.2%. A higher score of AFP was significantly associated with a higher risk of preterm birth. The animal food intake of pregnant women should be reasonably consumed during pregnancy.

Identifying the associated factors with onset of preterm PROM compared with term PROM - A retrospective cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the risk factors associated with the preterm premature rupture of membranes (p-PROM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective cross-sectional study assessed 110 p-PROM cases from among 6642 deliveries at a Japanese perinatal medical center, from June 2016 to September 2018. The control group comprised 220 term PROM (t-PROM) cases. We excluded cases with artificial PROM or rupture of membranes after labor, those with multiple pregnancies, those with p-PROM at 36 weeks and those with t-PROM at 37 weeks. In order to compare p-PROM with t-PROM, univariate and multivariate analysis were performed using several clinical factors at the time of PROM onset.

RESULTS

The p-PROM group included 110 cases with 14-35 weeks PROM, and the t-PROM group included 220 cases with 38-41 weeks PROM. Eleven factors were identified as significant factors on the univariate analysis. A history of cervical conization (OR 37.5, 95% CI: 2.31-607.1), cervical length <25 mm at 28 weeks (OR 9.31, 95% CI: 1.76-49.3), negative Lactobacillus (OR 4.01, 95% CI: 1.18-13.7), and bleeding during the second trimester (OR 3.35, 95% CI: 1.18-9.53) were identified as significant factors by the multivariate analysis. Based on the risk factors identified during the multivariate analysis, we divided the 330 cases in the following three groups: 0 group (n = 244), 1 group (n = 60), and 2-4 group (n = 26). The ratio of p-PROM:t-PROM was calculated and compared for each group. The ratios were 21% (0 group), 57% (1 group), and 100% (2-4 group), indicating statistically significant differences between the groups (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

We found that the following four factors were associated with p-PROM: history of cervical conization, cervical length <25 mm at 28 weeks, negative Lactobacillus, and bleeding during the second trimester. Our results suggest that we can identify patients who are at increased risk for p-PROM, based on these factors. Further research is necessary to determine the optimal treatment approach for these patients to prevent p-PROM.

The Fourth Trimester: Pregnancy as a Predictor of Cardiovascular Disease

Pregnancy identifies women who may be at a greater risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), based on the development of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs), and may identify women who may benefit from atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) risk reduction efforts. APOs are common and although they are separate diagnoses, all these disorders seem to share an underlying pathogenesis. What is not clear is whether the APO itself initiates a pathway that results in CVD or whether the APO uncovers a woman's predisposition to CVD. Regardless, APOs have immediate risks to maternal and foetal health, in addition to longer-term CVD consequences. CVD risk assessment and stratification in women remains complex and, historically, has underestimated risk, especially in young women. Further research is needed into the role of ASCVD risk assessment and the effect of aggressive ASCVD risk modification on CVD outcomes in women with a history of APOs.

Association of Dietary Inflammatory Index with Serum IL-6, IL-10, and CRP Concentration during Pregnancy

Background: The mother’s diet has a direct impact on fetal development and pregnancy, and can also be important in the course of the body’s inflammatory response. An anti-inflammatory diet can be a promising way to counter an excessive inflammatory response in pregnancy. Objective: The aim of the study was to examine the association between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and the pregnant women’s serum interleukin 6 (IL-6) and 10 (IL-10) and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration in the course of normal and complicated pregnancy. Research Methods and Procedures: The study included 45 Polish pregnant women recruited to the study. The DII, a literature-based dietary index to assess the inflammatory properties of diet, was estimated based on a seven-day 24-h recall and an food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) in each trimester of pregnancy. At the same time as the nutritional interviews, blood samples were collected for the determination of IL-6, IL-10, and CRP concentrations. The studied group was divided into subgroups with normal and complicated pregnancy and depending on the DII median. Results: With the development of pregnancy, the DII score slightly decreased in subsequent trimesters: −1.78 in the first trimester, −2.43 in the second trimester, and −2.71 in the third trimester (p = 0.092). Independent of the trimester of pregnancy and the occurrence of pregnancy complications, the DII score did not affect the differences in the serum concentrations of IL-6, IL-10, and CRP, with the exception of CRP level in the second trimester in women with complicated pregnancy (subgroup with DII < median had a lower CRP level than subgroup with DII > median). In the first and third trimesters, there was a weak but significant positive correlation between the DII score and CRP concentration. During the second trimester, in the group with normal pregnancy and DII below the median, a significant negative correlation between the DII score and the serum IL-6 and IL-10 concentration was noted as well as in the third trimester for IL-6. Conclusion: The anti-inflammatory potential of a pregnant woman’s diet increases slightly with pregnancy development; however, its value has no permanent significant association with the level of CRP, IL-6, and IL-10.

First-Trimester Prediction of Preterm Prelabour Rupture of Membranes

BACKGROUND

Preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPRoM) is commonly associated with preterm delivery and affects up to 3% of all pregnancies. It is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality for the mother and the newborn.

OBJECTIVES

To identify risk factors for PPRoM and develop a model for first-trimester prediction of risk of PPRoM.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of a series of women who had first-trimester (11-13+6 weeks) screening for aneuploidy and pre-eclampsia and delivered in the same institution was performed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify maternal and pregnancy factors and then develop a clinical prediction model for PPRoM.

RESULTS

10,280 women were screened between April 2010 and October 2016. 144 (1.4%) had PPRoM. Maternal factors predictive of PPRoM included nulliparity (parous women, OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.4-0.8), pre-existing diabetes mellitus (DM) (Type 1 DM, OR 6.7; 95% CI 2.3-19.4, Type 2 DM, OR 5.3; 95% CI 1.6-18.3), maternal age group (p = 0.004), and BMI category (p = 0.012). Uterine artery pulsatility index (UAPI) and biochemical parameters (PAPP-A, free βHCG) did not reach statistical significance. The predictive model had moderate efficacy with an area under the ROC curve of 0.67.

CONCLUSIONS

Several maternal characteristics collected during first-trimester screening predict PPRoM. Biomarkers currently measured during first-trimester screening (PAPP-A, βHCG, and UAPI) do not predict PPRoM. Whilst a predictive model can be generated with information currently collected at 11-13+6 weeks, this has only modest screening performance. First-trimester screening provides a structured framework where other predictors could improve model performance, and future studies should focus on the addition of other risk factors and biomarkers that may improve screening efficacy.

Porphyromonas gingivalis and adverse pregnancy outcomes: a review on its intricate pathogenic mechanisms

Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), a Gram-negative facultative anaerobe of the oral cavity, is associated with the onset of various adverse pregnancy outcomes. P. gingivalis is linked with the development of preeclampsia, preterm labour, spontaneous abortion, gestational diabetes, foetal growth restriction, and misconception. The unique virulence factors, surface adhesions, enzymes of P. gingivalis can directly injure and alter the morphology, microbiome the foetal and maternal tissues. P. gingivalis can even exaggerate the production of cytokines, free radicals and acute-phase proteins in the uterine compartment that increases the risk of myometrial contraction and onset of preterm labour. Although evidence confirms the presence of P. gingivalis in the amniotic fluid and placenta of women with poor pregnancy outcomes, the intricate molecular mechanisms by which P. gingivalis initiates various antenatal and postnatal maternal and foetal complications are not well explained in the literature. Therefore, the present review aims to comprehensively summarise and highlight the recent and unique molecular pathogenic mechanisms of P. gingivalis associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Risk of long-term renal disease in women with a history of preterm delivery: a population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Preterm delivery is an independent risk factor for maternal cardiovascular disease. Little is known about the association between preterm delivery and maternal renal function. This study aimed to examine whether women who experience preterm delivery are at increased risk of subsequent chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD).

METHODS

Using data from the Swedish Medical Birth Register, singleton live births from 1973 to 2012 were identified and linked to data from the Swedish Renal Register and National Patient Register (up to 2013). Gestational age at delivery was the main exposure and treated as a time-dependent variable. Primary outcomes were maternal CKD or ESKD. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used for analysis.

RESULTS

The dataset included 1,943,716 women who had 3,760,429 singleton live births. The median follow-up was 20.6 (interquartile range 9.9-30.0) years. Overall, 162,918 women (8.4%) delivered at least 1 preterm infant (< 37 weeks). Women who had any preterm delivery (< 37 weeks) were at increased risk of CKD (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.39, 95% CI 1.32-1.45) and ESKD (aHR 2.22, 95% CI 1.90-2.58) compared with women who only delivered at term (≥ 37 weeks). Women who delivered an extremely preterm infant (< 28 weeks) were at increased risk of CKD (aHR 1.84, 95% CI 1.52-2.22) and ESKD (aHR 3.61, 95% CI 2.03-6.39). The highest risk of CKD and ESKD was in women who experienced preterm delivery + preeclampsia (vs. non-preeclamptic term deliveries, for CKD, aHR 2.81, 95% CI 2.46-3.20; for ESKD, aHR 6.70, 95% CI 4.70-9.56). However, spontaneous preterm delivery was also associated with increased risk of CKD (aHR 1.32, 95% CI 1.25-1.39) and ESKD (aHR 1.99, 95% CI 1.67-2.38) independent of preeclampsia or small for gestational age (SGA).

CONCLUSIONS

Women with history of preterm delivery are at increased risk of CKD and ESKD. The risk is higher among women who had very preterm or extremely preterm deliveries, or whose preterm delivery was medically indicated. Women who experience spontaneous preterm delivery are at increased risk of long-term renal disease independent of preeclampsia or SGA. Preterm delivery may act as a risk marker for adverse maternal renal outcomes.

Elevated C-reactive protein and complement C3 levels are associated with preterm birth: a nested case-control study in Chinese women

BACKGROUND

Currently, there are many studies researched the associations between maternal serum inflammatory indicators (i.e. ferritin, C-reactive protein [CRP], C3 and C4) and preterm birth (PTB). The results, however, are inconsistent. Therefore, the aim of this study was to estimate the relationship between maternal serum inflammatory indicators and PTB in a nested case-control (NCC)study.

METHODS

A NCC study was conducted by Guangxi Birth Cohort Study which enrolled a total of 6203 pregnant women between 50/7 and 346/7 weeks of gestational age (wGA) from six cities in China between 2015 and 2016. There were 206women who delivered preterm (< 370/7 wGA), and 412 women who delivered term birth, those women were matched by maternal age, birth place, gender of infants, and wGA at blood collection. The inflammatory indicators were quantified by immunoturbidimetric methods.

RESULTS

Highest quartile concentrations of all inflammatory indicators were determined versus median. After adjusting for maternal age, high levels of CRP (CRP > 16.60 mg/L) are related to the risk of PTB (OR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.02-4.56, p = 0.044) in the first trimester. The association of C3 was extremely related to those who delivered PTB (OR = 2.53, 95% CI: 1.14-5.64, p = 0.023) in the first trimester. Moreover, no significant associations were found in C4 (p = 0.079) and ferritin (p = 0.067) between PTB.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated concentrations of CRP and C3 in the first trimester were associated with increased risk of PTB. Inflammatory indicators may act a pivotal part in early diagnosis and prognosis of PTB.

Maternal blood biomarkers and adverse pregnancy outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Pregnancy is a vulnerable period for the mother and the infant and exposures to environmental chemicals in utero can influence neonatal morbidity and mortality. There is a momentum toward understanding and exploring the current maternal biological mechanisms specific to in utero effects, to improve birth outcomes. This study aims to examine the current understanding of the role of biomarkers that may be associated with term of pregnancy, infant birth weights and infant development in utero.Methods: Electronic searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, OvidMD, and Scopus databases; and all relevant research articles in English were retrieved. Studies were selected if they evaluated maternal blood plasma/serum biomarkers proposed to influence adverse birth outcomes in the neonate. Data were extracted on characteristics, quality, and odds ratios from each study and meta-analysis was conducted.Results: A total of 54 studies (35 for meta-analysis), including 43,702 women, 50 plasma markers and six descriptors of birth outcomes were included in the present study. The random effect point estimates for risk of adverse birth outcomes were 1.61(95%CI: 1.39-1.85, p < 0.0001) for inflammation-related biomarkers and 1.65(95%CI: 1.22-2.25, p = 0.0013) for growth factor/hormone-related biomarkers. All subgroups of plasma markers showed significant associations with adverse birth outcomes with no apparent study bias.Conclusions: The two subsets of plasma markers identified in this study (inflammation-related and growth factor/hormone-related) may serve as potentially valuable tools in the investigation of maternal molecular mechanisms, especially select pathways underlying inflammatory and immunological mediation in terms of modulating adverse infant outcomes. Future large, prospective cohort studies are needed to validate the promising plasma biomarkers, and to examine other maternal biological matrices such as cervicovaginal fluid and urine.

Does low dose aspirin prescribed for risk of early onset preeclampsia reduce the prevalence of preterm prelabor rupture of membranes?

Background: Placental dysfunction, inflammation and degradation of fetal membranes has been hypothesized as a cause of preterm prelabor of rupture of membranes.Objective: To examine the effect of aspirin, an anti-inflammatory agent, on the prevalence of preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPRoMs).Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted to examine the effect of aspirin on the prevalence of PPRoM. Aspirin (150 mg, nocte) was prescribed to women who were identified through a screening program at 11-13⁺⁶ weeks' gestation as being at high risk for developing early-onset preeclampsia. Women who were at low risk for developing preeclampsia did not receive aspirin. The prevalence of PPRoM was compared with an observational cohort.Results: In the observational cohort, there were 3027 women, including 32 (1.1%) cases of PPRoM. The prevalence of PPRoM in the high risk group was 3.1% (4/128) and was statistically significantly higher compared to the low risk group (1.0%) (28/2899). The relative risk was 3.02 (95% CI 1.2-7.7; p= .04). In the interventional cohort, there were 7280 women, with 114 (1.6%) cases of PPRoM. The prevalence of PPRoM in the high risk group who were treated with aspirin was 1.8% (14/766) compared to 1.5% (100/6516) in the low risk group (p= .54). The prevalence of PPRoM in high risk patients in the observational group (who did not receive aspirin) compared with the high risk patients in the interventional group (who were treated with aspirin) was not statistically significant (p= .31).Conclusions: PPRoM is significantly associated with a description of high risk for ePET; although, this algorithm is not a good screening tool for predicting PPRoM. Aspirin treatment of women deemed high risk for ePET is safe in the context of PPRoM and there may be some reduction in prevalence of PPRoM in treated high risk women; although, this study was not powered to demonstrate a small reduction in the prevalence of PPRoM. The findings merit further investigation through a larger prospective study with adequate sample size.

Cardiovascular biomarkers in the years following pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disorders or delivered preterm

BACKGROUND

Women with a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and preterm delivery have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Chronic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and dyslipidemia may link pregnancy outcomes with CVD.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated whether women with a history of HDP or normotensive preterm delivery had adverse CVD biomarker profiles after pregnancy.

STUDY DESIGN

We identified parous women from the Nurses' Health Study II with C-reactive protein (CRP; n = 2614), interleukin-6 (IL-6; n = 2490), glycated hemoglobin (n = 885), intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (n = 1231), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (n = 931), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (n = 931), triglycerides (n = 1428), or total cholesterol (n = 2940) assessed in stored blood samples. Multivariable-adjusted robust linear regression models evaluated percent differences and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in each biomarker associated with a history of HDP or preterm delivery.

RESULTS

Ten percent of women had a history of HDP, while 11% with normotensive pregnancies had at least one preterm delivery. Median time from first pregnancy to blood draw was 17 years (interquartile range: 12, 22). Plasma levels of CRP and IL-6 were 34.4% (95% CI: 17.2, 54.1), and 11.6% higher (95% CI: 2.1, 21.9) respectively, among women with a history of HDP compared to those with only normotensive pregnancies. Altered CVD biomarker levels were otherwise not present in women with a history of HDP or preterm delivery.

CONCLUSION

CRP and IL-6, but not other CVD biomarkers, were elevated in women with a history of HDP in the years following pregnancy, suggesting inflammation may be a pathway linking HDP with future CVD risk.

Expression profile of C19MC microRNAs in placental tissue of patients with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes and spontaneous preterm birth

The aim of the study was to demonstrate that preterm birth (PTB) is associated with altered C19MC microRNA expression profile in placental tissues. Gene expression of 15 placental specific microRNAs (miR-512-5p, miR-515-5p, miR-516-5p, miR-517-5p, miR-518b, miR-518f-5p, miR-519a, miR-519d, miR-519e-5p, miR-520a-5p, miR-520h, miR-524-5p, miR-525-5p, miR-526a and miR-526b-5p) was compared between groups: 34 spontaneous PTB, 108 preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) and 20 term in labor pregnancies. Correlation between variables including relative microRNA quantification in placental tissues and the gestational age at delivery, white blood cell (WBC) count at admission and serum levels of C-reactive protein at admission in patients with PPROM and PTB was determined. Expression profile of microRNAs was different between PPROM and term in labor pregnancies, PTB and term in labor pregnancies, and between gestational age-matched PPROM and PTB groups. When compared with term in labor pregnancies, while C19MC microRNAs showed a downregulation in PPROM pregnancies (miR-525-5p), in PTB pregnancies C19MC microRNAs were upregulated (miR-515-5p, miR-516-5p, miR-518b, miR-518f-5p, miR-519a, miR-519e-5p, miR-520a-5p, miR-520h, and miR-526b-5p) or showed a trend to upregulation (miR-519d and miR-526a). In comparison to PTB pregnancies, the PPROM group demonstrated a significant portion of downregulated C19MC microRNAs (miR-516-5p, miR-517-5p, miR-518b, miR-518f-5p, miR-519a, miR-519d, miR-519e-5p, miR-520a-5p, miR-520h, miR-525-5p, miR-526a and miR-526b-5p). In the group of PPROM pregnancies, a weak negative correlation between the gestational age at delivery and microRNA gene expression in placental tissue for all examined C19MC microRNAs was observed. PTB pregnancies showed a positive correlation (miR-512-5p, miR-515-5p, miR-519e-5p) or a trend to positive correlation (miR-516-5p, miR-518b, miR-520h) between particular C19MC microRNAs and maternal WBC count at admission. Our study demonstrates that upregulation of C19MC microRNAs is a characteristic phenomenon of PTB. PPROM pregnancies have a tendency to produce lower levels of miR-525-5p. All examined C19MC microRNAs displayed decreased expression with advancing gestational age in PPROM group.

Preterm Delivery and Maternal Cardiovascular Disease in Young and Middle-Aged Adult Women

BACKGROUND

Preterm delivery has been shown to be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), but it is unknown whether this risk remains after adjustment for prepregnancy lifestyle and CVD risk factors.

METHODS

We examined the association between history of having delivered an infant preterm (<37 weeks) and CVD in 70 182 parous women in the Nurses' Health Study II. Multivariable Cox proportional-hazards models were used to estimate hazards ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CVD events (myocardial infarction and stroke, n=949); we also adjusted for intermediates to determine the proportion of the association between preterm and CVD accounted for by postpartum development of CVD risk factors.

RESULTS

After adjusting for age, race, parental education, and prepregnancy lifestyle and CVD risk factors, preterm delivery in the first pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of CVD (HR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.16-1.72) in comparison with women with a term delivery (≥37 weeks) in the first pregnancy. When preterm delivery was split into moderate preterm (≥32 to <37 weeks) and very preterm (<32 weeks), the HRs were 1.22 (95% CI, 0.96-1.54) and 2.01 (95% CI, 1.47-2.75), respectively. The increased rate of CVD in the very preterm group persisted even among women whose first pregnancy was not complicated by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.38-2.93). In comparison with women with at least 2 pregnancies, all of which were delivered at term, women with a preterm first birth and at least 1 later preterm birth had a HR of CVD of 1.65 (95% CI, 1.20-2.28). The association between moderate preterm first birth and CVD was accounted for in part by the development of postpartum chronic hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and changes in body mass index (proportion accounted for, 14.5%; 95% CI, 4.0-41.1), as was the very-preterm-CVD relationship (13.1%; 95% CI, 9.0-18.7).

CONCLUSIONS

Preterm delivery is independently predictive of CVD and may be useful for CVD prevention efforts. Because only a modest proportion of the preterm-CVD association was accounted for by development of conventional CVD risk factors, further research may identify additional pathways.

Cytokine and adipokine are biofactors can act in blood and colostrum of obese mothers

Breast milk contains bioactive components that contribute to newborn development. However, colostrum may undergo biochemical and immunological changes as a function of maternal overweight and obesity. To investigate this hypothesis, this study determined the levels of hormones and immunological markers in the serum and colostrum of overweight and obese mothers. Colostrum and serum samples were collected from 15 normoweight, 15 overweight, and 15 obese women for determination of leptin, adiponectin, cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Obese mothers exhibited higher levels of serum TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP, serum and colostrum leptin and colostrum adiponectin and lower levels of serum adiponectin. Leptin levels in maternal serum and colostrum were positively correlated, as was pre-pregnancy BMI and serum TNF-α, IL-6, CRP, and leptin. Adiponectin levels in colostrum and serum were negatively correlated. The results suggest that obesity changes hormonal and immunological components of maternal serum and colostrum. The modifications can have short-term and long-term effects on newborn development. © 2016 BioFactors, 43(2):243-250, 2017.

Maternal diet, gestational weight gain, and inflammatory markers during pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To examine the associations of gestational weight gain (GWG) and diet with low-grade inflammation in pregnancy.

METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis of 671 pregnant women was performed, and diet was assessed in gestational week 30. GWG was recorded in weeks 30 and ∼37 (difference between the weight recorded at these time points and pre-pregnancy weight). Markers of inflammation, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α were quantified in serum from week 30.

RESULTS

After adjusting for age, pre-pregnancy BMI, parity, smoking status, and education, each 1 kg increase in GWG was associated with 3% (95% CI: 1-5) higher hsCRP and 3% (95% CI: 1-4) higher SAA concentrations, which corresponded to ∼18% to 25% increase in these biomarkers among those with excessive weight gain. GWG was inversely associated with IL-8 while no associations were found for the other inflammatory markers. With respect to diet, women in the highest compared with lowest quintile of protein intake had 26% (95% CI: 3-54) higher hsCRP concentrations. This increase appeared to be driven by intake of animal protein. A similar pattern was observed for SAA.

CONCLUSIONS

Excessive GWG, as well as high intake of animal protein, was associated with higher concentrations of inflammatory factors.

Acute Atherosis of the Uterine Spiral Arteries: Clinicopathologic Implications

Acute atherosis is unique vascular changes of the placenta associated with poor placentation. It is characterized by subendothelial lipid-filled foam cells, fibrinoid necrosis of the arterial wall, perivascular lymphocytic infiltration, and it is histologically similar to early-stage atherosclerosis. Acute atherosis is rare in normal pregnancies, but is frequently observed in non- transformed spiral arteries in abnormal pregnancies, such as preeclampsia, small for gestational age (SGA), fetal death, spontaneous preterm labor and preterm premature rupture of membranes. In preeclampsia, spiral arteries fail to develop physiologic transformation and retain thick walls and a narrow lumen. Failure of physiologic transformation of spiral arteries is believed to be the main cause of uteroplacental ischemia, which can lead to the production of anti-angiogenic factors and induce endothelial dysfunction and eventually predispose the pregnancy to preeclampsia. Acute atherosis is more frequently observed in the spiral arteries of the decidua of the placenta (parietalis or basalis) than in the decidual or myometrial segments of the placental bed. The presence and deeper location of acute atherosis is associated with poorer pregnancy outcomes, more severe disease, earlier onset of preeclampsia, and a greater frequency of SGA neonates in patients with preeclampsia. Moreover, the idea that the presence of acute atherosis in the placenta may increase the risk of future cardiovascular disease in women with a history of preeclampsia is of growing concern. Therefore, placental examination is crucial for retrospective investigation of pregnancy complications and outcomes, and accurate placental pathology based on universal diagnostic criteria in patients with abnormal pregnancies is essential for clinicopathologic correlation.

Duration of pregnancy, even at term, predicts long-term risk of coronary heart disease and stroke mortality in women: a population-based study

OBJECTIVE

Preterm delivery may predict an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in mothers, providing opportunities for prevention. No study had examined whether gestation length within the term period predicts future CVD, and there are few data segregating spontaneous from medically indicated deliveries.

STUDY DESIGN

We used proportional hazards models to predict CVD death by gestation length, adjusted for age, education, and delivery year among 688,662 women with births from 1967 through 1998 in the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. Mothers were traced in the National Cause of Death Registry through 2009; there were 2324 CVD deaths.

RESULTS

Compared with women who delivered spontaneously at 39-41 weeks' gestation, women who spontaneously delivered earlier had higher risks of CVD death. Hazard ratios were 1.9 at 22-31 weeks, 2.2 at 32-34 weeks, 1.6 at 35-36 weeks, and 1.4 at 37-38 weeks. Risks were higher among women with medically indicated deliveries (hazard ratio, 4.8 at 22-31 weeks, 2.7 at 32-34 weeks, 4.3 at 35-36 weeks, and 1.6 at 37-38 weeks compared with spontaneous deliveries at 39-41 weeks). Neither spontaneous nor indicated delivery after 41 weeks was associated with CVD mortality. Risks were highest with recurrent preterm pregnancies, and for women who delivered only one child, especially if that delivery was preterm.

CONCLUSION

Women who deliver spontaneously before 37 weeks had a 2-fold increased risk of CVD mortality compared with women who had delivered after 38 weeks. Even women with spontaneous deliveries at early term (37-38 weeks) had a 41% elevated risk of CVD death compared with women delivering at 39-41 weeks.

Psychobiobehavioral Model for Preterm Birth in Pregnant Women in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Preterm birth (PTB) is a final common outcome resulting from many interrelated etiological pathways; of particular interest is antenatal psychosocial distress (i.e., stress, anxiety, and depression). In LMI countries, both exposure to severe life stressors and rate of PTB are on average greater when compared with high-income countries. In LMI countries women are exposed to some of the most extreme psychosocial stress worldwide (e.g., absolute poverty, limited social resources). High prevalence of antenatal stress and depression have been observed in some studies from LMI countries. We propose a psychosocial, biological, and behavioral model for investigating the complex multisystem interactions in stress responses leading to PTB and explain the basis of this approach. We discuss ethical considerations for a psychosocial, biological, and behavioral screening tool to predict PTB from a LMI country perspective.

Mid-trimester maternal serum and amniotic fluid biomarkers for the prediction of preterm delivery and intrauterine growth retardation

AIM

Our purpose was to evaluate the predictive value of maternal serum and amniotic fluid biomarkers that were obtained at the time of genetic amniocentesis for preterm delivery and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR).

METHODS

A prospective cohort analysis was conducted in 107 singleton pregnancies that underwent amniocentesis at 16-22 weeks according to standard genetic indications. Maternal blood and amniotic fluid obtained from genetic amniocentesis were tested for glucose, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), ceruloplasmin, ferritin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Ninety-four pregnancies were followed until delivery.

RESULTS

Of the 94 patients, 16 (18.1%) delivered before 37 weeks and seven (7.5%) delivered a baby below the 10th percentile for gestational age. Amniotic fluid glucose levels were significantly lower in patients with preterm delivery than term deliveries (P = 0.01). Median amniotic fluid ferritin and IL-6 levels and mean amniotic fluid ALP levels were higher in the preterm group but this difference did not reach statistical significance. Mean maternal ALP and LDH levels tended to be insignificantly higher. Only median maternal blood ferritin levels in the IUGR group were found to be higher than patients who were appropriate for gestational age (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Low amniotic fluid glucose levels are associated with risk of preterm delivery, whereas high maternal blood ferritin levels increase the risk for IUGR. Although this result is significant and notable, there is not enough clinical evidence to recommend their use as a screening test for preterm delivery and IUGR in routine practice.

Estimation of changes in C-reactive protein level and pregnancy outcome after nonsurgical supportive periodontal therapy in women affected with periodontitis in a rural set up of India

Aims and Objectives:

Estimation of changes in C-reactive protein (CRP) level and pregnancy outcome after nonsurgical supportive periodontal therapy in pregnant women affected with Periodontitis.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 100 pregnant females with periodontitis were assigned to treatment and control groups. All the details about previous and current pregnancies were obtained. Full-mouth periodontal examination was done at baseline, which included oral hygiene index simplified plaque index, gingival index, and clinical attachment loss. CRP level was also measured from collected blood sample initially at baseline and later after the delivery in both the group. Subjects in the treatment group received nonsurgical periodontal treatment during the second trimester of gestational period, and those in the control group did not receive any periodontal therapy during this period. Periodontal therapy included mechanical plaque control instructions and scaling and root planning. Outcome measures assessed were changes in CRP levels, gestational age, and birth weight of the infants. When delivery occurred at <37 weeks of gestation, it was considered as preterm birth (PTB), and low birth weight (LBW) was recorded when the infant weighed <2500 g.

Results:

In the treatment group, 32% of PTB and 68% of Normal term birth (NTB) delivery whereas in the control group 72% PTB and 28% of NTB were recorded. Infants measured with LBW were 36% in the treatment group and 52% in the control group. Mean birth weight was 2644.44 ± 450.53 g in the treatment group and 2447.82 ± 368.02 g in the control group (P < 0.05). Mean gestational age in the treatment group was 35.57 ± 2.40 weeks and 34.17 ± 2.92 weeks in the control group (P < 0.05). The treatment group showed statistically significant reduction in mean values of CRP level after delivery in comparison to baseline values (P < 0.05), whereas control group showed no significant reduction in values (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Nonsurgical supportive periodontal therapy may lower the risk of preterm delivery in females affected with periodontitis by reducing CRP level.

The frequency of acute atherosis in normal pregnancy and preterm labor, preeclampsia, small-for-gestational age, fetal death and midtrimester spontaneous abortion

OBJECTIVE

Acute atherosis is characterized by subendothelial lipid-filled foam cells, fibrinoid necrosis and perivascular lymphocytic infiltration. This lesion is generally confined to non-transformed spiral arteries and is frequently observed in patients with preeclampsia. However, the frequency of acute atherosis in the great obstetrical syndromes is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and topographic distribution of acute atherosis in placentas and placental bed biopsy samples obtained from women with normal pregnancy and those affected by the "great obstetrical syndromes". We also examined the relationship between acute atherosis and pregnancy outcome in patients with preeclampsia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of pregnant women who delivered between July 1998 and July 2014 at Hutzel Women's Hospital/Detroit Medical Center was conducted to examine 16, 345 placentas. Patients were classified into the following groups: (1) uncomplicated pregnancy; (2) spontaneous preterm labor (sPTL) and preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM); (3) preeclampsia; (4) gestational hypertension; (5) small-for-gestational age (SGA); (6) chronic hypertension; (5) fetal death; (6) spontaneous abortion and (7) others. A subset of patients had placental bed biopsy. The incidence of acute atherosis was compared among the different groups.

RESULTS

(1) The prevalence of acute atherosis in uncomplicated pregnancies was 0.4% (29/6961) based upon examination of nearly 7000 placentas; (2) the frequency of acute atherosis was 10.2% (181/1779) in preeclampsia, 9% (26/292) in fetal death, 2.5% (3/120) in midtrimester spontaneous abortion, 1.7% (22/1,298) in SGA neonates and 1.2% (23/1,841) in sPTL and PPROM; (3) among patients with preeclampsia, those with acute atherosis than in those without the lesion had significantly more severe disease, earlier onset, and a greater frequency of SGA neonates (p < 0.05 all) and (4) the lesion was more frequently observed in the decidua (parietalis or basalis) than in the decidual segment of the spiral arteries in patients with placental bed biopsies.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute atherosis is rare in normal pregnancy, and occurs more frequently in patients with pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia, sPTL, preterm PROM, midtrimester spontaneous abortion, fetal death and SGA.

Can platelet count and mean platelet volume during the first trimester of pregnancy predict preterm premature rupture of membranes?

AIM

The aim of our study was to evaluate the values of platelet count and mean platelet volume (MPV) obtained from maternal serum during the first trimester to predict subsequent preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The records of 318 women with PPROM and 384 healthy controls in a single center between 2009 and 2013 were retrospectively evaluated. Platelet count and MPV values between 7 and 14 weeks of gestation were compared. Receiver-operator curve analysis was performed to identify the optimal platelet count and MPV cut-off levels predicting PPROM.

RESULTS

Compared with controls, women with PPROM had significantly increased levels of platelet count and significantly decreased levels of MPV in the first trimester (P < 0.001). The area under the receiver-operator curve was 0.642 for MPV and 0.579 for platelet count. The cut-off values of MPV ≤ 8.6 fL and platelet count ≥216 × 10(3) /μL predicted PPROM with a sensitivity of 58% and 65% and specificity of 62% and 44%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

MPV can be used as a more efficient predictor for an early diagnosis of PPROM than platelet count. However, further research combining other markers is needed to increase the efficiency of prediction.

Can maternal serum C-reactive protein levels predict successful labour induction with intravenous oxytocin in term pregnancies complicated with premature rupture of the membranes? A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

High sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a serum marker for acute inflammation and/or infection. The diagnostic value of serum levels of this protein has been investigated among patients with preterm delivery, premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) and preeclampsia. In this study, the predictive value of hs-CRP for successful labour induction in patients with PROM has been evaluated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eighty-six term pregnant patients who experienced pre-labour amniotic membrane rupture from 37-41 weeks of gestation were selected for the study. Maternal serum hs-CRP levels were determined upon admission to the delivery unit and low dose intravenous oxytocin infusion was started to induce labour. The mode of delivery and time interval from labour induction to delivery were the primary endpoints of the study.

RESULTS

Twenty-five (29%) out of 86 patients had delivered by caesarean section, while the remaining 61 (71%) had delivered vaginally. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve for testing the significance of higher hs-CRP values and lower probability of vaginal delivery revealed that higher hs-CRP values were found to be insignificant for predicting the need for caesarean section. No statistically significant correlation between high serum hs-CRP levels and the probability of caesarean delivery has been established (Spearman rho:-.126; p=0.24). The mean maternal serum hs-CRP levels during PROM were found to be similar between vaginal and abdominal deliveries.

CONCLUSION

Hs-CRP, as an inflammatory marker, was found to be neither specific nor sensitive for the prediction of successful labour induction in term pregnancies with pre-labour rupture of the membranes.

Does increased peripheral C-reactive protein predate the occurrence of a short cervical length?

OBJECTIVE

Shortened cervical length is an important predictor of preterm birth, though the etiology of cervical length variation has not been fully elucidated. Our objective was to evaluate the potential association between peripheral C-reactive protein (CRP), a first trimester peripheral marker of inflammation, and second trimester decreased cervical length.

METHODS

Cases and controls were defined by second trimester cervical length >/<25 mm. CRP concentrations were measured in archived first trimester screen serum via commercial assay. The association between CRP and cervical length was evaluated via Wilcoxon's rank test. Both logistic and linear regressions were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 49 cases were matched to 98 controls. No statistically significant difference in first trimester CRP was demonstrated between cases and controls overall. Among subjects with decreased cervical lengths, however, there was a significant linear association between the degree of shortening and first trimester CRP concentrations (p = 0.022).

CONCLUSION

First trimester CRP was not associated with decreased second trimester cervical length overall. However, the degree of shortening correlated with increased first trimester CRP concentrations in patients with a short cervix. This suggests that systemic inflammation in early pregnancy may underlie variation in second trimester cervical lengths among higher risk individuals.

C-reactive protein, early life stress, and wellbeing in healthy adults

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether C-reactive protein (CRP) can serve as a marker for alterations in immune function prior to the manifestation of significant psychiatric and medical disorders.

METHOD

Ninety-two healthy adults were recruited from the community and determined to be free of psychiatric or medical disorders. The concentration of plasma CRP from a single resting sample was examined in relation to current mental and physical health as well as to self-reported history of early life adversity.

RESULTS

C-reactive protein showed a significant positive correlation with body mass index (BMI; r = 0.477, P < 0.001). Non-specific pain, fatigue, and lower overall quality of physical health were all associated with higher CRP concentrations (all P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), after controlling for effect of BMI and other relevant covariates. Subthreshold depression symptoms and other indices of mental/emotional wellbeing were not associated with CRP, nor was CRP significantly linked to any measures of early life adversity.

CONCLUSION

Lower-quality physical health and wellbeing, but not the presence of mood/anxiety symptoms or early life stress (ELS), were significantly related to plasma CRP. Elevated CRP does not appear to be a fundamental consequence of ELS among healthy adults.