Maternal Plasma and Amniotic Fluid LBP, Pentraxin 3, Resistin, and IGFBP-3: Biomarkers of Microbial Invasion of Amniotic Cavity and/or Intra-amniotic Inflammation in Women with Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes

Plasma acute phase proteins as potential predictors of intra-amniotic inflammation and infection in preterm premature rupture of membranes

BACKGROUND

We aimed to investigate the potential of altered levels of various acute phase proteins (APPs) in the plasma, either used alone or in combination with ultrasound-, clinical-, and conventional blood-based tests, for predicting the risk of intra-amniotic inflammation (IAI), microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC), histologic chorioamnionitis (HCA), and funisitis in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).

METHODS

A total of 195 consecutive pregnancies involving singleton women with PPROM (at 23 + 0-34 + 0 weeks) who underwent amniocentesis and from whom plasma samples were obtained at amniocentesis were retrospectively included in this study. Amniotic fluid (AF) was cultured to assess the MIAC and analyzed for interleukin (IL)-6 levels to define IAI (AF IL-6 level of ≥2.6 ng/mL). The plasma concentrations of hepcidin, mannose-binding lectin (MBL), pentraxin-2, retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), serum amyloid A1 (SAA1), and serpin A1 were determined using ELISA. Ultrasonographic cervical length (CL), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and C-reactive protein levels were measured. IAI/MIAC was defined as IAI, MIAC, or both.

RESULTS

Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed the following: (1) elevated plasma levels of hepcidin and SAA1 and decreased levels of RBP4 in the plasma were independently associated with IAI/MIAC and (2) decreased plasma RBP4 levels were independently associated with funisitis; however, (3) none of the plasma APPs investigated were associated with acute HCA when adjusted for baseline covariates. Using stepwise regression analysis, noninvasive prediction models comprising plasma RBP4 levels, CL, NLR, and gestational age at sampling were proposed, which provided a good prediction of IAI/MIAC and funisitis (area under the curve: 0.80 and 0.72, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Hepcidin, RBP4, and SAA1 were identified as potential APP biomarkers in the plasma predictive of IAI/MIAC or funisitis in patients with PPROM. In particular, combination of these APP biomarkers with ultrasound-, clinical-, and conventional blood-based markers can significantly support the diagnosis of IAI/MIAC and funisitis.

Absolute counts of leukocyte subsets in peripheral blood in pregnancies complicated by preterm prelabour rupture of membranes

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to assess variations in the absolute counts of various leukocyte subsets in the peripheral blood of women with pregnancies affected by preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM), in relation to the presence of intra-amniotic inflammation (IAI).

METHODS

The study included fifty-two women with singleton pregnancies experiencing PPROM. Absolute counts of different leukocyte subpopulations, such as granulocytes, monocytes, lymphocytes, T cells and their subsets, B cells and their subsets, and NK cells and their subsets, were measured in maternal peripheral blood samples using multicolour flow cytometry. IAI was identified by elevated concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in the amniotic fluid, which was collected through transabdominal amniocentesis.

RESULTS

Women with IAI exhibited higher absolute counts of leukocytes (p = 0.003), granulocytes (p = 0.008), and monocytes (p = 0.009). However, the presence of IAI did not significantly affect the absolute counts of lymphocytes or their subpopulations.

CONCLUSIONS

The study found that IAI is associated with changes in the absolute counts of leukocytes from the innate immunity compartment in the peripheral blood of women with pregnancies complicated by PPROM. Conversely, it does not significantly alter the counts of cells from the adaptive immune system. The changes observed may reflect the natural, temporal, and localised characteristics of IAI.

Changes in Relative Counts of Different Leukocyte Subpopulations in Peripheral and Umbilical Cord Blood of Women With Preterm Prelabor Rupture of Membranes With Respect to Intraamniotic Inflammation and Fetal Inflammatory Response Syndrome

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the relative counts of different leukocyte subsets in peripheral and umbilical cord blood in pregnancies complicated by preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) with respect to the presence of intraamniotic inflammation (IAI) and fetal inflammatory response syndrome (FIRS).

METHODS

Fifty-two women with singleton pregnancies complicated by PPROM were included in this study. From samples of peripheral and umbilical cord blood, relative counts of these leukocyte subpopulations were determined using multicolor flow cytometry: granulocytes, monocytes, lymphocytes, T cells and their subpopulations, B cells and their subpopulations, and NK cells and their subpopulations. IAI was defined as increased concentrations of interleukin 6 in the amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid samples were obtained by transabdominal amniocentesis.

RESULTS

Women with IAI had higher relative counts of monocytes (p = 0.04) in peripheral blood. There was an increased relative number of granulocytes (p = 0.003) and a decreased number of lymphocytes (p = 0.0048), helper CD4+ T cells (p = 0.019), NK cells (p = 0.0001) within leukocytes, NK cells within lymphocytes (p = 0.003) and CD16+ NK cells within NK cells (p = 0.005) in umbilical cord blood samples of women with FIRS. However, after adjusting the results for gestational age at sampling, all differences disappeared.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of IAI or FIRS is not accompanied by significant changes in the relative counts of immune cells in peripheral blood or umbilical cord blood in pregnancies complicated by PPROM.

Plasma Kallistatin and Progranulin as Predictive Biomarkers of Intraamniotic Inflammation, Microbial Invasion of the Amniotic Cavity, and Composite Neonatal Morbidity/Mortality in Women With Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes

PROBLEM

To explore the clinical utility of nine inflammatory immune-, adhesion-, and extracellular matrix-related mediators in the plasma for predicting intraamniotic inflammation and/or microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (IAI/MIAC) and composite neonatal morbidity and/or mortality (CNMM) in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) when used alone or in combination with conventional blood-, ultrasound-, and clinical-based factors.

METHODS OF STUDY

This retrospective cohort comprised 173 singleton pregnant women with PPROM (24 + 0 - 33 + 6 weeks), who underwent amniocentesis. Amniotic fluid was cultured for microorganisms and assayed for IL-6 levels. Plasma levels of AFP, CXCL14, E-selectin, Gal-3BP, kallistatin, progranulin, P-selectin, TGFBI, and VDBP were determined by ELISA. Ultrasonographic cervical length (CL) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were measured.

RESULTS

Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed significant associations between (i) decreased plasma kallistatin levels and IAI/MIAC and (ii) decreased plasma progranulin levels and increased CNMM risk after adjusting for baseline variables (e.g., gestational age at sampling [or delivery] and parity). Using stepwise regression analysis, noninvasive prediction models for IAI/MIAC and CNMM risks were developed, which included plasma progranulin levels, NLR, CL, and gestational age at sampling, and provided a good prediction of the corresponding endpoints (area under the curve: 0.79 and 0.87, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Kallistatin and progranulin are potentially valuable plasma biomarkers for predicting IAI/MIAC and CNMM in women with PPROM. Particularly, the combination of these plasma biomarkers with conventional blood-, ultrasound-, and clinical-based factors can significantly support the diagnosis of IAI/MIAC and CNMM.

Predictive potential of various plasma inflammation-, angiogenesis-, and extracellular matrix remodeling-associated mediators for intra-amniotic inflammation and/or microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity in preterm labor

PURPOSE

To determine whether various inflammatory-, angiogenic/anti-angiogenic-, and extracellular matrix remodeling-associated proteins in plasma, alone or in combination with conventional blood-based markers, can predict intra-amniotic inflammation and/or microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (IAI/MIAC) in women with spontaneous preterm labor (PTL).

METHODS

A total of 193 singleton pregnant women with PTL (23-33 weeks) were included in this retrospective cohort study. Plasma samples were obtained at the time of amniocentesis. Amniotic fluid (AF) was cultured for microorganism detection and consequent MIAC diagnosis. IL-6 levels were determined in AF and used to identify IAI (AF IL-6 ≥ 2.6 ng/mL). Endostatin, haptoglobin, IGFBP-2/3, LBP, M-CSF, MMP-2/8, pentraxin 3, PlGF, S100A8/A9, and VEGFR-1 levels were assayed in plasma samples by ELISA. CRP levels and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were measured.

RESULTS

Plasma LBP, MMP-8, and S100A8/A9 levels, CRP levels, and NLR were significantly higher, and plasma IGFBP-2 and MMP-2 levels were significantly lower in women with IAI/MIAC than in those without this condition, whereas no baseline variables differed significantly between the two groups. Using a stepwise regression analysis, a noninvasive prediction model for IAI/MIAC was developed, which included plasma LBP, MMP-2, and MMP-8 levels (area under the curve [AUC], 0.785). The AUC for this prediction model was significantly or borderline greater than that of any single factor included in the model.

CONCLUSIONS

IGFBP-2, LBP, MMP-2, MMP-8, and S100A8/A9 may represent valuable plasma biomarkers for predicting IAI/MIAC in women with PTL. Combination of LBP, MMP-2, and MMP-8 expression data can significantly improve the predictive potential for IAI/MIAC.

Identification and characterization of plasma proteins associated with intra-amniotic inflammation and/or infection in women with preterm labor

This study aimed to identify plasma proteins that could serve as potential biomarkers for microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC) or intra-amniotic inflammation (IAI) in women with preterm labor (PTL). A retrospective cohort comprised singleton pregnant women with PTL (24-34 weeks) who underwent amniocentesis. Pooled plasma samples were analyzed by label-free liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for proteome profiling in a nested case-control study (concomitant MIAC/IAI cases vs. non-MIAC/IAI controls [n = 10 per group]). Eight target proteins associated with MIAC/IAI were further verified by immunoassays in a large cohort (n = 230). Shotgun proteomic analysis revealed 133 differentially expressed proteins (fold change > 1.5, P < 0.05) in the plasma of MIAC/IAI cases. Further quantification confirmed that the levels of AFP were higher and those of kallistatin and TGFBI were lower in the plasma of women with MIAC and that the levels of kallistatin and TGFBI were lower in the plasma of women with IAI than in those without these conditions. The area under the curves of plasma AFP, kallistatin, and TGFBI ranged within 0.67-0.81 with respect to each endpoint. In summary, plasma AFP, kallistatin, and TGFBI may represent valuable non-invasive biomarkers for predicting MIAC or IAI in women with PTL.

Potential of plasma inflammatory and angiogenic mediators for predicting spontaneous preterm delivery, intraamniotic infection/inflammation, and composite neonatal morbidity/mortality in women with early preterm premature rupture of membranes

PROBLEM

To assess the potential of five inflammatory and six angiogenic/antiangiogenic plasma proteins for predicting imminent spontaneous preterm delivery (SPTD; ≤14 days of sampling), microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity and/or intraamniotic inflammation (MIAC/IAI), and composite neonatal morbidity and mortality (CNMM) in women with early preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).

METHODS OF STUDY

This retrospective cohort study included 76 singleton pregnant women with early PPROM (23-30 weeks). Amniotic fluid obtained via amniocentesis was cultured for microorganism detection and assayed for interleukin-6 to define IAI (≥2.6 ng/mL). Plasma C4a, endoglin, endostatin, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-2, MMP-9, PlGF, S100A8, S100A9, S100 A8/A9, and VEGFR-1 levels were determined using ELISA.

RESULTS

Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed significant associations between (i) high levels of plasma S100A8/A9, SPTD ≤14 days after sampling, and shorter sampling-to-delivery intervals; (ii) elevated plasma MMP-9, S100A9, and S100A8/A9 levels and MIAC/IAI, and (iii) decreased plasma endoglin levels and increased CNMM risk, while adjusting for gestational age at sampling (or delivery) and tocolytic use. The area under the curves of the aforementioned proteins ranged from 0.655 to 0.731 for each outcome. Notably, the SPTD risk increased significantly with increasing plasma S100A8/A9 levels (P for trend < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma S100A8/A9, MMP-9, S100A9, and endoglin may represent valuable biomarkers associated with SPTD, MIAC/IAI, and CNMM in women with early PPROM. Owing to their less invasive nature, repeatability, and fair-to-moderate diagnostic accuracy, these biomarkers may contribute to risk stratification of PPROM-related complications in the clinical setting.

High amniotic fluid fractalkine and MIP-1β levels are associated with intrauterine growth restriction: a prospective cohort study

Background/aim

Proinflammatory chemokines have been shown to play crucial roles in implantation, spiral artery invasion, and the fetomaternal immunological response. In this context, we investigated the levels of fractalkine (CX3CL1) and chemokine CC motif ligand 4 (CCL4 or MIP-1β) in maternal serum and amniotic fluids in pregnant women with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

Materials and methods

This prospective cohort study was carried out at Fırat University Obstetrics Clinic between January 1, 2022 and July 1, 2022. Group (G) 1: The control group consisted of 40 pregnant women who underwent elective cesarean section (CS) at 38-40 weeks of gestation. G2: A total of 40 pregnant women with IUGR at 28-37 weeks of gestation were included in the study group. Levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), macrophage inflammatory protein-1 beta (MIP-1β), and fractalkine were measured in maternal serum and amniotic fluid samples obtained during CS.

Results

When maternal age was compared, no statistically significant difference was observed between G1 and G2 (p = 0.374). The number of gravidity was found to be statistically higher in G1 compared to G2 (p = 0.003). The mean gestational week was statistically higher in G1 (p < 0.001). Maternal serum MIP-1β (p = 0.03) and IFN-γ (p = 0.006) levels were higher in G1. The birth weight of the baby (p < 0.001) and umbilical cord blood gas pH value (p < 0.001) at birth were higher in G1. HIF-1α (p < 0.001), fractalkine (p < 0.001), MIP-1β (p < 0.001), TNF-α (p = 0.007), IL-1β (p < 0.001), and IFN-γ levels (p = 0.007) in amniotic fluid were higher in G2.

Conclusion

Elevated levels of proinflammatory factors, including fractalkine and MIP-1β, along with inflammatory factors such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IFN-γ, as well as increased HIF-1α levels in amniotic fluid, are associated with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) attributed to a hypoxic amniotic environment.

Chorioamnionitis: An Update on Diagnostic Evaluation

Chorioamnionitis remains a major cause of preterm birth and maternal and neonatal morbidity. We reviewed the current evidence for the diagnostic tests of chorioamnionitis and how this relates to clinical practice today. A comprehensive literature search and review was conducted on chorioamnionitis and intra-uterine inflammation. Data from randomized control trials and systematic reviews were prioritized. This review highlights that sterile inflammation plays an important role in chorioamnionitis and that the current tests for chorioamnionitis including clinical criteria, maternal plasma and vaginal biomarkers lack diagnostic accuracy. Concerningly, these tests often rely on detecting an inflammatory response after damage has occurred to the fetus. Care should be taken when interpreting current investigations for the diagnosis of chorioamnionitis and how they guide obstetric/neonatal management. There is an urgent need for further validation of current diagnostic tests and the development of novel, accurate, minimally invasive tests that detect subclinical intra-uterine inflammation.

Inflammatory biomarkers in the cervicovaginal fluid to identify histologic chorioamnionitis and funisitis in women with preterm labor

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the association between altered levels of inflammatory proteins in the cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) and acute histologic chorioamnionitis (HCA) and funisitis in women with preterm labor (PTL).

METHODS

In this study, a total of 134 consecutive singleton pregnant women with PTL (at 23+0-34+0 weeks) who delivered preterm (at  < 37 weeks) and from whom CVF samples were collected at admission were retrospectively enrolled. The CVF levels of haptoglobin, interleukin-6/8, kallistatin, lipocalin-2, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, resistin, S100 calcium-binding protein A8, and serpin A1 were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The placentas were histologically analyzed after delivery.

RESULTS

Multiple logistic regression analyses showed significant associations between elevated CVF interleukin-8 and resistin levels and acute HCA after adjusting for baseline covariates (e.g., gestational age at sampling). CVF haptoglobin, interleukin-6/8, kallistatin, MMP-8, and resistin levels were significantly higher in women with funisitis than in those without, whereas the baseline covariates were similar between the two groups (P > 0.1). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves of the aforementioned biomarkers ranged from 0.61 to 0.77 regarding each outcome. Notably, HCA risk significantly increased with increasing CVF levels of interleukin-8 and resistin (P for trend  < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Haptoglobin, interleukin-6/8, kallistatin, MMP-8, and resistin were identified as potential inflammatory CVF biomarkers predictive of acute HCA and funisitis in women with PTL. Moreover, the risk severity of acute HCA may be associated with the degree of the inflammatory response in the CVF (particularly based on interleukin-8 levels).

Biomarkers for Pregnancy Latency Prediction after Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes-A Systematic Review

Preterm premature rupture of membranes, leading to preterm birth, is associated with neonatal and maternal morbidity and mortality. The study aimed to review the existing data on the best predictive value of pregnancy latency for known biomarkers in pregnancies after preterm premature rupture of membranes. The following databases were screened for the purposes of this systematic review: Pubmed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. The study was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. Only a few studies assessed biomarkers predicting pregnancy duration after PPROM. IL-6, IL-8, CRP, IL1RA, s-endoglin, βhCG, AFP, PCT, urea, creatinine, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, MDA, lipocalin-2, endotoxin activity, MMP-8, MMP-9 and S100 A8/A9 were found to have a positive predictive value for delivery timing prediction. Proinflammatory biomarkers, such as IL-6 or CRP, proved to be best correlated with delivery timing, independent of the occurrence of intrauterine infection.

Proteomic analysis of plasma to identify novel biomarkers for intra-amniotic infection and/or inflammation in preterm premature rupture of membranes

To identify potential plasma biomarkers associated with microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC) and/or intraamniotic inflammation (IAI) in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). This retrospective cohort study included 182 singleton pregnant women with PPROM (23-33 weeks) who underwent amniocentesis. Plasma samples; all subjects were chosen from these participants and were analyzed using label-free liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for proteome profiling using a nested case-control study design (cases with MIAC/IAI vs. non-MIAC/IAI controls [n = 9 each]). Three identified target molecules for MIAC/IAI were further verified by ELISA in the study cohort (n = 182). Shotgun proteomic analysis revealed 17 differentially expressed proteins (P < 0.05) in the plasma of MIAC/IAI cases. In particular, the levels of FCGR3A and haptoglobin, but not LRP1, were found to be increased in the plasma of patients with MIAC, IAI, and both MIAC/IAI compared with those without these conditions. Moreover, these differences remained significant after adjusting for gestational age at sampling. The area under the curves of plasma FCGR3A and haptoglobin ranged within 0.59-0.65 with respect to each of the three outcome measures. Plasma FCGR3A and haptoglobin were identified as potential independent biomarkers for less-invasively detecting MIAC/IAI in women with PPROM.

High-throughput analysis of amniotic fluid proteins associated with histological chorioamnionitis in preterm premature rupture of membranes using an antibody-based microarray

PROBLEM

To identify potential proteins in the amniotic fluid (AF) that may be associated with histologic chorioamnionitis (HCA) in patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) using antibody-based microarray analysis.

METHOD OF STUDY

This was a retrospective cohort study involving 100 singleton pregnant women with PPROM at 24-34 weeks who underwent amniocentesis and delivered within 120 h of amniocentesis. First, the AF proteomes of 15 patients with PPROM and HCA were compared with those of 15 gestational age-matched patients without HCA using a protein microarray. Next, 12 candidate proteins associated with HCA were further validated in 100 consecutive patients with PPROM by ELISA.

RESULTS

Of 507 proteins assessed in the microarray analysis, 46 showed significant intergroup differences. Further quantification confirmed that the levels of EN-RAGE, IL-6, MMP-9, TNFR2, SPARC, TSP2, and uPA were higher in the AF of PPROM patients with HCA than in those without. Multivariate analyses also showed that elevated AF EN-RAGE, IL-6, MMP-9, and TNFR2 levels were independently associated with HCA when adjusted for baseline variables. The frequency of the highest quartile of the aforementioned proteins significantly increased as the total grade of HCA increased; the risk of HCA significantly increased with increasing AF levels of each protein (P for trend < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Using protein-antibody microarray technology, we discovered several potential AF proteins (EN-RAGE, IL-6, MMP-9, and TNFR2) independently associated with HCA in patients with PPROM. Furthermore, we demonstrated a direct correlation between the gradation of the intra-amniotic inflammatory response and HCA severity.

Plasma E-selectin and kallistatin as predictive markers of histologic chorioamnionitis in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes

PROBLEM

We aimed to assess the predictive potential of 12 plasma biomarkers to predict acute histologic chorioamnionitis (HCA) in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and to develop multi-biomarker panels based on these biomarkers in combination with widely used conventional laboratory markers.

METHOD OF STUDY

This was a retrospective cohort study involving 81 singleton pregnant women (24-34 weeks of gestation) who delivered within 96 h of blood sampling. White blood cell (WBC) count, differential counts, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured at admission. The levels of DKK-3, Fas, haptoglobin, IGFBP-2, kallistatin, MIP-1α, MMP-2, MMP-8, pentraxin 3, progranulin, E-selectin, and P-selectin were evaluated by ELISA using stored plasma samples. The primary outcome measure was acute HCA.

RESULTS

Multivariate analyses showed that low plasma E-selectin and kallistatin levels were independently associated with HCA occurrence after adjusting for gestational age. Using a stepwise regression analysis, a multi-biomarker panel comprising plasma E-selectin, serum CRP, and WBC was developed, which provided a good prediction of acute HCA in women with PPROM (area under the curve [AUC], 0.899), with a significantly higher AUC than that of any single variable included in the panel (P<0.05). The plasma levels of DKK-3, Fas, haptoglobin, IGFBP-2, MIP-1α, MMP-2, MMP-8, pentraxin 3, and P-selectin were not significantly associated with HCA occurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified E-selectin and kallistatin as potential plasma biomarkers associated with acute HCA in women with PPROM. Their combined analysis with serum CRP and WBC counts significantly improved acute HCA diagnosis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Prediction of emergency cerclage outcomes in women with cervical insufficiency: The role of inflammatory, angiogenic, and extracellular matrix-related proteins in amniotic fluid

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine whether various novel inflammatory, angiogenic, and extracellular matrix-related mediators in amniotic fluid (AF) can independently predict emergency cerclage outcomes in women with acute cervical insufficiency (CI).

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study conducted among 50 singleton pregnant women (18-25 weeks) who underwent emergency cerclage for CI and were subjected to amniocentesis. The AF samples were assayed for endoglin, endostatin, haptoglobin, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (IGFBP)-3, -4, kallistatin, lumican, macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), pentraxin 3, p-selectin, receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), resistin, transforming growth factor beta-induced (TGFBI), and vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP) levels. Interleukin (IL)-6 levels in the AF were also measured for comparison with potential biomarkers assessed in this study. The primary endpoint was spontaneous preterm delivery (SPTD) at <34 weeks following emergency cerclage.

RESULTS

The AF levels of pentraxin 3, RAGE, and resistin were significantly higher in women who had SPTD at <34 weeks after cerclage placement (pentraxin-3: P = 0.003; RAGE: P = 0.041; and resistin; P = 0.002). In multivariate analysis, elevated AF levels of pentraxin 3 (P = 0.007) and resistin (P = 0.006), but not those of RAGE (P = 0.069), were independently associated with the occurrence of SPTD at <34 weeks after cerclage, following adjustment for baseline clinical variables (e.g., cervical dilation). The area under the curve (AUC) values of AF pentraxin 3, RAGE, and resistin for the prediction of SPTD at <34 weeks were 0.749, 0.669, and 0.770, respectively, which were similar to those of AF IL-6. However, in univariate analyses, no differences in the AF levels of endoglin, endostatin, haptoglobin, IGFBP-3, IGFBP-4, kallistatin, lumican, p-selectin, TGFBI, and VDBP were found to be associated with SPTD at <34 weeks after cerclage placement.

CONCLUSIONS

In women with acute CI, the AF levels of pentraxin 3, RAGE, and resistin could be useful novel biomarkers for predicting SPTD following emergency cerclage. However, the clinical utility of these new biomarkers should be validated in larger multicenter studies.

Inflammation-related immune proteins in maternal plasma as potential predictive biomarkers for rescue cerclage outcome in women with cervical insufficiency

PROBLEM

This study aimed to determine whether various novel plasma mediators of immune regulation associated with inflammation could independently predict the clinical outcome of rescue cerclage in patients with cervical insufficiency (CI).

METHOD OF STUDY

A total of 41 singleton pregnant women (17-25 weeks) who underwent rescue cerclage for CI were retrospectively evaluated. Stored plasma samples were assayed for IGFBP-1, -2, -3, IL-6, latexin, LBP, lipocalin-2, M-CSF, MIP-1α, MMP-8, -9, pentraxin 3, resistin, S100A8, S100A8/A9, thrombospondin-2, TIMP-1, and TNFR2 levels. The primary outcome measures were spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) at < 28 and < 34 weeks after cerclage placement.

RESULTS

Multivariate Firth's logistic regression analysis revealed that high levels of IGFBP-3 and S100A8/A9, and low levels of MIP-1α were significantly associated with SPTB at < 28 weeks after cerclage placement, whereas only low MIP-1α levels were significantly associated with SPTB at < 34 weeks, even after adjustment for baseline clinical covariates (e.g., cervical dilatation). For the prediction of SPTB at < 28 weeks, the area under the curves (AUC) of IGFBP-3, MIP-1α, and S100A8/A9 were of .686, .691, and .693, respectively. Similarly, the AUC of MIP-1 α was of .659 to predict SPTB at < 34 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that plasma IGFBP-3, MIP-1α, and S100A8/A9 can represent noninvasive independent biomarkers for identifying women with CI at high risk for SPTB following rescue cerclage. Nonetheless, further in large, multicenter clinical studies should be performed to confirm the clinical value of these biomarkers.