Fetal Fibronectin and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in a Predominantly HIV-infected African Population
Citation
Goldenberg RL, Andrews WW, Hoffman I, Fawzi W, Valentine M, Young A, Read JS, Brown ER, Mudenda V, Kafulafula G, Mwinga K, Taha TE. Fetal Fibronectin and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in a Predominantly HIV-infected African Population. Obstet Gynecol. 2007, 109: 392-401 PMID: 17267841.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between fetal fibronectin and preterm birth and maternal-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in an African population of predominantly HIV-infected women. METHODS: During a trial of second trimester and intrapartum antibiotics compared with placebo to prevent chorioamnionitis and reduce preterm birth and mother-to-child transmission of HIV, vaginal fluid was collected before antibiotics (20-24 weeks) and after treatment at 28 weeks and assayed for fetal fibronectin. Pregnancy outcomes of 2,353 women delivering liveborn singleton infants are presented. RESULTS: Positive fetal fibronectin assays (50 ng/mL or more) were detected in 4.2% and 4.9% of samples at 20-24 weeks and 28 weeks. Positive fetal fibronectin assays at 28 weeks but not at 20-24 weeks were associated with lower mean birthweight (199 g, P