Am J Perinatol 2005; 22(6): 305-309
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-870895
Copyright © 2005 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein-1 Detection in Preterm Labor: Evaluation of a Bedside Test

Shai E. Elizur1 , Yoav Yinon1 , Gil S. Epstein2 , Daniel S. Seidman1 , Eyal Schiff1 , Eyal Sivan1
  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, affiliated to the Sackler School of Medicine and Tel-Aviv University
  • 2The Department of Economics BAR-Ilan, Ramat Gan, Israel, CEPR, London, and IZA, Bonn, Germany
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Publication History

Publication Date:
15 June 2005 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Phosphorylated insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (phIGFBP-1) is secreted by decidual cells and may leak into cervical secretions during detachment of the fetal membrane. The aim of this study was to determine whether a rapid bedside test for phIGFBP-1 predicts preterm birth in women with preterm uterine contractions. This was a prospective study of pregnant women who sought medical care for symptoms of preterm labor. Cervical swabs were assayed for the presence of phIGFBP-1 by a rapid bedside test. Sixty-four patients were enrolled. Eleven of them (17%) delivered preterm (< 35 weeks). phIGFBP-1 in cervical secretions predicted preterm birth with a sensitivity of 72.7%, a specificity of 83.0%, a positive predictive value of 47.0%, and negative predictive value of 93.6%. Positive phIGFBP-1 bedside test in women with preterm uterine contractions may indicate a significant risk for subsequent preterm birth. The absence of phIGBP-1 is a reassuring sign that the likelihood of preterm birth is low.