Amniotic-Fluid Lactoferrin as a Marker for Infection in Preterm Labor
Author Information
Author(s): Kimberly A. Heller, Phillip C. Greig, R. Phillip Heine
Primary Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Hypothesis
Amniotic-fluid lactoferrin levels are elevated in preterm labor patients with subclinical intraamniotic infection.
Conclusion
Amniotic-fluid lactoferrin levels increase after 31 weeks in normal gestations, and levels above 2.5 µg/ml in preterm labor patients before this gestational age are highly suggestive of intraamniotic infection.
Supporting Evidence
- AF lactoferrin levels were elevated in normal gestation after 31 weeks.
- Lactoferrin levels were higher in infected PTL patients compared to noninfected PTL patients at gestations <31 weeks.
- An AF lactoferrin level of >2.5 µg/ml is highly suggestive of infection in PTL patients at <32 weeks.
Takeaway
This study found that a protein called lactoferrin in the amniotic fluid can help doctors tell if a pregnant woman in preterm labor has an infection, especially if the level is higher than 2.5.
Methodology
Amniotic fluid samples were collected from 186 pregnant patients and lactoferrin levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Limitations
The study acknowledges limitations in identifying preterm labor patients without clinical evidence of infection who may still have an infectious etiology.
Participant Demographics
Pregnant patients with intact membranes and no clinical evidence of chorioamnionitis.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001 for elevated lactoferrin levels in normal gestation after 31 weeks.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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