Use of Near-Infrared Spectroscopic Analysis of Second Trimester Amniotic Fluid to Assess Preterm Births
2011

Using Amniotic Fluid Analysis to Predict Preterm Births

Sample size: 227 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Kristin M. Power, Javier E. Sanchez-Galan, Gary W. Luskey, Kristine G. Koski, David H. Burns

Primary Institution: McGill University

Hypothesis

Differences in the metabolomic profile exist in second trimester amniotic fluid samples for term compared to preterm births.

Conclusion

The study found distinct differences in metabolomic profiles between patients delivering preterm and those at term.

Supporting Evidence

  • The model was able to classify term and preterm births with 100% sensitivity and specificity.
  • Statistical analysis showed a significant difference in prematurity index between the two groups.
  • The study utilized a calibration model based on near-infrared spectral analysis.

Takeaway

Scientists looked at the fluid around babies in the womb to see if they could tell if a baby would be born early. They found that the fluid from early births looked different from that of full-term births.

Methodology

This was a retrospective cohort study using near-infrared spectroscopy to analyze amniotic fluid samples from women delivering at term and preterm.

Limitations

The small sample size in the preterm delivery group limits the generalizability of the findings.

Participant Demographics

The study included 227 women, with 216 delivering at term and 11 delivering preterm, with similar maternal age and BMI across groups.

Statistical Information

P-Value

< 0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1155/2011/980985

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