A cohort study found that white blood cell count and endocrine markers predicted preterm birth in symptomatic women

Abstract Objective This cohort study investigated potential clinical and biochemical predictors of subsequent preterm birth in women presenting with threatened preterm labor. Study design and setting Subjects were 218 pregnant women admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of threatened preterm labor at 22–36 weeks gestation. Exclusion criteria were multiple pregnancy, fetal anomalies, diabetes mellitus, abruptio placenta, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, cervical dilatation>4 cm, and clinical signs of infection. Analyses used logistic regression. Results The presence of ruptured membranes was the best predictor of birth within 48 hours. Other important predictors were maternal white blood cell count at 22–27 weeks gestation and maternal adrenocorticotropin and corticotropin-releasing hormone concentrations at 28–36 weeks gestation. Conclusion Subclinical infection may be an important etiologic factor in preterm births of gestational age