Z Moradi - School of Nursing ,Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
P Moradi - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; , Medical School, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
H MeshkibafM - Department of Bio-chemistry, Medical School, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
M Sharafi - Noncommunicable Diseases Research center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran

Background and Objectives: Preterm delivery is among the main causes of infants death. Thus, prediction of preterm delivery may eliminate a large number of its complications. The present study aimed to predict preterm delivery by assessing maternal plasma fibronectin concentration. Methods: At first, 5 cc venous blood was taken from 105 pregnant women with the gestational age of 24-36 weeks who had referred to the gynecology clinic for routine prenatal care services. Another blood sample was taken from some women after 4-6 weeks. The blood samples were centrifuged and kept at -70 °C. The women were followed up until delivery. In so doing, their plasma fibronectin levels were evaluated using ELISA kits. Then, women with term and preterm deliveries were compared regarding fibronectin concentration. Results: Fibronectin concentration was higher in women with preterm delivery compared to those with term delivery(p<0/05). Accordingly, fibronectin concentration had significantly increased in the second blood samples(p<0/05). Fibronectin concentration was also higher in obese women and those suffering from preeclampsia and gestational diabetes(p> 0/05). In the first blood samples, the best cutoff point was 1750 ng/ml with the sensitivity of 80.26% and specificity of 17.85%. The best cutoff point in the second samples was 4226 ng/ml with the sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 74%. Conclusion: Maternal plasma fibronectin test could be used as a screening test for preterm delivery at 28-34 weeks of gestation.

Preterm delivery, Plasma fibronectin, Screening