Predictors of Inflammation-Mediated Preterm Birth

Abstract

Preterm birth remains a worldwide health concern because of ongoing challenges in prediction and prevention. Current predictors are limited by poor performance, need for invasive sampling, and an inability to identify patients in a timely fashion to allow for effective intervention. The multiple etiologies of preterm birth often have an inflammatory component. Thus, a deeper understanding of the inflammatory mechanisms involved in preterm birth may provide opportunities to identify new predictors of preterm birth. This review discusses the multiple etiologies of preterm birth, their links to inflammation, current predictors available, and new directions for the field.

Keywords: biomarkers; inflammation; predictors; pregnancy; preterm birth.

FIGURE 1.. Techniques and markers evaluated for predicting preterm birth

Although these markers have been tested as predictors of preterm birth using multiple collection techniques, their predictive values are limited due to invasive techniques, limited time frames to impending labor, or limited correlation to future preterm birth. Terms in bold are for techniques currently used clinically. Terms in italics are techniques being investigated as predictors of preterm birth. DAMP, danger-associated molecular pattern; miR, microRNA; sEV, small extracellular vesicles.