Publication:

Correlation of levels of serum C reactive protein in second trimester with fetomaternal outcome

Background The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between levels of second trimester C Reactive protein (CRP) with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Methods Present study was a prospective analytical study carried out among 359 pregnant women between 14-18 weeks. All were primigravida, who attended antenatal OPD at RGGWCH between January 2019 to June 2020. All subjects fulfilled inclusion and exclusion criteria. Informed written consent was obtained in each case. A detailed history, clinical and ultrasound examination was done to confirm the gestational age. Then blood was collected and sent for serum CRP estimation. Patients were followed upto discharge of the mother and baby and fetomaternal outcome studied. Once the sample size was attained, the correlation between CRP levels and fetomaternal outcome was studied.

Results Increased levels of serum CRP in early second trimester in primigravida were significantly associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes like preterm delivery (p value 0.001), PROM (premature rupture of membranes) (p value 0.01) and low APGAR (p value 0.01).

Conclusions Early detection of higher levels of serum CRP in pregnancy can be used as predictor of inflammation and may help in early intervention, follow up and timely referral of the patients to minimize adverse maternal and fetal complications.