Publication:

Role of maternal serum Chlamydia trachomatis IgG antibodies and serum C-reactive protein in preterm labour

Background The objective was to find the role of maternal serum C- reactive protein and Chlamydia trachomatis IgG antibodies as predictors of preterm delivery.

Methods This prospective study was conducted in UISEMH, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, GSVM Medical College, Kanpur from September 2011 to September 2013. The present study comprised of a total of 100 cases, out of which 50 were in study group and 50 in control group. Cases were compared with respect to presence of Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies and maternal C- reactive protein levels.

Results CRP levels were higher and C. trachomatis immunoglobulin G levels were more often present in the women with preterm deliveries. A total of 20 cases (40%) were found to be seropositive for IgG antibodies to C. trachomatis. The seropositive women were significantly more likely to have a preterm birth (75% [15/20] v. 40% [12/30]; p = 0.0182, odds ratio 4.50, 95% CI 1.29 to 15.67). In study group 21 cases were CRP positive (42%). The CRP positive women were significantly more likely to have a preterm birth (76.2% [16/21] v. 37.93 % [11/29]; p = 0.009, odds ratio 5.24, 95% CI 1.49 to 18.34). Thus risk of preterm delivery was greater in seropositive women and in CRP positive women.

Conclusion The detection of maternal serum C- reactive protein and antichlamydial antibodies are valuable, non-invasive diagnostic procedure for prediction of preterm delivery and can be used as predictors of preterm delivery.