Abstract:

The aim of the study was to determine whether the presence of prolactin in cervical washing fluids is associated with premature birth. Methods: We measured the levels of cervikovaginal prolactin in twenty-four to eight-four-week 80 consecutive pregnant women and compared the levels of prolactin in pre-born (<37 weeks) pregnancies with term-borns. Results: Seventy-three pregnant women were analyzed. Of these, 19 were preeterm (26%) and 54 (74) term. The cervical prolactin level was significantly higher in the preeterm group compared to the term birth group (0.12 ng/mL vs. 0.07 ng/mL; p<0.001). The optimal cutting value of prolactin was 0.088 ng/mL. Sensitivity and personality were 73.7% and 81.4% for this value. Result: According to the study, high levels of prolactin in the vaginal secretion of pregnant women may be a sign of premature birth. However, this is not a sensitive test that can be used routine for the prediction of premature birth.

Keywords: