Role of the second trimester amniotic fluid IL-1, IL6, HsCRP, glucose, cell count Progesterone/estrogen ratio and electrolyte parameters to determine the preterm labor

Preterm birth still continues to stay as the most important reason of perinatal morbidity and mortality. It is responsible for the 75-90% of newborn deaths except fatal congenital anomalies. Prematurity can also cause long-term sequelaes for the alive newborns. In the developed countries, preterm birth is approximately 7-12% of all the births. This ratio is higher in the developing countries (1,4,5,6). There are a lot of risks for preterm birth. Prevention of preterm birth is one of the leading objectives of obstetrics to avoid the morbidity, which can occur because of prematurity, as well as perinatal and neonatal deaths.As we are planning our study for explaining the etiology of preterm labor, two main hypotheses are emphasized. These are presence of subclinical infection, which starts preterm labor, and steroid hormone changes.16-26 week pregnant 125 patients that referred to Akdeniz University Medicine Faculty Obstetrics and Gynecologic Clinic and had amniocentesis with various reasons between ?March, 2011 ? September, 2011? were included in our study with their informed consent. 3 patients were detected to have karyotype anomaly (trisomi 21). 1 patient?s pregnancy was terminated because of severe preeclampsia at 32nd week. 5 patients couldn?t be reached. The study was maintained with 116 patients. Glucose, IL-1, IL-6, HsCRP, cell count, electrolyte and progesterone/estrogen ratio were worked with 2 cc amniotic fluid not to affect the genetic results of amniocentesis in pregnant patients.16 of patients gave birth before completing 37th week and preterm birth ratio was found 13.8%. In our study, both the mean age of group with preterm birth and the mean age of group with term birth were found statistically similar. Also, glucose, IL-1, IL-6, HsCRP, cell count, electrolyte and progesterone/estrogen ratio in amniotic fluids were similar for both of the groups. Although the data, which was obtained from the studies for both two hypothesis, was conflicting; studies with larger amounts of patients can provide us more clear information.