Predictive significance of C reactive protein in spontaneous preterm delivery: a prospective cohort study

Background: To evaluate the predictive significance of C- reactive protein in spontaneous preterm delivery. Methods: A group of 280 pregnant women between 12-22 weeks of gestational age attending antenatal clinic were included in a prospective cohort and followed through the pregnancy, delivery and early puerperium till discharge. Finally details of 250 women were available for analysis. CRP estimation in early pregnancy is done. Patients followed up to delivery. Gestational age determined by LMP or ultrasound estimation. Status of the newborn at birth, and at discharge, and its gestational age is noted. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics like chi-square test, p-value and odds ratio. Main outcome measures gestational age at delivery and neonatal condition at discharge. Results: Out of 250 patients, 78 (31.2%) were CRP positive and 172 (68.8%) were CRP negative. CRP positivity showed positive association with preterm labour with odds ratio 2.384 (95% CI: 1.153-4.928 & p value 0.01). Neonatal morbidity & mortality was also higher in newborns of CRP positive mothers. Conclusions: CRP positivity in early pregnancy is associated with nearly a two fold increased risk of preterm delivery. Neonatal complications like preterm, low birth weight, septicaemia, birth asphyxia and others are more common in CRP positive mothers. [Int J Reprod Contracept Obstet Gynecol 2013; 2(1.000): 47-51]