Diagnostic and prognostic value of presepsin in preterm deliveries.

PROBLEM: To evaluate the association between serum presepsin (soluble CD14 antigen subtype, sCD14-ST) levels soon after the appearance of signs of preterm delivery and preterm delivery within 48 h, before the 34th and 37th gestational weeks and the possible additional value of concurrently evaluated ultrasound vaginal cervicometry with serum presepsin measurement.

METHODOLOGY: A total of 60 females were included. Serum presepsin was measured by a chemiluminescent immunoassay. Sonographic evaluation of cervical length in all females was conducted by transvaginal ultrasound.

RESULTS: Patients who delivered within 48 h after analysis showed significantly higher presepsin concentrations compared to females with later deliveries. Higher presepsin was proven also for deliveries before/after weeks 34 and 37. A combined finding of cervical length shortening below 18 mm and presepsin level increasing above 623.5 pg/mL could point to the significantly high risk of preterm delivery.

CONCLUSION: Elevated maternal serum concentration of sCD14-ST could be an independent and relevant risk factor for preterm delivery.