Markers for preterm delivery and threatened abortion

• A. Preterm delivery: fetal fibronectin; threatened abortion: hCG
• B. Preterm delivery: hCG; threatened abortion: fetal fibronectin
• C. Preterm delivery: CRP; threatened abortion: Prolactin
• D. Preterm delivery: Ferritin; threatened abortion: tPA

Answer: (A)

Fetal fibronectin in cervical or vaginal secretions is a key predictor of preterm delivery. Its presence between about 22 and 34 weeks indicates disruption at the fetal–maternal interface and signals a higher risk of delivery within a short time, guiding closer monitoring and possible interventions. A negative fetal fibronectin result has a strong negative predictive value, meaning a low chance of delivering soon, which helps avoid unnecessary treatments.

For threatened abortion, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is used to confirm and monitor early pregnancy viability. Appropriate rising patterns of hCG support ongoing pregnancy, while abnormal changes can raise concern for potential miscarriage.

Other markers listed aren’t standard tools for predicting preterm delivery or assessing threatened abortion, making fetal fibronectin the best choice for preterm risk and hCG the best choice for evaluating threatened abortion.