Abstract
Objective The objective of this study was to compare cervicovaginal fetal fibronectin (FFN)
versus transvaginal sonographic cervical length as predictors of preterm birth in
twin pregnancy and to test whether 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17OHPc) modifies
the predictive value of FFN.
Study Design Secondary analysis of a randomized trial of 17OHPc versus placebo in dichorionic-diamniotic
twins, analyzing the subset with screening FFN (N = 198) and/or cervical length (N = 214) at 24 to 26 weeks of gestation.
Results Positive FFN was found in 7%, cervical length ≤ 25 mm in 8%, and both positive FFN
and cervical length ≤ 25 mm in 3%. Birth < 32, < 34, and < 37 weeks occurred in 8,
30, and 67%, respectively. In logistic regression analysis controlling for FFN, cervical
length, prior preterm birth, and treatment group, positive FFN was significantly associated
with birth < 30 and < 32 weeks (odds ratio 55.0 [95% confidence interval 5.2–582],
18.1 [3.3–99], respectively, p < 0.001 for both) but cervical length ≤ 25 mm was not (odds ratio 0.1 [0.002–1.6],
0.6 [0.1–4.3]).
Conclusion Positive FFN was stronger than cervical length ≤ 25 mm in predicting early preterm
birth in twins, regardless of 17OHPc use. Treatment with 17OHPc did not appear to
alter the predictive value of FFN.
Keywords
fetal fibronectin - cervical length - twin pregnancy - 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate
- preterm birth prediction