Abstract
Objective To assess differences in cytokine levels in cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) and serum
across trimesters between women with preterm births (PTBs) and full-term births.
Study Design This multicenter study enrolled 302 women with a singleton gestation. CVF and serum
cytokines, interleukin 1α (IL-1α), IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, C-reactive protein (CRP),
tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, were measured.
Women with at least one cytokine assessment and noted PTB status in their medical
record were retained in the study (N = 272). Data were analyzed using mixed modeling (main effects of PTBs and time/trimester).
Results For the CVF values of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, and CRP, and serum MMP-8, those who
delivered preterm had significantly higher values than the full-term group regardless
of trimester. For the serum values of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, those delivering preterm
had significantly lower values than those delivering full-term regardless of trimester.
For IL-1β in CVF, the cytokine was significantly higher in the PTB group for second
and third trimesters only, relative to the full-term group.
Conclusion For each CVF cytokine that differed by birth status, values were higher for PTB than
term, averaged over trimester. Numerous cytokine profiles varied across trimesters
in women delivering term versus preterm in both CVF and serum.
Keywords
cytokines - preterm birth - serum - cervicovaginal fluid
