Plasma c - reactive protein in early pregnancy as a predictive tool for preterm delivery

Background: To study the role of plasma C - reactive protein in early pregnancy as a predictive tool for preterm delivery. Methods: A total of 125 patients between 12-22 weeks of gestation attending OPD were included in the prospective study and followed up to delivery. Finally 100 patients were available for the final study design. C - reactive protein was measured and maternal and fetal outcome of the deliveries was estimated. Results: Out of 100 women available for the final analysis, 32 (32%) were CRP positive and 68 (68%) were CRP negative. A total of 15 (15%) women had preterm deliveries (<37 weeks) out of which 25 % were CRP positive. High CRP levels were associated with increased incidence of preterm labour with odds ratio of 2.908.Neonatal morbidity was higher in newborns of CRP positive mothers. Conclusion: There is a positive association of elevated maternal CRP levels in early pregnancy and risk of preterm labour and hence it can predict high likelihood of preterm labour.