PLASMA PROSTAGLANDIN IN PREGNANT-WOMEN WITH TERM AND PRETERM DELIVERIES

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 57  (2) , 203-206
Abstract
Because of the involvement of prostaglandins [PG] in the labor mechanism, it was hypothesized that elevated PG levels would presage preterm deliveries. A comparison of plasma 13,14-dihydro-15-ketoprostaglandin F2.alpha. (PGFM) levels was made between pregnant patients who eventually delivered at term (n = 22) and those who delivered preterm (n = 17). Maternal blood was collected from each patient at .apprx. 1 wk intervals between 16 and 40 wk gestation and during labor. Mixed cord blood was also obtained at delivery. PGFM was measured in plasma by radioimmunoassay. Plasma PGFM concentrations did not vary throughout pregnancy. PGFM concentrations did increase during labor, and the highest levels were found in cord blood at delivery. Mean PGFM levels during labor and in cord blood were not significantly different between the preterm and term groups. In 1 preterm delivery patient the PGFM concentration during labor was higher than that of all other patients, including those who delivered at term. Excluding this patient, preterm labor PGFM concentrations were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than those at term. This study provides evidence that most cases of preterm labor are not characterized by elevated PG levels.

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