The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of cervicovaginal fibronectin as a screening test in a low-risk population. Swabs were taken from the posterior fornix at 28 weeks’ gestation and foetal fibronectin levels were assayed using enzyme immunoassay.
Eighteen patients (7.7%) delivered at less than 37 weeks’ gestation, and six (2.4%) at less than 34 weeks’ gestation. Five patients (2.1%) had a positive fibronectin test result. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value in the prediction of delivery at less than 37 weeks’ gestation were 16.7%, 99.1%, 60.0% and 93.4%, respectively. The sensitivity of foetal fibronectin in the prediction of delivery at less than 34 weeks’ gestation was higher (50%) than that for the prediction of delivery at less than 37 weeks’ gestation (16.7%). The low sensitivity of this test suggests a limited role for cervicovaginal fibronectin in the low-risk population.
Further studies need to be carried out to assess whether multiple testing of cervicovaginal fibronectin at different gestational ages will further increase the sensitivity.
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The author(s) declare there are no affiliations with or involvement in any organisation or entity with any financial interest in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript.
