Comparison of serum ferritin levels in pregnant women with preterm and term deliveries

Abstract

Introduction: Despite high rates of mortality and morbidity due to preterm delivery, none of the diagnostic and biochemical tests could help to accurately identify the cases at risk of preterm delivery. Objectives: Since ferritin is an acute phase reactant, this study aimed to evaluate serum ferritin levels in women with preterm and term delivery. Methods: This study was conducted on 150 women with preterm delivery (50 cases in each of the groups 24-30, 30-34, and 34-37 weeks of pregnancy), 150 women with term delivery, and 150 pregnant women who were between 24-37 weeks of pregnancy (same as preterm delivery groups). Results: The mean ferritin level in all preterm groups was significantly higher than that in the term group, but there was no difference among the preterm groups. In addition, ferritin level in each preterm group was significantly higher than those in the normal pregnancy group at the same gestational age. In preterm deliveries, ferritin levels were significantly higher in cases with prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM) or with a prolonged leakage (longer than 12 hours). In addition, in patients with PROM or prolonged leakage, ferritin levels were significantly higher in preterm deliveries than in term deliveries. A ferritin level of 37.5 ng/mL recognized as the best cut-off for preterm delivery, as compared with term delivery, and its sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy was 78.7%, 68.7%, and 73.6%, respectively. Conclusion: The findings of the present study showed that serum ferritin level can be used to find patients at risk of preterm delivery.

Serum Ferritin Levels in Pregnant Women with Preterm and Term Deliveries

“…Furthermore, ferritin level was significantly elevated in pre-term births than in term births in cases with PROM or an extended leakage (p value<0.001). In addition to our results, Jahedbozorgan et al, [11] demonstrated that in pre-term births, ferritin level was significantly elevated in patients with PROM or with an extended leakages (>12 h). Furthermore, in cases with PROM or extended leakages, ferritin level was significantly elevated in pre-term than in term births.…”

“…Furthermore, the best cutoff of ferritin levels for pre-term birth in PROMs and an extended leakages was 44.5 ng/mL and 45 ng/mL, resp. Also, Jahedbozorgan et al, [11] found that ferritin levels of 37.5 ng/mL known as the optimum cutoff for pre-term birth, in comparison to the in term birth, and its sense, spec., and accuracy were 78.70%, 68.70%, and 73.60%, resp. When comparing our results regarding roc curve for s-ferritin, Abdel-Malek et al, [7] revealed the cutoff point of s-ferritin amid the both groups was 31 ng/ml with sense 92.80%, spec.…”

Biochemical Markers As Predictor Of Preterm Labor- Their Clinical Relevance And The Current Status

“…Erdinc et al also published similar results of serum ferritin levels being associated with PTB (44). A study by Tayebeh et al which excluded cases of anemia showed similar results with serum ferritin >37.5 ng/ml with a sensitivity of 78.7 % and specificity of 68.7% could indicate preterm delivery (45).…”

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“…Ferritin is the main intracellular storage protein that retains iron in an insoluble and non-toxic state, which is reported to increase in some acute phase reactions such as inflammation. 14 Subclinical infections in pregnant women can increase ferritin levels as an acute phase reactant and cause spontaneous rupture of the membranes. 15 Uterine inertia occurs due to the inability of the uterus to contract due to myometrial fiber dysfunction, an effect of the inflammatory response.…”