Role of Serum Ceruloplasmin and Its Ferroxidase Activity on Preterm Labor

Abstract

The role of serum ceruloplasmin and its ferroxidase activity on preterm labor with or without rupture of the membranes was studied. Thirty-seven primigravid women between 31 and 35 weeks of gestation were investigated. Our material is divided into 3 groups. Group A consisted of 12 patients with premature rupture of the membranes; group B consisted of 10 patients with preterm labor but intact membranes, and group C consisted of 15 non-laboring patients. Patients with rupture of the membranes presented with statistically significantly higher serum ceruloplasmin levels compared to those with preterm labor but intact membranes (p < 0.05) as well as to non-laboring patients (p < 0.01). On the contrary, the mean ferroxidase activity level or ceruloplasmin was 518.2 ± 183.42, 460.9 ± 198.8 and 517.5 ± 142.01 µmol/l/min in groups A, B and C, respectively. These values were not significantly different. Our results show a loss of ferroxidase activity of ceruloplasmin in patients with rupture of the membranes and probably suggest a defect in the maternal defense mechanisms.

Mid‐trimester maternal serum and amniotic fluid biomarkers for the prediction of preterm delivery and intrauterine growth retardation

“…23 Vitoratos et al have reported higher serum ceruloplasmin levels in patients with premature rupture of the membranes than in preterm delivery patients with intact membranes. 43 We did not find any statistical significance in maternal serum and amniotic fluid ceruloplasmin levels both in the preterm delivery and IUGR group. There is no study in the published work concerning the ceruloplasmin levels and risk of preterm delivery and IUGR.…”

Ceruloplasmin and Alkaline Phosphatase Levels in Preterm Delivery

“…Ogino M et al [12] showed that ceruloplasmin in cervicovaginal secretions was significantly higher in PROM cases (p<0.001) than non PROM cases and concluded that active ceruloplasmin in the cervicovaginal secretion might be a reliable clinical marker for term PROM. Vitoratos N, et al [13] have reported that the higher serum ceruloplasmin levels in patients with premature rupture of the membranes than those with preterm labor but intact membranes (p<0.05) as well as to non-labouring patients. They concluded that a loss of ferroxidase activity of ceruloplasmin in patients with rupture of the membranes and probably suggest a defect in the maternal defence mechanisms.…”