The Actim Partus test to predict pre-term birth in asymptomatic high-risk women

J Obstet Gynaecol. 2012 Feb;32(2):132-4. doi: 10.3109/01443615.2011.637649.

Abstract

The Actim Partus test has been shown to be a useful predictor of pre-term birth in symptomatic women, but limited research has been carried out in high-risk asymptomatic women. This is a pilot study to evaluate the use of this test as a direct comparator with the fetal fibronectin test. All asymptomatic high-risk women attending a pre-term surveillance clinic over a 9-month period, took an Actim Partus and fetal fibronectin test, between 23(+0)-24(+6) weeks' gestation. A total of 45 women were eligible. The positive and negative predictive values of the Actim Partus test for delivery at ≤ 37 weeks' gestation were 0% and 70%, respectively, compared with the fetal fibronectin test, with values of 67% and 79%, respectively. It was concluded that the Actim Partus test did not perform well as a predictor of pre-term birth in high-risk asymptomatic women.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • Female
  • Fibronectins / analysis
  • Humans
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1 / analysis
  • Pilot Projects
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Pregnancy
  • Premature Birth / diagnosis*
  • Risk Factors
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Vaginal Smears*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Fibronectins
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1