Exploring the prognostic significance of β-HCG levels in cervicovaginal secretions and maternal risk factors for early birth

Abstract

Preterm birth is one of the leading causes of death in the perinatal period, this study was conducted to investigate the predictive value of β-HCG levels in cervicovaginal secretions and maternal risk factors in preterm delivery. This cross-sectional study was conducted over a six-month period from January 1 to June 30, 2021, in Baghdad hospitals. The data were collected and used from the mothers who went to the hospital for delivery. Demographic information of patients and some risk factors were investigated. Vaginal secretions were sampled with a cotton swab. β-HCG level in weeks 29, 31, 33, and 35 was measured by ELISA method. Data were analyzed with SPSS Ver 25 software and a significance level of less than 0.05 was considered. The mean age of the study participants was 28.29 ± 5.68 years. There was a significant difference in the level of β-HCG between women with full-term delivery and pre-term women in weeks 29, 31, 33, and 35 of pregnancy (P ≤ 0.001). Maternal factors such as age older than 35 years, BMI, history of thyroid disease, blood pressure, premature rupture of the amniotic sac, parity, twin and multiple births, and decreased amniotic fluid volume have been identified as factors affecting preterm delivery. The β-HCG level can also be a helpful marker for preterm birth.