SCREENING METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING WOMEN AT INCREASED RISK FOR PRETERM DELIVERY

摘要

The present invention provides an early, biochemical indication of increased risk of preterm delivery. The method comprises obtaining a cervicovaginal secretion sample from a pregnant patient after about week 12 of gestation and determining the level of defensins in the sample. The presence of an elevated defensin level in the sample indicates an increased risk of preterm delivery. The test is a screening assay that can detect women at risk of imminent delivery, as early as two to three weeks prior to delivery.