Biomarkers of Spontaneous Preterm Birth: An Overview of The Literature in the Last Four Decades

Abstract

Identifying similar studies on biomarkers for the prediction of PTB was a very challenging task due heterogeneities in study design, sampling issues (types, timing and processing), assay methods, and analyses. Major areas of concern identified in this review include poor phenotype definition, nonideal study designs and poor rationale for biomarker selection and assays and population stratification issues.

Keywords

• prematurity
• risk factors
• prevention
• intervention
• cytokines
• pathways