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Predicting Preterm Birth Patricia Hunter, Catherine James, Mona Bajaj-Elliott, Dagmar Alber, Anna David,

Donald Peebles and Nigel Klein

Infection, Inflammation and Rheumatology Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and Department of Fetal Medicine, UCL Institute of Women's Health, London, UK

Preterm birth takes its toll on families

A

Some preterm births may be triggered by infection

Preterm birth is associated with death or disability in babies and prevention remains a major challenge to modern medicine. Over 61,000 babies are born preterm each year in the UK and this rate has increased over the past 25 years. Children surviving early birth have an increased risk of cerebral palsy, visual impairment, hearing loss and learning disabilities.

•  Bacteria is frequently found in the fetal membranes and placentas of premature babies

•  It is possible that invasion of the membranes by

bacteria causes inflammation in the mother that sets off preterm labour

The cervix normally blocks bacterial invasion

Mucins Anti-microbial peptides Antibody

Epithelium

Mucus Neutrophils

A sample from the cervix can predict preterm birth

•  We can detect and measure the cells and proteins on the cervix that prevent bacteria ascending the cervical canal

•  We are developing a simple test for newly expectant

mothers to measure the risk of preterm birth early in pregnancy when steps can be taken to prevent early labour and delivery

Term membranes Preterm membranes

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This work was made possible by support from The Exilarch’s Foundation in partnership with Action Medical Research.