Methods and kits for predicting risk for preterm labor

Abstract

The invention is directed to kits and methods that allow one to predict the risk for preterm labor in a pregnant woman. The inventors have discovered that various extracellular matrix components can be detected in cervical secretions. The quantification of certain extracellular matrix proteins found within cervical secretions can be used as a diagnostic for the biomechanical state of the cervix, which indicates whether preterm labor is likely. Some extracellular matrix components that can be found in cervical secretions include decorin, thrombospondins and matrix metalloproteinases.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0001] This application is a (non-US) National Patent Application related to US Patent Application 11 / 874,717, filed October 18,2007. Background technique (1) technical field [0002] The present invention relates generally to the diagnosis of an increased risk of preterm birth during pregnancy. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods and kits for predicting premature cervical softening. (2) Description of related technologies [0003] Preterm birth, and the subsequent delivery of preterm infants, remains a leading cause of infant mortality and morbidity, as well as a heavy economic burden on society. Preterm softening of the cervix during pregnancy results in dilation (opening) and loss (thinning) of the preterm cervix and puts the pregnant woman at high risk for preterm birth. There is currently no diagnostic method for predicting cervical preterm dilatation and, therefore, high risk of preterm bi...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The lack of experimental systems makes it impossible to identify key molecular markers of cervical softening and to construct suitable diagnostic kits

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