Integrative research review : fetal fibronectin and cervical length as predictors of preterm labor

Keywords

Premature labor

Abstract

The purpose of this integrative research review is to provide a compilation and review of literature related to fetal fibronectin and cervical length relevant to the prediction of the patient at risk for preterm labor. This paper will synthesize and summarize the accumulated state of the science in this topic between the years of 1991- 1998.

A general search using key terms was conducted, and yielded 79 prospective articles comprised of full articles, abstracts, letters, and literature reviews. Twenty-eight articles on fetal fibronectin were retained out of 49 that were found. The search for literature discussing cervical length produced 16 articles, of which 11 were found to be relevant to this project. Articles which addressed both fetal fibronectin and cervical length totaled 6, of which 5 were utilized. Seven of the total 44 articles retained were literature reviews and were used for citation and identification of additional information material to this topic.

All of the studies on fFN consistently found the high negative predictive value to provide potential benefit in terms of improving the diagnosis of true preterm labor, thus increasing the accuracy of instituting appropriate interventions. Studies which examined cervical length found that a shortened cervical length and the presence of cervical funneling, correlated with a large cervical index was also consistent with preterm labor symptomology. The presence of fFN and cervical length as combined factors in the prediction of preterm delivery found that the incidence of preterm delivery when fFN is present correlated with confirmed shortening of the cervix was higher than in women negative for fFN and who enjoy normal cervical length.

Notes

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Graduation Date

1999

Semester

Fall

Advisor

Kiehl, Ermalynn

Degree

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Health and Public Affairs

Department

Nursing

Format

Print

Pages

87 p.

Language

English

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

Identifier

DP0022669

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Health and Public Affairs; Health and Public Affairs -- Dissertations, Academic

Accessibility Status

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