Performance Characteristics of Current Biomarkers for the Prediction of Spontaneous Preterm Birth

Herein, we synthesize and evaluate the test characteristics of candidate biomarkers of sPTB, concluding that no single biomarker can accurately predict sPTB. However, several individual or combined panels of biomolecules, including some commercially available, carry clinically significant predictive information. These biomarkers include cervical ultrasonography, the ratio of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 4 to sex-hormone binding globulin, panels of urinary metabolites and amniotic fluid proteins, and maternal circulating cell-free RNA. Future integration of select biomarkers drawn from prospective validation cohorts into existing risk stratification strategies may enhance sPTB prediction, thereby identifying patients at greatest risk.