Serum Ferritin Levels In Preterm Labor And Preterm Rupture Of Membranes

Despite major advances in the field of obstetrics and progress of other obstetric complications, current treatment modalities are not able to decrease the incidence of preterm labor (PL) and preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Recent studies support the role of infection in the etiology of PL. As an acute phase reactant ferritin levels increase in acute inflammation and inflammatory process. The aim of this study is to compare serum levels of ferritin in patients with PL and PPROM at 25-37th weeks of gestation and healthy controls. This study includes 51 healthy women and 51 patients with PL and/or PPROM. Venous blood samples were taken for measurement of complete blood count and ferritin values. Serum ferritin, hemoglobin, white blood cell and platelet values of three groups were compared. In both PL group and PPROM group serum ferritin levels were higher than control group (14.71±14.70, 12.29±10.89 and 6.05±4.33 recspectively) and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.005) but serum ferritin levels showed no statistically significant difference between the PL and PPROM groups. In conclusion, ferritine as an acute phase reactant increases in PL and PPROM patients. Serum ferritin levels can be used as a marker in diagnosis and follow up of these patients.