Placental alkaline phosphatase in the prediction of preterm delivery

Objective. To examine the reliability of human placental alkaline phosphatase (hPlAP) in the mother’s serum as a marker of premature labour among pregnant �omen �ho had no kno�n risks for premature labour and to determine the critical value of hPlAP in pregnancies �hich ended up as a premature labour. Patients and Methods. The research �as conducted in the form of a prospective study of 200 pregnant �omen. All the pregnant �omen �ere divided into t�o groups, the examinees and the control group. The value of hPlAP in serum of all pregnant �omen determined in the period from �eek 20 to 24 of gestation. > 2 median value �as taken as a critical value for hPlAP . Besides descriptive statistical methods for the statistical data processing �e used the χ2 test, student t-test, Fishers test and Mann-Withneys test, logistic regression. Results. The number of premature labours in the examined group �as 17 (11.3%), in the control group 22 (44%). The probability of premature labour is 6.1 times higher in the control group in relation to the examined group. The mean value of hPlAP in the examined group �as 608.2 but in the control group 1115.6. The mean value of hPlAP in the pregnant �omen �ho gave birth prematurely �as 1195 but in those �ho gave birth on time 632.2. There �as a statistical significant difference in mean values of hPlAP. Conclusios. hPlAP can be used as a reliable marker of idiopathic premature labour. hPlAP values connected �ith the development of premature labour is 990 mU/l.