Objective: The present study aims to evaluate the role of serum ferritin
level in predicting early spontaneous preterm labor.
Patients and method:A cross section study was carried out on one hundred pregnant women attended emergency department of Obstetrics and
Gynecology department of Ismailia general hospital. Selected women
were divided into two groups: 50 patients started labor between 28 and 36
weeks gestation (study group) and 50 pregnant women started labor after
they completed 37 weeks gestation (control group). Maternal serum ferritin, serum iron and complete blood count were assessed.
Results:The mean serum ferritin in the study group was significantly higher
when compared to that of the control group (35.84±34.1 and 12.64±11.7ng/
dl respectively, P<0.0001). The mean serum Ferritin regarding gestational age was highest (47.87 ±44.11 ng/dl) at preterm cases delivered at 28
weeks of gestation. The lowest mean serum Ferritin was found in the control group (12.64 ±11.70 ng/dl). There was significant negative correlation
between mean serum Ferritin and gestational age (P<0.006). Srum Ferritin
levels was classified into 25th percentile (≤8 ng/ml), 50th percentile (12
ng/ml), 75th percentile (30 ng/ml), 90 percentile (60 ng/ml), and >90th
percentile (>60 ng/ml). At 25 percent, the incidence of PTL was 23.5%,
and at˃ 90th percentile the incidence of PTL was 88.87%. The incidence
of Full term labor in the control group falls from 76.4% at 25th percentile
to 11.1% at >90th percentile.
Conclusion:High serum ferritin level is associated with premature delivery and serum ferritin level may consider as a marker for preterm labor. In
cases with high serum ferritin, prophylactic treatment and early intervention may be considered to prevent preterm birth and to improve pregnancy
outcome.