The role of human beta defensins 2 and 3 in the second trimester amniotic fluid in predicting preterm labor and premature rupture of membranes

Human beta defensins 2 (HBD2) and 3 (HBD3) are peptides expressed in the amnion and chorion. This is a matched case control study conducted in our Department to determine whether second trimester amniotic fluid HBD2 and HBD3 concentrations measured at the time of genetic amniocentesis could be potential markers of preterm labor prediction. Amniotic fluid HBD2 and HBD3 were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) Women with preterm labor were defined as cases (N = 41) while for each case a woman matched for age delivering at term served as control (N = 41). Subgroup analysis was conducted to examine possible associations of HBD2 and HBD3 in cases of premature rupture of membranes. Nineteen women with preterm labor and premature rupture of membranes were defined as cases while for every case a woman matched for maternal age delivering at term served as control (N1 = 19). Results were presented as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals. Statistical analysis used STATA 8.2 and SPSS 11.5 edition. A P-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Amniotic fluid concentrations of HBD2 at the time of genetic amniocentesis were positively associated with preterm premature rupture of membranes (P = 0.028), but not with preterm labour. No association of HBD3 and preterm birth was documented. Second trimester amniotic fluid HBD2 might be a predictor of premature rupture of membranes.