Fragmented forms of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 in amniotic fluid of patients with preterm labor and intact membranes

To determine the clinical significance of an increase in various fragmented forms of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) in amniotic fluid (AF), a retrospective cohort study was conducted in 103 consecutive patients with preterm labor and intact membranes. Amniotic fluid samples were cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, and mycoplasmas, and then assayed for matrix metalloproteinase-8. Fragmented-to-intact IGFBP-1 ratios were evaluated by densitometric analysis of Western blot assays. Intact IGFBP-1 (30 kDa) and 21, 17, and 12 kDa fragments were detected in AF. Median ratios of fragmented-to-intact IGFBP-1 were higher in patients whose neonates had significant morbidity than in those whose neonates did not (P <.05), in patients spontaneously delivered within 2 and 7 days from amniocentesis than in those delivered after 2 and 7 days (P <.05), and in patients with intra-amniotic infection/inflammation than in those without (P <.001). Collectively, fragmented IGFBP-1 in AF may be indicators for adverse perinatal outcomes.