Amniotic fluid proteomic signatures of cervical insufficiency and their association with length of latency

Problem Cervical insufficiency is a precursor of preterm birth. Treatment with emergency cervical cerclage is contraindicated in the presence of intra‐amniotic infection. Detecting infection with Gram stain and culture of amniotic fluid lacks sensitivity. Proteomic profiling of amniotic fluid in cervical insufficiency may help identify pregnancies best suited for emergency cerclage. Method of study Thirty‐two pregnant women underwent amniocentesis for routine genetic testing (n = 22) or after diagnosis of cervical insufficiency (n = 10). The proteomic profiles of the amniotic fluid samples were compared in a cross‐sectional fashion, including sub‐analyses of women with cervical insufficiency and latency periods of 1 week post‐diagnosis. Results Mean gestational age at diagnosis of cervical insufficiency was 21.4 weeks (95% CI 20.6‐22.1). Proteomic analysis yielded 40 (7.2%, P