Maternal serum levels of macrophage colony-stimulating factor are associated with adverse pregnancy outcome.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was the measurement of maternal serum levels of M-CSF throughout pregnancy, in a low risk obstetrical population, to examine the relationship of M-CSF and pregnancy outcome.

STUDY

DESIGN

Maternal serum was obtained at various stages of pregnancy and post partum, M-CSF levels were measured by ELISA, pertinent clinical data tabulated, and pregnancy outcome was determined.

RESULTS

In 564 pregnancies studied, 22% of 260 nulliparous pregnancies and 10% of 304 multiparous pregnancies were hypertensive. Preeclampsia occurred in 1.5% of nulliparous and in 1% of the multiparous women. In apparently normal pregnancies with good outcome, M-CSF levels rose throughout pregnancy. No cases of preeclampsia occurred if maternal serum M-CSF levels increased more than 100% throughout pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that absolute levels and relative changes in maternal serum M-CSF levels during pregnancy are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.