Use of near-infrared spectroscopic analysis of second trimester amniotic fluid to assess preterm births.

This pilot study investigated the possibility that metabolomic differences exist in second trimester of women delivering at term (≥37 weeks,n = 216) and preterm (≤35 weeks,n = 11). for this retrospective study,biobanked af samples underwent near-infrared (nir) spectral analysis using wavelengths from 700 to 1050 nm. spectral data was compressed then optimized by multilinear regression to create a calibration model. the resultant model was able to classify term and preterm births based on differing af metabolomic profiles with a sensitivity and specificity of 100%. when groups were classified using a prematurity index (pi),there was a statistical difference (p < 0.001) between the predicted preterm group (pi 0.77 ± 0.08) and the term group (pi 1.00 ± 0.02). in conclusion,the 2nd trimester af samples showed distinct differences in metabolomic profiles between patients delivering preterm as compared to those at term in functional groups related to proteins,carbohydrates,fats,polyols,and water.