ABSTRACT
This study aimed to detect the possible role of tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-alpha] in the prediction of some pregnancy complications in the second half of pregnancy. The pregnancy course in 100 women was observed from 20 weeks gestation till delivery. About one third of the studied population developed some complications; preeclampsia 14%, IUGR 4% and prematurity 12%. Serial clinical and laboratory examinations were done. Cervicovaginal TNF-alpha was assessed three times at 20, 28 and 36 weeks of gestation. There was a significant steady increase in this cytokine in normal pregnancy due to maturational events. There was a significant difference in cervicovaginal TNF-alpha between normal conditions and preeclampsia but not in IUGR. While, cervicovaginal TNF-alpha in women with preterm delivery was significantly higher than the normal in different gestational ages. Cervicovaginal TNF-alpha >50 pg/ml optimally identified pregnant patients >/28 weeks with possible subsequent pregnancy complications with a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 80%