Labour status

Plasma 5β-DHP (mean +/− SEM nmol/ml)

Mean difference and significance (nmol/ml)

Idiopathic preterm

Preterm labour

0.186 +/− 0.022

(n = 11)

Not in labour

0.275 +/− 0.037

0.088 (p < 0.05)

Chorioamnionitis

Preterm labour

0.211 +/− 0.065

(n = 5)

Not in labour

0.208 +/− 0.052

0.003 Not significant

Abruption

Preterm labour

0.118 +/− 0.034

(n = 4)

Not in labour

0.130 +/− 0.050

0.012 Not significant