Abstract: Assessing fetal health and maturity, and the integrity and health of the amnion, is effected via protein profiling of vaginal fluid, thereby to identify various abnormal conditions during pregnancy. This approach also provides a means for gauging the duration and/or magnitude of intraamniotic/fetal inflammation that occurs during pregnancy.

Abstract: Biomarkers have been discovered that are capable of identifying intra-amniotic inflammation. A single biomarker or combination of biomarkers can be used to qualify the risk of preterm delivery in a patient, provided that at least one of the biomarkers is a calgranulin, preferably calgranulin A or C. The result is a rapid and reliable proteotmic approach to identifying intra-amniotic inflammation. In particular, the concentrations of the biomarkers correlate with the magnitude of intra-amniotic inflammation and, hence, of preterm delivery.

Abstract: Biomarkers capable of identifying subjects at risk for preterm complications, such as preterm parturition are disclosed, as well as methods and kits for detecting such biomarkers to identify at risk subjects. A single biomarker or combination of biomarkers comprising a defensin, BPI, calprotectin, or a calgranulin are used to qualify the risk of preterm complications in a subject. In particular, the concentrations of the biomarkers correlate with the magnitude of preterm complications and can diagnose or prognose specific preterm complications, such as preterm parturition, preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PROM), intra-amniotic inflammation, and/or microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC).