Method for predicting cervical shortening and preterm birth

摘要

The present invention provides method for predicting risk of cervical shortening, methods for predicting risk of preterm labour (PTL), and methods for characterising a pregnant subject having a history of previous PTL, mid-trimester loss or cervical cone biopsy as being in need of surveillance and/or intervention to prevent preterm labour, comprising determining the expression level of one or more of the miRNA molecules identified in Table 1 or Table 2 extracted from a biological sample obtained from said subject and comparing to a control value. Biochips and kits for use in carrying out the methods of the invention are also provided.