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Clinical risk models for preterm birth less than 28 weeks and less than 32 weeks of gestation using a large retrospective cohort

Abstract

Objective

To develop risk prediction models for singleton preterm birth (PTB) < 28 weeks and <32 weeks.

Methods

Using a retrospective cohort of 267,226 singleton births in Ontario hospitals, we included variables from the first and second trimester in multivariable logistic regression models to predict overall and spontaneous PTB < 28 weeks and <32 weeks.

Results

During the first trimester, the area under the curve (AUC) for prediction of PTB < 28 weeks for nulliparous and multiparous women was 68.5% (95% CI: 63.5–73.6%) and 73.4% (68.6–78.2%), respectively, while for PTB < 32 weeks it was 68.9% (65.5–72.3%) and 75.5% (72.3–78.7%), respectively. AUCs for second-trimester models were 72.4% (95% CI: 69.7–75.1%) and 78.2% (95% CI: 75.8–80.5%), respectively, in nulliparous and multiparous women. Predicted probabilities were well-calibrated within a wide range around expected base prevalence for the study outcomes.

Conclusions

Our prediction models generated acceptable AUCs for PTB < 28 weeks and <32 weeks with good calibration during the first and second trimester.

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Acknowledgements

We greatly appreciate the assistance of our Associate Editor and two anonymous referees for careful reading and valuable suggestions on our manuscript that significantly improved the presentation of the paper. This work was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR; grant #: 151520). Dr. McDonald is supported by a Tier II CIHR Canada Research Chair (950-229920). Dr. Beyene holds the John D. Cameron Endowed Chair in the Genetic Determinants of Chronic Diseases, McMaster University. CIHR had no role in the design or conduct of the study; collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of the data; preparation, review, or approval of the manuscript; or the decision to submit the manuscript for publication.

Funding

This work was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR; grant #: 151520). Dr. McDonald is supported by a Tier II CIHR Canada Research Chair (950-229920). Joseph Beyene holds the John D. Cameron Endowed Chair in the Genetic Determinants of Chronic Diseases, McMaster University. CIHR had no role in the design or conduct of the study; collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of the data; preparation, review, or approval of the manuscript; or the decision to submit the manuscript for publication.

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RAB conducted the literature review and statistical analysis and drafted the manuscript. SDM and JB provided clinical and analytical feedback, and RAB incorporated feedback. All authors approved the final version of the paper before its submission.

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Correspondence to Sarah D. McDonald.

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Arabi Belaghi, R., Beyene, J. & McDonald, S.D. Clinical risk models for preterm birth less than 28 weeks and less than 32 weeks of gestation using a large retrospective cohort. J Perinatol 41, 2173–2181 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-021-01109-3

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