Comparison of C-reactive protein levels in pregnancies with retained and removed intrauterine device

Abstract

Objective. We aimed to investigate possible alterations in circulating levels of the high sensitivity (hs)-C-reactive protein (CRP) reflecting tissue inflammation in patients who conceived with an intrauterine device (IUD) and in pregnancies after IUD removal in early pregnancy.

Methods. Serum hs-CRP levels were measured in 30 pregnant women with retained IUD and 18 pregnancies after IUD removal in early pregnancy. Rates of total miscarriage, premature rupture of membranes (PROMs), low birth weight, placental abruption, and preterm delivery were also documented.

Results. Serum levels of CRP were significantly higher in pregnant women with retained IUD than pregnancies with removed IUD. Total miscarriage, PROMs, placental abruption, and preterm delivery rates were significantly higher in pregnant women with retained IUD compared with pregnancies after IUD removal in early pregnancy.

Conclusions. Serum CRP concentrations are increased in pregnant women with retained IUD. Our findings also suggest that the pregnancies with retained IUDs that are not removed are at increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Keywords:

• Pregnancy
• intrauterine device
• C-reactive protein

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.