Until recently it was difficult to identify women who might deliver preterm but the development of ultrasound measurement of cervical length and various biochemical tests means that we can now find out who is likely to go into preterm labour and who is not. Research at the unit has discovered that a group of proteins called Nuclear Factor kappa B are important in switching on a wide range of substances that are involved in the onset of labour. Switching off Nuclear Factor kappa B switches off the production of substances that are involved in both ripening of the cervix and uterine contractions. The researchers believe that drugs which inhibit Nuclear Factor kappa B could be very useful in preventing preterm labour from starting.

This study will determine which approach to the inhibition of NF-kappa B, and which class of drugs, is most likely to be clinically useful in the prevention of preterm labour.

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