The profiles of soluble adhesion molecules in the “great obstetrical syndromes”*

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the profiles of maternal plasma soluble adhesion molecules in patients with preeclampsia, small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses, acute pyelonephritis, preterm labor with intact membranes (PTL), preterm prelabor rupture of the membranes (preterm PROM), and fetal death.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine maternal plasma concentrations of sE-selectin, sL-selectin, and sP-selectin as well as sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and sPECAM-1 in patients with (1) an uncomplicated pregnancy (control, n?=?100); (2) preeclampsia (n?=?94); (3) SGA fetuses (in women without preeclampsia/hypertension, n?=?45); (4) acute pyelonephritis (n?=?25); (5) PTL (n?=?53); (6) preterm PROM (n?=?24); and (7) fetal death (n?=?34). Concentrations of soluble adhesion molecules and inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-8) were determined with sensitive and specific enzyme-linked immunoassays.

Results: In comparison to women with a normal pregnancy, (1) women with preeclampsia had higher median concentrations of sE-selectin, sP-selectin, and sVCAM-1, and a lower concentration of sL-selectin (all p values?p values?p values?p values?p values?p values p values?Conclusions: The results of this study show that endothelial cell activation/dysfunction reflected by the plasma concentration of sE-selectin is not specific to preeclampsia but is present in pregnancies complicated by SGA fetuses, acute pyelonephritis, and fetal death. Collectively, we report that each obstetrical syndrome appears to have a stereotypical profile of soluble adhesion molecules in the peripheral circulation.     

Funisitis and chorionic vasculitis: the histological counterpart of the fetal inflammatory response syndrome

Objective: To determine whether there is a relationship between the presence of histological signs of inflammation in the extraplacental membranes and umbilical cord and the concentrations of fetal plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6). Methods: The study examined a cohort of patients who were admitted with preterm labor or preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) and who underwent cordocentesis. Inclusion criteria included fetal plasma available for IL-6 determination, histological examination of the umbilical cord and placenta, and delivery within 48 h of the procedure. This last criterion was used to preserve a meaningful temporal relationship between fetal plasma IL-6 and the results of histological examination of the placenta. Fetal plasma IL-6 was determined by a high sensitivity ELISA. Forty-five patients were available for study: 18 patients had preterm labor with intact membranes and 27 had preterm PROM. Results: The incidence of funisitis was 44.4% (20/45): 27.8% (5/18) in patients with preterm labor and intact membranes and 55.6% (15/27) in patients with preterm PROM. The median values of fetal plasma IL-6 in patients with funisitis, chorioamnionitis without funisitis, and non-inflamed membranes were 51.4, 18.4 and 5.2 pg/ml, respectively. After log transformation of the fetal plasma IL-6 concentration, the means differed significantly from each other (ANOVA, p < 0.02). There was no difference in log fetal plasma IL-6 concentration between patients with funisitis and those with chorioamnionitis without funisitis. The difference in mean concentration of log fetal plasma IL-6 between patients with funisitis or chorionic vasculitis and those without inflammation was highly significant (post-hoc test, p = 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively). Fetuses with fetal plasma IL-6 > 11 pg/ml had a significantly higher rate of histological signs of inflammation in the extraplacental membranes and umbilical cord than those with fetal plasma IL-6 < 11 pg/ml (funisitis: 55.6% (15/27) vs. 27.8% (5/18), p < 0.05; chorionic vasculitis: 55.6% (15/27) vs. 12.5% (2/16), p < 0.01; chorioamnionitis only: 25.9% (7/27) vs. 16.7% (3/18), p < 0.05; no inflammation: 18.5% (5/27) vs. 55.6% (10/18), p < 0.05, respectively). Fetuses with funisitis had significantly higher rates of clinical and histological chorioamnionitis, and neonatal infectious morbidity (proven + suspected sepsis) than fetuses without funisitis (40% (8/20) vs. 8% (2/25), 90% (18/20) vs. 36% (9/25), and 40% (8/20) vs. 4% (1/25), respectively; p < 0.01 for each). Fetuses with chorionic vasculitis had significantly higher rates of clinical and histological chorioamnionitis as well as neonatal infectious morbidity (proven + suspected sepsis) than fetuses without chorionic vasculitis (100% (17/17) vs. 42.3% (11/26), p < 0.01; 82.4% (14/17) vs. 50.0% (13/26), p = 0.05; and 41.2% (7/17) vs. 7.7% (2/26), p = 0.01). Conclusion: Fetal plasma IL-6 concentration is significantly associated with the presence of inflammatory lesions in the extraplacental membranes and umbilical cord. Fetuses with fetal plasma IL-6 > 11 pg/ml had a significantly higher rate of funisitis and/or chorionic vasculitis than fetuses with fetal plasma IL-6 < 11 pg/ml. These findings suggest that funisitis/chorionic vasculitis is the histological manifestation of the fetal inflammatory response syndrome.     

The role of extracellular inducer of matrix metalloproteinases in premature rupture of membranes

Objective: To investigate the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-9) and their inducer (CD147) in premature rupture of membranes (PROM) at term labor.

Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 24 women aged 19–39, with 37–40-week pregnancy, and no clinical and histological signs of chorioamnionitis, were divided into two groups with and without PROM. The histological and immunohistochemical study of the fetal membranes was performed with polyclonal rabbit antibodies to MMP-2/MMP-9 and monoclonal rabbit antibodies to CD147.

Results: The analysis of MMP revealed the increase of MMP-9 expression in the amniotic epithelium during premature membrane rupture both in rupture area, and beyond it, and increased MMR-2 expression in the mesodermal cells. We also found high level of CD147 in the amniotic epithelium in PROM group. The above-mentioned changes were found in all areas of fetal membranes, regardless of the rupture localization.

Conclusions: The study results demonstrate the increased expression of MMR-2 and MMR-9, which regulate the catabolism of fetal membrane extracellular matrix proteins, in amniotic membranes of women with PROM at term labor. The increased expression of CD147 may be one of the mechanisms triggering PROM in the absence of infection.     

An elevated maternal serum C-reactive protein in the context of intra-amniotic inflammation is an indicator that the development of amnionitis,an intense fetal and AF inflammatory response are likely in patients with preterm labor: clinical implications

Abstracts

Objective: We propose that an elevated maternal serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration in the context of intra-amniotic inflammation (IAI) is a predictor for amnionitis development, known to be the most advanced stage of maternal inflammatory response during the progression of acute histologic chorioamnionitis in preterm gestations.

Methods: Study population consisted of 53 singleton gestations with IAI, who underwent amniocentesis due to preterm labor and intact membranes (PTL) and delivered preterm-neonates (<34.5 weeks) within 5?days of amniocentesis. The frequency of amnionitis and the intensity of fetal and amniotic fluid (AF) inflammatory response were examined according to the presence or absence of an elevated maternal serum CRP (≥0.7?mg/dL) at the time of amniocentesis. IAI was defined as an elevated AF matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) (≥23?ng/mL), and fetal inflammatory response syndrome (FIRS) defined as an elevated umbilical cord plasma CRP (≥200?ng/mL).

Results: (1) Patients (73.6%, 39/53) with an elevated maternal serum CRP had a significantly higher rate of amnionitis (59.0% versus 7.1%; p?<?0.005), but not funisitis (46.2% versus 28.6%; p?>?0.05), and higher median AF MMP-8 and umbilical cord plasma CRP concentration at birth than patients (26.4%,14/53) without that (AF MMP-8 (ng/mL): 373.1 versus 138.6: p?=?0.05; umbilical cord plasma CRP (ng/mL): 363.4 versus 15.5: p?<?0.05); (2) Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that an elevated maternal serum CRP was a better independent predictor of amnionitis (odds ratio (OR), 12.5: 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.1–141.0; p?<?0.05) than FIRS (OR, 3.6: 95% CI, 0.6–20.2; p?=?0.150) and any other AF tests.

Conclusions: An elevated maternal serum CRP concentration in the context of IAI is an indicator that the development of amnionitis, an intense fetal and AF inflammatory response are likely in patients with PTL.     

Amniotic fluid heat shock protein 70 concentration in histologic chorioamnionitis,term and preterm parturition

Objective. Heat shock protein (HSP) 70, a conserved member of the stress protein family, is produced in almost all cell types in response to a wide range of stressful stimuli, and its production has a survival value. Evidence suggests that extracellular HSP70 is involved in the activation of the innate and adaptive immune response. Furthermore, increased mRNA expression of HSP70 has been observed in human fetal membranes following endotoxin stimulation. This study was conducted to determine the changes in amniotic fluid HSP70 concentrations during pregnancy, term and preterm parturition, intra-amniotic infection (IAI), and histologic chorioamnionitis.

Study design. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 376 pregnant women in the following groups: (1) women with a normal pregnancy who were classified into the following categories: (a) women in the mid-trimester (14–18 weeks) who underwent amniocentesis for genetic indications and delivered normal infants at term (n=72); (b) women at term not in labor (n = 23); and (c) those at term in labor (n = 48). (2) Women with spontaneous preterm labor and intact membranes who were subdivided into the following categories: (a) preterm labor who delivered at term without IAI (n = 42); (b) preterm labor who delivered preterm without IAI (n = 57); and (c) preterm labor and delivery with IAI (n = 30). (3) Women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM) with (n = 50) and without (n = 54) IAI. Among patients with preterm labor with intact membranes and preterm PROM who delivered within 72 hours of amniocentesis, placenta, umbilical cord, and chorioamniotic membranes were collected and assessed for the presence or absence of acute inflammatory lesions in the extraplacental membranes (histologic chorioamnionitis) and/or umbilical cords (funisitis). HSP70 concentrations in amniotic fluid were determined using a sensitive and specific immunoassay. Non-parametric statistics were used for analysis. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results. Immunoreactive HSP70 was detected in 88% (332/376) of amniotic fluid samples. The median amniotic fluid HSP70 concentration was significantly higher in women at term without labor than in those in the mid-trimester (term no labor: median 34.9 ng/mL, range 0–78.1 ng/mL vs. mid-trimester; median 6.6 ng/mL, range 0–20.8 ng/mL; p<0.001). Among patients with spontaneous preterm labor and preterm PROM, those with IAI had a significantly higher median amniotic fluid HSP70 concentration than those without IAI (preterm labor with IAI: median 82.9 ng/mL, range 0–500 ng/mL vs. preterm labor without IAI: median 41.7 ng/mL, range 0–244 ng/mL; p = 0.001; preterm PROM with IAI: median 86.5 ng/mL, range 0–428 ng/mL vs. preterm PROM without IAI: median 55.9 ng/mL, range 14.9–299.9 ng/mL; p = 0.007). There was no significant difference in the median amniotic fluid HSP70 concentration between patients with preterm labor who delivered preterm without IAI and those who delivered at term (p = 0.6). However, among patients with preterm labor without IAI, there was an inverse relationship between amniotic fluid concentration of HSP70 and the amniocentesis-to-spontaneous delivery interval (Spearman's Rho = ?0.26; p = 0.02). Patients with histologic chorioamnionitis/funisitis had a significantly higher median amniotic fluid HSP70 concentration than those without inflammation (inflammation: median 108.7 ng/mL, range 0–500 ng/mL vs. without inflammation: median 67.9 ng/mL, range 7.1–299.9 ng/mL; p = 0.02). Women at term in labor had a median amniotic fluid concentration of HSP70 significantly higher than those not in labor (term in labor: median 60.7 ng/mL, range 0–359.9 ng/mL vs. term not in labor: median 34.9 ng/mL, range 0–78.1 ng/mL; p = 0.02).

Conclusions. Intra-amniotic infection, histologic chorioamnionitis, and term parturition are associated with elevated amniotic fluid HSP70 concentrations. HSP70 plays a role in the host defense mechanism by activating the innate arm of the immune response in women with intrauterine infection. The mechanisms of preterm and term parturition in humans may involve extracellular HSP70.     

Programmed cell death (apoptosis) in placentas from normal pregnancy and pregnancy complicated by term (t) and preterm (p) premature rupture of membranes (PROM)

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the apoptotic index using three different apoptotic markers: terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL); M30 cytoDEATH antibody and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FTIC)-labeled annexin-V in the placenta and membranes from normal pregnancy and pregnancy complicated by premature rupture of membranes (PROM). Study design: Placentas from 16 pregnancies (22–40 weeks’ gestation) and 13 pregnancies complicated by pPROM and tPROM were collected at delivery. Maternal and gestational age, mode of delivery, gravidity and parity, fetal birthweight, Apgar scores, presence of histologic chorioamnionitis, interval between membrane rupture and delivery were recorded among PPROM and tPROM cases. Results: Only M30 cytoDEATH antibody (P=0.02) and TUNEL test (P=0.04) on fetal membranes gave statistically significantly higher levels in cases with premature rupture of membranes. The presence of histologic chorioamnionitis had no significant impact on apoptotic markers in PROM placentas. Preterm deliveries following the rupture of membranes had higher median AI values detected by M30_M antibody, compared to those cases delivered without PROM (P=0.03). Conclusion: High apoptotic nuclei counts were found in fetal membranes of pPROM.     

Amniotic fluid concentrations of adrenomedullin in preterm labor.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether adrenomedullin levels in amniotic fluid were associated with preterm labor. METHODS: We measured immunoreactive adrenomedullin in amniotic fluid collected by amniocentesis from 36 women with clinical diagnosis of preterm labor or preterm premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and from 18 normal pregnant women. RESULTS: Amniotic fluid from cases of PROM and failure to respond to tocolysis were associated significantly with higher amniotic fluid adrenomedullin concentrations (177.0 +/- 22.5 pg/mL and 182.7 +/- 22.0 pg/mL, respectively, P < .01) than that from uncomplicated pregnancies (101.2 +/- 28.1 pg/mL) or preterm labor responsive to tocolysis (102.3 +/- 26.8 pg/mL). CONCLUSION: Amniotic fluid adrenomedullin is higher than normal in cases of PROM and preterm labor unresponsive to tocolysis, perhaps indicating enhanced synthesis from placenta or fetal membranes being stimulated by bacterial products.     

Screening of novel matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in human fetal membranes

Objective : Endogenous activation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) in human fetal membranes is hypothesized to contribute to membrane weakening leading to early rupture and is also involved in the initiation of labor. Our laboratory and several others have studied the source and action of some of these MMPs. The objective of this study is to document the expression pattern of most of the MMPs cloned and sequenced so far in amniochorion during preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM), at term not in labor and during term labor. Materials and Methods : Placentas were collected from women with PROM, term not in labor after C-sections and from women after term vaginal delivery. Membranes were separated from the placenta and a section away from the rupture site was selected. Amniochorion were separated from the placenta. RT-PCR was performed to study the expression pattern of MMP15 (MT2-MMP), MMP16 (MT3-MMP), MMP17 (MT4-MMP), MMP18, MMP20, MMP23, MMP24 (MT5-MMP), MMP25 (MT6-MMP), and MMP 26 using specific primers. Results : A differential pattern of expression was noted for some of the novel MMPs screened in this study in human fetal membranes. mRNA for most of the MMPs were expressed by amniochorion. MMP16 [membrane type metalloproteinase 3], MMP20 [enamelysin], and MMP26 [matrilysin] were not expressed. Conclusion : Amniochorion expresses several of the MMP genes at the time of pPROM, term not in labor and during active labor. We have previously reported the expression pattern of other MMPs and their inhibitors and their potential role in PROM. These findings support our hypothesis that amniochorion has a fully functional MMP system.     

Activation of coagulation system in preterm labor and preterm premature rupture of membranes

Objective: Thrombin, originally discovered as a coagulation factor, is a multifunctional protease capable of inducing myometrial contractions in vitro and in vivo. This enzyme has been implicated in the mechanisms of premature labor. Plasma concentrations of thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) complexes are an index of in vivo thrombin generation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether patients with premature labor and preterm premature rupture of membranes (PROM) have evidence of increased thrombin generation in maternal blood, as determined by the TAT complex concentrations. Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed to determine plasma concentrations of TAT complexes in 110 women in the following groups: non-pregnant women (n = 20); normal pregnant women (n = 30); women in preterm labor with intact membranes (n = 30); and women with preterm PROM (n = 30). TAT complex concentrations were determined with a sensitive and specific immunoassay. Statistical analysis was conducted with non-parametric statistics. Results: Patients with preterm labor and intact membranes had a significantly higher median plasma TAT complex concentration than normal pregnant women (women in preterm labor, median 19.1 μg/l; range 7.4-406 vs. normal pregnant women, median 15 μg/l; range 6.8-32.5; p = 0.03). Patients with preterm PROM had a higher median TAT complex concentration than normal pregnant women (preterm PROM, median 19.1 μg/l; range 4.7-738.6 vs. normal pregnant women, median 15 μg/l; range 6.8-32.5; p = 0.03). Normal pregnancy was associated with a higher median plasma TAT complex concentration than the non-pregnant state (normal pregnant women, median 15 μg/l; range 6.8-32.5 vs. non-pregnant women, median 2.7 μg/l; range 0.9-14.2; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Preterm labor and preterm PROM are associated with an excess generation of thrombin.     

Mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among HIV-infected pregnant women on highly active anti-retroviral therapy with premature rupture of membranes at term

Purpose: To determine mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) rate and associated risk factors of human immune-deficiency virus (HIV) among HIV-infected pregnant women with term premature rupture of membranes (PROM) in comparison with those without PROM at term.

Materials and methods: All optimally managed HIV-positive pregnant women of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, on highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) who had PROM at term were enrolled. Maternal HIV-1 viral load was not assessed. Follow up was for a minimum of 18 months for evidence of HIV infection.

Results: Of the 121 women with PROM at term, 46 (38.0%) were HIV sero-positive, 22/46 (47.8%) of which had their babies followed up till 18 months. The mean latency period was 10.5?±?5.3?h in PROM group. Apart from duration of PROM (OR?=?0.01; 95%CI?=?0.00–0.13; p?p?>?0.05). Of the 22 (47.8%) babies followed-up in the PROM group and 13 in non-PROM group, none tested positive to HIV, given an MTCT rate of 0%.

Conclusions: MTCT rate was 0% following term PROM and in women without PROM. Since maternal HIV-1 viral load was not assessed, we need to be critical while interpreting the findings.     

Use of beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin assay as a diagnostic tool for prelabor rupture of membranes

Purpose: The study aimed at assessment of the accuracy of the β-hCG test in vaginal washing fluid for diagnosis of prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM).

Patients and methods: Two groups of pregnant women from 17 to 38 weeks of gestation were recruited. The first group (PROM group) included 50 pregnant women with unequivocal PROM. The other group included 50 pregnant women with intact membranes. A sterile speculum examination was performed. If less than 5?cc was collected or no fluid found, 10?cc sterile saline was sprinkled on the vaginal wall and 5?cc were recollected in a sterile syringe. Two drops of collected fluid were used for qualitative testing of β-hCG. The remaining fluid was used for quantitative assessment of β-hCG.

Results: The quantitative β-hCG test results were significantly higher in PROM group (median and range: 138.5 (23–475) versus 13 (1–55); the difference in medians and 95% CI: 105 (91–166); p value: <.001). The qualitative β-hCG test was positive in 42/50 (84%) of the PROM group, while it was negative in 50/50 (100%) of the intact membranes group. Areas under receiver operating characteristics (AUC) for both the quantitative and qualitative β-hCG tests were high (0.97, 95% CI: 0.91–0.99, p value: <.001 and .92, 95% CI: 0.84–0.96, p value: <.001, respectively). The suggested cut-off of β-hCG for the quantitative test was 32 mIU/ml. The sensitivity of quantitative and qualitative tests are: 94, 95% CI: 83.5–98.7% and 84, 95% CI: 70.9–92.8%, respectively. The specificity of quantitative and qualitative tests are: 94, 95% CI: 83.5–98.7% and 100, 95% CI: 92.9–100%, respectively.

Conclusion: β-hCG test (either quantitative or qualitative) in vaginal washing fluid can be used in the diagnosis of PROM in both preterm and term cases.     

A predictive neonatal mortality score for women with premature rupture of membranes after 22–27 weeks of gestation

Objective: Premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) remains a leading cause of neonatal morbidity. The objectives of the present study were to analyze the outcomes of pregnancies complicated by PROM between 22 and 27⁺⁶ weeks of gestation (WG) and to study antepartum risk factors that might predict neonatal death.

Patients and methods: One hundred and seven pregnancies were analyzed over a 3-year period in a tertiary maternity hospital. The collected maternal and neonatal data were used to model and predict the outcome of PROM.

Results: Prevalence of PROM (for live births) was 1.08%, and the overall survival rate was 59.8%. From preselected candidate variables, gestational age (GA) at PROM (p?=?.0002), a positive vaginal culture for pathogenic bacteria (p?=?.01), primiparity (p?=?.02), and the quantity of amniotic fluid (p?=?.03) were included in a multivariable logistic regression analysis. The corresponding adjusted odds ratios [95% confidence interval] were, respectively, 0.91 [0.87–0.96], 11.08 [1.65–74.42], 0.55 [0.33–0.91], and 0.97 [0.95–0.99]. These parameters were used to build a predictive score for neonatal death.

Conclusions: The survival rate after PROM at 22–27⁺⁶ weeks of gestation was 59.8%. Our predictive model (built using multivariable logistic regression) may be of value for obstetricians and neonatologists counseling couples after PROM.     

Caspase-8及Bcl-2表达与胎膜早破的相关性研究

目的:探讨Caspase-8及Bcl-2表达与胎膜早破的关系。方法:选择2003年6月~2004年5月我院足月妊娠自然分娩的孕妇48例,其中24例发生胎膜早破(胎膜早破组),24例未发生胎膜早破(对照组),病例均于阴道分娩后取胎膜破裂口处的胎膜组织5cm×5cm大,同时胎膜早破组在距胎膜破口处10cm以上的部位再取同样大的胎膜组织,胎膜组织均经石蜡包埋切片后采用免疫组化法测定Caspase-8及Bcl-2的表达。结果:(1)两组病例的胎膜组织均可见Caspase-8及Bcl-2的表达;(2)在胎膜早破组的胎膜组织中Caspase-8表达的阳性单位为6.89±0.19,对照组为2.33±0.06(P<0.01);而Bcl-2表达的阳性单位为9.55±0.24,对照组为21.37±0.32(P<0.01);(3)在胎膜早破组非破口部位胎膜组织中Caspase-8及Bcl-2表达的阳性单位分别为6.93±0.17和9·66±0.19,与破口部位胎膜组织中Caspase-8及Bcl-2表达的阳性单位比较无差异(P>0·05)。结论:胎膜早破的发生与Caspase-8的过度表达及Bcl-2表达的下调相关。     

Identifying risk factors for premature rupture of membranes in small for gestational age neonates: a population-based study

Objective. To determine the prevalence and risk factors for premature rupture of membranes (PROM) among pregnancies complicated with small for gestational age (SGA) neonates.

Methods. A computerised database was used to identify deliveries of SGA neonates in pregnancies complicated with PROM between the years 1988 and 2002. Pregnancies with PROM and SGA neonates were compared to those with SGA and without PROM. Demographic, obstetric, clinical and labour characteristics were evaluated. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent risk factors for PROM in pregnancies complicated by SGA. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS package.

Results. There were 120 982 deliveries included out of which 6074 (5.99%) presented with appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates and PROM. A total of 1077 delivered SGA infants complicated with PROM (5.5%). After adjustment for confounding variables, the following characteristics were significantly associated with PROM and SGA: Jewish ethnicity, parity and cervical incompetence. The following complications were associated with PROM and SGA: arrest of labour, fetal distress, failed induction, cesarean delivery, clinical chorioamnionitis and placenta accreta. No significant differences regarding low Apgar scores and perinatal mortality rates were noted.

Conclusions. The risk of PROM among patients with SGA is lower than in AGA infants. Parity and cervical incompetence are risk factors for PROM among women who delivered SGA neonates. In this population there is a higher rate of arrest of labour, chorioamnionitis, fetal distress and cesarean delivery. Neonatal outcome and perinatal mortality are similar in both groups.     

Evaluation of vaginal fluid squamous cell carcinoma antigen test in diagnosis of premature rupture of membranes

Objective: Previous studies have reported that concentrations of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) antigen in amniotic fluid are extremely higher than that in the maternal serum. The aim of this study was to assess the potential clinical utility of vaginal fluid SCC level as a marker for diagnosing premature rupture of membranes (PROM).

Methods: A case-control study was performed using patients admitted to Nara Medical University Hospital, delivery ward, from January 2011 to December 2012. The discriminatory potential of SCC assay was determined using 54 PROM and 108 gestational age-matched control vaginal fluid samples, in a 1:2 ratio. Levels of vaginal fluid SCC in patients with PROM and control pregnant women were quantified by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: The statistical results showed no correlation between gestational age and vaginal fluid SCC levels. There was no significant difference in vaginal fluid SCC levels between patients with PROM and those with control pregnant women (16156.5?±?10495.8?ng/mL versus 15471.9?±?11362.2?ng/mL, p?=?0.467).

Conclusion: We conclude that SCC could not be regarded as a potential marker for diagnosis of PROM. SCC may be a physiologic constituent of the vaginal fluid during pregnancy.     

Amniotic fluid prostaglandin F2 increases even in sterile amniotic fluid and is an independent predictor of impending delivery in preterm premature rupture of membranes

Objective.?To determine whether amniotic fluid (AF) concentration of prostaglandins (PGs) increases in patients with intra-amniotic inflammation and/or proven AF infection in preterm PROM, and can predict impending delivery.

Methods.?AF PGF2a concentrations were determined by ELISA in 140 singleton pregnancies with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PROM) (≤35 weeks). AF was cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, and genital mycoplasmas. Intra-amniotic inflammation was defined as an elevated AF matrix metalloproteinase-8 concentration (>23 ng/ml).

Results.?(1) Patients with intra-amniotic inflammation and a negative AF culture had a significantly higher median AF PGF2a than those without intra-amniotic inflammation and with a negative culture (p < 0.001); (2) However, there was no difference in the median AF PGF2a between patients with intra-amniotic inflammation with a negative culture and those with culture-proven AF infection (p > 0.1); (3) Patients with an elevated AF PGF2a had a significantly shorter interval-to-delivery than those with a low AF PGF2a (≤170 pg/mL) (p < 0.001); (4) An elevated AF PGF2a (≤170 pg/mL) concentration was a significant predictor of the duration of pregnancy after adjusting for gestational age and AF inflammation/infection (p < 0.005).

Conclusions.?AF PGF2a (≥170 pg/mL) concentration increased in patients with intra-amniotic inflammation regardless of AF culture results. Moreover, an elevated AF PGF2a concentration was an independent predictor of impending delivery in preterm PROM.     

Prelabor rupture of membranes at term in low-risk women: induce or wait?

Objective: To compare the outcomes of expectant versus induction of labor management of patients presenting with prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM) at term. Study design: Observational case–control study over a period of 36 months. Setting: King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Subjects: All obstetric patients with no obstetric risk factors, other than PROMs at term, were included in our study. Each patient was matched with a control case, whose labor started with intact membranes. Outcome measures: Length of labor duration, fetal distress, intrapartum pyrexia, rate of cesarean delivery, and Apgar scores at birth. Results: The length of labor duration was shorter in patients with PROMs at term compared to the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Furthermore, cesarean section (CS) rate was 4.5% in the PROMs group versus 5.5% in the control group. Among patients with PROM who received induction of labor management, the rates of intrapartum pyrexia and CS were almost twice than in patients who were managed expectantly. However, the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: In the absence of other obstetric and maternal or fetal risk factors, PROMs at term does not seem to constitute additional obstetric risks. Furthermore, expectant management of PROM at term enhances the patient’s chance of normal vaginal delivery without an increase in fetal and/or maternal morbidity.