C-reactive protein as a predictor for chorioamnionitis in preterm premature rupture of membranes

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the role of serum C-reactive protein test as a marker for the detection of the subclinical microbiologic and histologic infection of the amniotic membranes in the preterm premature rupture of membranes_(PPROM) patients. STUDY DESIGN:Blood samples for maternal serum CRP samples were obtained on admission and sterile chorioamniotic membranes were sampled during labor from 20 PPROM patients and 100 patients in labor at term. . RESULTS: In the study group, there was found a positive correlation between the histologic chorioamniotis and positive serum C-reactive protein test result. The relationship between the microbiologic infection and the CRP levels were not statistically significant when compared with the control group and this can be explained by lacking of some culture mediums for th©investigation of the microorganisms such as fusobacterium nucleatum, ureaplasma urealyticum, gardnerella vaginalis, mycoplasma hominis that contribute chorioamnion infection. CONCLUSION: Microbiologic infection of the membranes was always accompanied by histologic chorioamnionitis and CRP values were also found to be positive in these patients. The sensitivity and negative predictive value of CRP was statistically significant in predicting the occult chorioamnion infection in preterm premature rupture of membranes patients. (Gynecol Obstet Reprod Med 1997; 3:331-334)