Objective:

To compare the diagnostic value of maternal C-reactive protein determinations with other laboratory parameters such as WBC count and sedimentation rate, and elinical findings in preterm premature rupture of membranes.

Methods:

24 to 36 weeks pregnant women w ith a proved rupture of membranes were included in the study. WBC, sedimantation rate and CRP masurements were done daily. Patients were clinically evaluated every six hours with special concern to temperature. Normal values in 20 women with almost the same gestational age were detected and used for comparison. Statistical differences between groups were calculated with nonparametric M ann-Whitney test.

Findings:

None of the patients developed elinical chorioamnionitis. The results of fourteen patients (70 %) in whom histologic chorioamnionitis was diagnosed afterwards were analyzd. The most valuable parameter in the detection of chorioamnionitis was CRP measurements (sensitivity 86%, specifıty 66%). Mean CRP values were 0.9±0.2 and 3.15±0.2 in normal and histologic chorioamnionitis groups, respectively (p<0.02).

Conclusion:

Patients with intrauterine infection usually have an elevated WBC, CRP and temperature. The most diagnostic parameter among them is CRP measurement was concluded.

Keywords: C-reactive protein, chorioamnionitis, preterm premature rupture of membranes