The assessment of neutrophil elastase measurements usefulness in pregnant women with premature rupture of fetal membranes and chorioamnionitis suspicion

Abstract

Summary Objectives: The evaluation of neutrophil elastase (NE) levels and its usefulness in pregnant women with premature rupture of foetal membranes (PROM) and chorioamnionitis suspicion. Material and methods: We evaluated the relationship between maternal plasma and amniotic fluid NE levels with the presence of chorioamnion infection in sixty pregnant women, divided into two groups – with and without PROM. The diagnostic performance of NE evaluations in discrimination of suspected intraamniotic infection was calculated. Results: NE levels in PROM patients are significantly higher than in the control group (p <0.000001). Significantly higher NE concentrations are also observed in the case of chorioamnionitis. Moreover, if at least two clinical markers of infection were present, the diagnostic value of amniotic fluid NE levels proved to be 100% sensitive and of 100% negative predictive value. Conclusions: NE levels may be used as clinical markers which enable the obstetricians to exclude chorioamnionitis.