A comparative investigation to evaluate the usefulness of maternal CRP and WBC count in predicting intra-amniotic infection in preterm rupture of membranes

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the usefulness of maternal CRP and WBC count in diagnosing intra-amniontic infection in the preclinical stage in women with preterm rupture of membranes.Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College, Kolar from November 2018 to December 2019. Intra-amniotic infection was confirmed by obtaining amniotic fluid vaginally and subjecting it for aerobic and anaerobic culture.Results: A total of 220 antenatal women were enrolled in the study. The distribution of cases into preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and premature rupture of membranes (PROM) was 55 each group. 110 gestational age matched controls were equally distributed between PPROM and PROM. Rupture of membranes was more commonly found in women belonging to low socio-economic status in both PPROM and PROM group. The sensitivity and specificity of maternal CRP was 82.17% and 83.13% respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of WBC count in predicting intra-amniotic infection was 67.16% and 59.14% respectively. Conclusion: CRP is a reliable diagnostic marker than WBC count for predicting intra-amniotic infection in pregnancies complicated with rupture of membranes.