Open AccessAssessment of fetal fibronectin in cervical secretion in cases of equivocal rupture of the membranes at term
Author(s) -
Nisell Henry,
Hagskog Katrin,
Westgren Magnus
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.3109/00016349609033304
Subject(s) - fetal fibronectin , medicine , fibronectin , rupture of membranes , amniotic fluid , fetal distress , fetus , pregnancy , obstetrics , gynecology , surgery , preterm delivery , cell , genetics , biology
Background. To evaluate if the presence of fibronectin in cervical secretion might provide information on the natural course of equivocal prelabor rupture of membranes (ROM) at term. Methods. One hundred and sixteen women with a history of prelabor ROM at term but without visible amniotic fluid leakage were included in the study. The presence of fetal fibronectin in cervical secretion was determined by a commercially available kit (ROM check® limit of detection 100 ng/ml). Women with ( n =49) and without ( n =67) a positive fibronectin test were compared with regard to time interval between presumed membrane rupture and delivery, mode of delivery and fetal distress rates. Results. There was no significant difference in the time interval between presumed ROM and delivery between those with a negative fibronectin test (median: 80 hours) and those with a positive test (median: 64 hours: p =0.28, Mann‐Whitney U‐test). Neither were there any differences in complicated delivery or fetal distress rates. Conclusion. Determination of fetal fibronectin in cervical secretion with the present method is of limited value in the clinical management of patients with equivocal rupture of the membranes.