Early and accurate diagnosis of intraarnniotic infection (LW is a desiraMe clinical goaL The objective of this study was to determine the value of amniotic fluid (AF) glucose estimation as a predictor of 1A1, comparing its results with that of the recognized AF Gram stain and the validity of both tests If done simultaneously or sequentially. Sixty two patients with either preterm labour and/or preterm premature ruptured membranes underwent transabdominal amniocentesis and AFGram stain, AF glucose estimation and AF culture were performed. All fourteen patients with 1AI had a significantly lower (Pc 0.01). AF glucose mean value (11 + 3.1 mg / dl) compared to those without 1AI (38.7 + 19.3 mg / d1). Failed tocolysis occurred in four patients with a low AF glucose and -tie AF culture, raising the possibility of IAI that might escaped detection by current microbiological techniques. AFglucose <15 mg/ dl had a higher statistically significant (Pc 0.05). sensitivity, -tie predictive value and validity than AF Gram stain. AF glucose determination is a simple test and does not require sophosticated interpretation. Moreover, it is an inexpensive, rapid and sensitive test for detection of IA!. |
