Evaluation of the role of CRP as an early predictor of chorioamnionitis in PPROM

Abstract

Background: Preterm birth is one of the most important cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. PROM is defined as spontaneous rupture of membranes before the onset of uterine contraction. Objective of present study was to evaluate the role of CRP as an early predictor of Chorioamnionitis in PPROM.Methods: A prospective study was done on 50 cases with PPROM and 50cases of control group without PPROM. All mothers and babies were observed from the time of admission to the time of discharge.Results: C-reactive protein appears to be the most sensitive acute phase protein; rising of less than 24 hours makes it suitable to serve as a marker for diagnosing an infective process in early stage. On comparing C-reactive protein levels with other laboratory tests and indicators of infection (e.g. total leucocyte count DLC, maternal fever, maternal tachycardia, fetal tachycardia) we found CRP level to be more sensitive (100%) but less specific (69.56%) in identifying clinical Chorioamnionitis. The positive predictive value was 22.22% and negative predictive value was 100%.Conclusions: In cases of PPROM, raised CRP is an early predictor of clinical Chorioamnionitis as well as histological Chorioamnionitis.