ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to determine the significance of pH and leukocyte count in the prediction of preterm labour. Case control study. This study was carried out at Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Nishtar Hospital Multan from 01-04-2008 to 30-09-2008 and 01-11-2008 to 01-05-2009. Women seeking antenatal care at outpatient department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nishtar Hospital Multan between 22-28 weeks of gestation with singleton pregnancy were enrolled in this study. Vaginal pH was measured using a pH paper and leukocyte count by making a slide of vaginal secretions from posterior fornix and were sent to pathologist for counting number of leukocytes. Women with high pH and leukocyte count were enrolled to group A [cases] and those having normal pH were included in the group B [controls]. These women were followed till delivery and the number of women going into preterm labour were counted and matched with the results of pH and leukocyte counts. Mean age was 25.80 +/- 48 years in cases and 24.61 +/- 0.56 years in controls. Low socioeconomic status was evident in 43 [61.43%] cases and 34 [48.57%] controls, while 27 [38.57%] case and 36 [51.43%] controls had middle socioeconomic status. Preterm labour was observed in 42 [60%] cases and 7 [10%] controls, while preterm premature rupture of membrane was evident in 30 [42.86%] cases and 9 [12.86%] controls. Mode of delivery was vaginal in 44 [62.86%] cases and 54 [77.14] controls. 26 [37.14%] cases and 16 [22.86%] controls had lower segment caesarean section. Significantly more number of women with elevated pH and leukocyte count likely to have preterm delivery