ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of neutrophil granule products compared to WBC's and CRP in identification of sub clinical chorioamnionitis in women with preterm premature rupture of membrane [PROM]. Twenty five patients between 26-30 week gestations suffered from preterm PROM were included as a study group. The control group contained 25 apparently healthy pregnant women with matched gestational age. Blood samples were collected through latency period and at delivery for estimation of plasma defensin and lactoferrin and serum C - reactive protein CRP levels in addition to WBC's determination. After delivery the placenta of the study patients were examined histologically for evidence of chorioamnionitis. The fetal birth weight, Apgar score and any neonatal complications were recorded. At admission defensin level was significantly higher in patients with developed chorioamnionitis compared to patients without histological findings and controls [6583.1 vs 722.36 and 714.5 ng/ml respectively, p < 0.05]. WBC's were higher in patients with developed chrioamnionitis [p< 0.05]. lactoferrin and CRP didn't show the same relation. At delivery defensin, WBC's and CRP have demonstrated significantly increased levels in patients with developed chorioamnionitis compared to subjects who didn't develop chorioamionitis. Correlation coefficient of different studied lab tests demonstrated significant positive correlation between defensin, WBC's and CRP. In conclusion maternal plasma defensin level may serve as a good promising predictor for development of chorioamnionitis in patients with preterm PROM
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to demonstrate the role of cell adhesion molecule E-selectin in preeclampsia and to asses if there are changes in its level with varying degrees of preeclampsia. Serum E- selectin concentration was measured in ten healthy normotensive pregnant women [group one], 20 cases with mild preeclampsia [group two] and 20 cases with severe preeclampsia [group three] in late third trimester of pregnancy. E-selectin concentrations were significantly higher in the preeclampsia groups compared with the control group. On the other hand, its concentrations were higher in severe than mild preeclampsia [53.74 + 24.82 and 65.60 + 37.57 ng/ml, respectively] but the difference did not reach a statistical significance. Within the preeclampsia subgroups, serum concentration of E-selectin was higher in severe cases exhibiting fetal growth retardation compared with mild preeclampsia. There was a significant positive correlation between E- selectin concentrations and diastolic blood pressure in severe preeclampsia group. It was concluded that the elevated levels of E- selectin in pregnant women with preeclampsia supported the concept of a primary endothelial cell involvement in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Measurement of this adhesion molecule may be useful in monitoring pregnancies with respect to the development of preeclampsia