Leukocyte esterase activity, gram stain, cell count and glucose concentration in intra-amniotic infection

ABSTRACT

Intraamniotic infection, a common cause of maternal and prenatal morbidity and mortality, is a challenging problem for the obstetrician. This study aims to determine the value of leukocyte esterase activity, grams stain, cell count, and glucose concentration of the amniotic fluid in the diagnosis of intraamniotic infection. Of the 53 subjects,. 35 had intact bag of water and 18 with premature rupture of membranes. In the group with intact bag of water, leukocyte esterase test, Grams stain and quantitative glucose of 84%, 80% and 88% respectively, whereas cell count and quantitative glucose were sensitive at 64% and 90% respectively. In the group with premature rupture membranes, leukocyte esterase test and qualitative glucose had specificities of 81% and 67% respectively, whereas Grams stain, cell count and quantitative glucose had sensitivities of 56% 83% and 100% respectively.