Evaluation of the level of total nitrate and nitrite concentration in vaginal secretion in cases with preterm labor and if it can be used as a predictor of premature delivery

ABSTRACT

Vaginal secretions were collected after informed consent from 80 pregnant women with gestational ages from 27 to 32 weeks. Samples were collected by thorough washing of the vagina with 5 ml sterile physiologic sodium chloride solution. Samples were stored at -40C until delivery of all studied pregnant women. The level of total nitrite and nitrate concentration in vaginal secretion of pregnant women who delivered before 37 completed weeks and in those with preterm premature rupture of membranes with subsequent preterm delivery were significantly higher than in those delivered at term