Correlation of interleukin-6 in vaginal secretions with neonatal infection, histologic chorioamnionitis, and umbilical cord pH in patients with premature prelabor rupture of membranes

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of interleukin-6 bedside test in vaginal secretions for neonatal infections, histologic chorioamnionitis and neonatal acidemia in pregnant ladies with prelabor premature rupture of membranes above 34 weeks. The study was a prospective clinical study performed on 50 patients with prelabor premature rupture of membranes above 34 weeks. Interleukin-6 in vaginal secretions was determined in less than 20 minutes by and immunochromatographic bedside test. A positive strong correlation was present between vaginal interleukin-6 and each of the three parameters [p=0.000] histologic chorioamnionitits [r=0.561], early onset neonatal infection [r=0.836], and umbilical pH [r=0.723]. The test showed sensitivity [87.5%, 72.7%, 95%], specificity [88.4%, 84.6%, 80%], positive predictive value [87.5%, 80%, 90.4%] and negative predictive value [88.4%, 78.5%, 96.4%] respectively. Vaginal interleukin-6 represents an effective bedside test for the screening and prediction of early on set neonatal infection, histologic chorioamnionitis and neonatal acidemia in premature prelabor rupture of membranes