RESUMO
The role of serum ceruloplasmin and its ferroxidase activity on preterm labor with or without rupture of the membranes was studied. Thirty-seven primigravid women between 31 and 35 weeks of gestation were investigated. Our material is divided into 3 groups. Group A consisted of 12 patients with premature rupture of the membranes; group B consisted of 10 patients with preterm labor but intact membranes, and group C consisted of 15 non-laboring patients. Patients with rupture of the membranes presented with statistically significantly higher serum ceruloplasmin levels compared to those with preterm labor but intact membranes (p < 0.05) as well as to non-laboring patients (p < 0.01). On the contrary, the mean ferroxidase activity level or ceruloplasmin was 518.2+/-183.42, 460.9+/-198.8 and 517.5+/-142.01 micromol/l/min in groups A, B and C, respectively. These values were not significantly different. Our results show a loss of ferroxidase activity of ceruloplasmin in patients with rupture of the membranes and probably suggest a defect in the maternal defense mechanisms.
