The association of the amniotic fluid index (AFI) with perinatal fetal and maternal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).

OBJECTIVES: To investigate association of amniotic fluid index (AFI) with perinatal fetal and maternal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 70 singleton pregnancies complicated by PPROM at 23-33 weeks' gestation were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Data on maternal clinical and obstetric characteristics [maternal age, gravidity, parity, PPROM time, and AFI (cm), latency period, treatments, type of delivery, length of hospital stay (LOS, day)], fetal characteristics (gestational age at delivery, birth weight (g), gender) and maternal and fetal complications were recorded and compared in AFI < 5 cm (n = 27) and AFI ≥ 5 cm (n = 21) groups. RESULTS: Overall AFI was ≤ 5 cm in 27 (56.3%) patients and > 5 cm in 21 (43.7%) patients. No significant difference was noted in maternal clinical and obstetric characteristics, gestational age at delivery and gender of the newborn as well as in maternal and fetal complications rates with respect to AFI groups. AFI was correlated positively with latency period (r = 0.399, p = 0.018) and negatively with postpartum LOS (r = -0.314, p = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our findings seems to indicate increased likelihood of shorter latency to delivery and longer postpartum LOS with decrease in AFI after PPROM between 23-33 weeks' gestation, whereas no impact of AFI on mode of delivery and fetal or maternal complications.

Association between early childhood caries and clinical, microbiological, oral hygiene and dietary variables in rural Turkish children.

Mutans streptococci are the principal bacteria isolated from children with early childhood caries (ECC). The aim of this study, therefore, was to determine the relationships between factors related to ECC with salivary mutans streptococci (MS). A total of 95 children with ECC from low-income families in rural Ankara participated in this study. Breast and/or bottle-feeding habits continued in 31.5% of the children beyond 37 months. Forty percent of the bottle-fed, 35.5% of the breast-fed, and 29.4% of the breast-and bottle-fed children continued their habits beyond 37 months. Caries prevalence was significantly related to the age and feeding habits. Eighty one percent of the children did not have a toothbrushing habit and 41% had been taking sweetened medicine. High counts of MS are determined with increasing age, bottle usage, and snacking habits. We concluded that factors related to ECC are common among Turkish children.