Detection of ureaplasmas by the polymerase chain reaction in the amniotic fluid of patients with cervical insufficiency.

Aims: The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical significance of detecting microbial footprints of ureaplasmas in amniotic fluid (AF) using specific primers for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in patients presenting with cervical insufficiency.

Methods: Amniocentesis was performed in 58 patients with acute cervical insufficiency (cervical dilatation, > or =1.5 cm) and intact membranes, and without regular contractions (gestational age, 16-29 weeks).

C-reactive protein concentration in vaginal fluid as a marker for intra-amniotic inflammation/infection in preterm premature rupture of membranes.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in vaginal fluid can identify patients with intra-amniotic inflammation/infection (IAI) and predict adverse outcome in preterm premature rupture of membranes (PROM).

Methods: The study population consisted of 121 singleton pregnant women with preterm PROM (36 weeks of gestation) who had an amniocentesis and vaginal fluid collection. A Dacron polyester-tipped applicator was soaked with vaginal fluid for 10 seconds and diluted with 1 mL buffer solution.

Biovar diversity of Ureaplasma urealyticum in amniotic fluid: distribution, intrauterine inflammatory response and pregnancy outcomes.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the distribution of two biovars of Ureaplasma urealyticum (parvo and T960) in human amniotic fluid and to examine whether the magnitude of the intrauterine inflammatory response and pregnancy outcomes are different between patients with microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity with "parvo biovar" and those with "T960 biovar".

Study Design: This cohort included 77 preterm singleton pregnancies (gestational age < 37 weeks) in whom U. urealyticum was detected from amniotic fluid using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Amniotic fluid matrix metalloproteinase-8 and the development of cerebral palsy.

Aims: To examine if increased concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) in amniotic fluid are associated with the development of cerebral palsy at the age of three years.

Methods: The relationship between amniotic fluid concentrations of MMP-8 and the development of cerebral palsy was examined in 116 preterm singleton newborns (gestational age at birth < 35 weeks) born to mothers who underwent amniocentesis and were followed for at least 3 years. Amniotic fluid was cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and mycoplasmas.