[Prediction of infection complicating premature rupture of the membranes by monitoring fetal breathing movement with ultrasound].

Modified Vintzileos monitoring skill and scoring criteria of fetal biophysical profile (FBP), were used in assaying 48 patients with premature rupture of the membranes (PROM). The last determination before delivery was compared with the outcome of pregnancy. The results showed: (1) The infection rate in patients with low biophysical score (less than or equal to 7) was significantly higher than that of high score (greater than 7); (2) The infection rate in patients presenting fetal breathing movements (FBM) of greater than or equal to 60 sec. It was significantly lower than that in patients with a FBM of less than 60 sec. Infection was almost absent when FBM was present; (3) Fetal distress and neonatal asphyxia could be well predicted by FBP scoring in labor. The above suggested that FBP Scoring FBM is useful in prediction infection and the outcome of babies in patients with PROM.