Evaluation of vaginal fluid β-human chorionic gonadotrophin for the diagnosis of preterm premature rupture of membranes.

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate vaginal fluid β-human chorionic gonadotrophin (β-hCG) for the diagnosis of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).

Material And Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was performed on 123 pregnant women who were in the third trimester of their gestation (28-37 weeks). The patients were divided into three groups: (i) PPROM group (41 cases); (ii) suspected PPROM group (42 cases); and (iii) intact membranes control group (40 cases). Five milliliters of sterile normal saline was inserted into the posterior fornix of the vagina and then vaginal fluid was aspirated and sent to the laboratory for β-hCG measurement. Finally, the amount of β-hCG was compared in the three groups.

Results: β-hCG concentration was 7.71 ± 15.7 mIU/mL in the intact membrane control group, 468.06 ± 366.34 mIU/mL in the PPROM group and 176.43 ± 316.37 mIU/mL in the suspected PPROM group, which showed a significant difference between the three groups (P < 0.001). In order to find an optimal cut-off value for β-hCG, the receiver-operator curve was used and a cut-off value of 79.5 mIU/mL with a sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 84% was determined to be optimal.

Conclusion: β-hCG was higher in the cases of PPROM and patients who were suspected to have PPROM, and may be used as a suitable, fast and reliable test for detecting rupture of membranes.