OBJECTIVES: To determine whether measurement of aspartate aminotransferase (Ast) and alanine aminotransferase (Alt) levels in vaginal fluid is useful for the diagnosis of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). STUDY DESIGN: The PPROM group and normal pregnancy group consisted of 36 and 48 pregnant patients between 26 and 36 weeks' gestation, respectively. Vaginal fluid Ast and Alt levels were measured in both groups. RESULTS: Vaginal fluid Alt level was not statistically significant in the PPROM group as compared with the control group (p = 0.064). Vaginal Ast level was statistically significant in the PPROM (14.4 +/- 17.46 U/l) group as compared with the control group (3.08 +/- 7.8 U/l; p = 0.001). The optimal cutoff value of 3 IU/l for Ast gave a sensitivity level of 91% at a specificity of 83%, with positive and negative predictive values of 80 and 93%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Ast measurement from vaginal washing fluid appears to be a useful marker for the detection of PPROM. Copyright 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.
OBJECTIVES: To determine whether measurement of aspartate aminotransferase (Ast) and alanine aminotransferase (Alt) levels in vaginal fluid is useful for the diagnosis of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). STUDY DESIGN: The PPROM group and normal pregnancy group consisted of 36 and 48 pregnant patients between 26 and 36 weeks' gestation, respectively. Vaginal fluid Ast and Alt levels were measured in both groups. RESULTS: Vaginal fluid Alt level was not statistically significant in the PPROM group as compared with the control group (p = 0.064). Vaginal Ast level was statistically significant in the PPROM (14.4 +/- 17.46 U/l) group as compared with the control group (3.08 +/- 7.8 U/l; p = 0.001). The optimal cutoff value of 3 IU/l for Ast gave a sensitivity level of 91% at a specificity of 83%, with positive and negative predictive values of 80 and 93%, respectively. CONCLUSION:Ast measurement from vaginal washing fluid appears to be a useful marker for the detection of PPROM. Copyright 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.