Are biological markers relevant for the diagnosis and the prognosis of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM)?

The preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) is a common condition in pregnant women and is associated with significant maternal and perinatal morbidity. Most of the time, the diagnosis is done during physical examination. However, in 10%-20% of equivocal cases, biological markers are needed to confirm the diagnosis, especially when leakage of fluid is low or intermittent. In these cases, a quick and reliable diagnosis is necessary for applying the appropriate measures to reduce perinatal complications. The prognosis in PPROM is linked to maternal inflammatory markers that might predict perinatal infection, and therefore be helpful to decide the timing of the delivery. Nevertheless, further research is needed to identify robust biological markers for the diagnosis of PPROM in equivocal cases and for the prognosis.