Serum lactoferrin and C-reactive protein in mother and newborn after preterm rupture of membranes.

Eleven of 15 serum lactoferrin (S-LF) values and all 16 C-reactive protein (CRP) values were significantly elevated in cases of premature rupture of the amniotic membranes (PROM). There was no correlation between values of C-reactive protein and lactoferrin in either mothers or their newborn. The difference in C-reactive protein between mothers and their newborn was significant, but this was not the case with serum lactoferrin. This suggest that there is no transplacental transfer of C-reactive protein, even in preterm rupture of the membranes, and this is probably also the case with lactoferrin.