C-reactive protein as a predictor for chorioamnionitis in cases of premature rupture of the membranes.

We evaluated C-reactive protein for its ability to predict the occurrence of clinical chorioamnionitis in 51 patients with spontaneous premature rupture of the membranes at less than or equal to 34 weeks of gestational age. All the patients had determinations of C-reactive protein on admission, and then 25 patients were tested daily. Of the total 51 patients, 14 developed clinical signs compatible with a diagnosis of chorioamnionitis. An analysis was conducted to compare the use of C-reactive protein to that of white blood cell count in predicting febrile disease. Our study indicates that C-reactive protein is an accurate and early marker for predicting clinical chorioamnionitis. White blood cell and differential counts are less accurate in such prediction, especially after steroid treatment.