Abstract

Aim: Few studies address decidual function in abnormal pregnancies, due obviously to shortage of appropriate markers. Glycodelin is produced by epithelial cells of pregnancy decidua. We investigated whether serum glycodelin concentrations are altered in premature rupture of membranes (PROM). Methods: Serum glycodelin concentrations were measured in 32 women with PROM and in 27 gestational age-matched healthy women. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were measured to indicate infection. Results: Glycodelin concentrations were similar in PROM patients and control subjects. No difference was found in glycodelin concentrations between the 17 PROM patients with CRP > 12 mg/l and controls, or between the 15 PROM patients with CRP ≤ 12 mg/l and controls. There was no correlation between the highest antepartum glycodelin level and the interval from PROM to delivery. A negative correlation between the last glycodelin concentration and the birth weight of the newborns was found in the PROM patients (r_s = -0.369, p = 0.038). Conclusions: Decidual epithelial cell function does not seem to be compromised in PROM. The inverse correlation between serum glycodelin and the birth weight of the newborns in PROM may be explained by the normally occurring decline of serum glycodelin with advancing pregnancy in the third trimester.