Abstract
Objective: To determine the combination of amniotic fluid (AF) tests with the best diagnostic accuracy for predicting intrauterine infection/inflammation (IUI) in patients with clinical suspicion of chorioamnionitis.
Study design: This is a retrospective study of 34 pregnant women who presented with uterine tenderness, maternal fever, maternal tachycardia, and/or fetal tachycardia and underwent AF analysis. IUI diagnosis was based on placental histology, positive AF bacterial cultures, and/or Gram stain.
Result: Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between IUI and AF glucose. Glucose is more sensitive than culture or Gram stain (64% vs. 40% and 20%, [iw-0.3]respectively). Culture and glucose combined achieved the best diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, 71%; specificity, 100%; positive and negative predictive values, 100–83%, respectively).
Conclusion: Positive AF Gram stain or glucose <15 mg/dL strongly suggests IUI in symptomatic patients. If both tests are negative, the result of culture should aid the management.
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