Abstract
Objective We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of maternal serum
haptoglobin levels in patients presenting with preterm premature rupture of
fetal membranes (PPROM) during the second and the third trimesters of
pregnancy.
Methods In this case control study, 60 patients were recruited (30
pregnant women with PPROM between 26–34 weeks of gestation and 30
healthy, gestational-age-matched pregnant women without PPROM). White blood cell
count (WBC), interleukin 6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), sedimentation rate,
and haptoglobin levels were measured.
Results The mean age, gestational week, gravida, and parity of the 2
groups were statistically comparable (P>0.001). There was a
statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of
haptoglobin values (p<0.001). The mean haptoglobin level was
115.5+33.1(mg/dl) in the PPROM group and 66.5+42.6
(mg/dl) in the control group. ROC curve analysis was performed to
determine whether the level of haptoglobin alone could diagnose PPROM as an
independent marker. It was shown that the level of 94.5 mg/dL for
haptoglobin could indicate the diagnosis of PPROM with 80% sensitivity
and specificity
Conclusion Maternal serum haptoglobin levels may be a diagnostic marker
for suspected PPROM cases when membrane rupture diagnosis is not accurate based
on physical examination and other diagnostic tests.
Key words
Preterm premature rupture of fetal membranes - Haptoglobin - Preterm birth - acute phase reactants