Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis can be a useful tool for the identification of the underlying mechanisms leading to preterm parturition. Today, we can obtain valuable information from a sample of amniotic fluid including all of the following: 1) intra-amniotic infection and or inflammation can be identified by direct vision of bacteria in a Gram stain measurement of low amniotic fluid glucose (<15mg/dL), elevated white blood cells count (>50 WBC’s) positive aerobic, anaerobic, as well as, genital mycoplasma cultures and PCR for bacteria and viruses, In addition, the measurement of cytokines (i.e. IL-6) and other markers of inflammation such as the rapid kit for the measurement of MMP-8 are regarded as valid markers for infection and inflammation and for the development of fetal inflammatory response syndrome, In the absence of intra-amniotic infection or inflammation vascular disease or increased thrombin generation can be identified by measuring the amniotic fluid concentration of thrombin ant-thrombin III complexes. Indeed, among women without intra-amniotic infection/inflammation, high amniotic fluid concentrations of this molecule were associated with a shorter amniocentesis to delivery interval and lower gestational age at delivery in comparison with normal or low concentrations of TAT III complexes The injection of indigocarmine allows us to verify the rupture of the membranes, To test for fetal lung maturity and 5) To study fetal chromosomal abnormalities either by FISH or by cell culture. Collectively amniocentesis enables the clinician to detect the leading causes for preterm birth; moreover, the study of amniotic fluid may assist us to develop additional assays for other mechanisms of prematurity. (Erez O, Mazor M (2013) The Role of Late Amniocentes is in the Management of Preterm Parturition.)

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Last date updated on September, 2024