INFECTION MARKERS DURING LABOR AT TERM

Serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count (WBC) , amniotic fluid white blood cells (Gram staining) and leukocyte ester ase (LE) activity were measured serially and prospectively in 30 pregn ant women in labor at term. Results were retrospectively compared with amniotic fluid bacterial culture results. Leukocyte esterase activity was measured by the dipstick test (Nephurtest) and an in vitro photom etric method. Amniotic fluid samples were collected through an intraut erine transvaginal pressure catheter. The serial CRP and WBC levels fr om admission to the delivery and CRP levels from delivery to the first post partum day increased statistically significantly. Levels of both markers correlated significantly with duration of labor. Both amnioti c white blood cells and leukocyte esterase activity increased during l abor. Bacterial colonization of amniotic fluid was not clearly associa ted with amniotic LE-activity or leukocyte count as determinated by Gr am stain. The tests evaluated cannot be regarded as reliable methods i n distinguishing intra-amniotic infection during labor and vaginal del ivery at term.