AMNIOTIC INFECTION SYNDROME CAUSED BY AN EXTRAAMNIOTIC ABSCESS - FALSE-NEGATIVE BACTERIOLOGICAL AMNIOCENTESIS

In general intra-amniotic infection causes severe fetal compromise. Pr ematurity resulting from preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes , maternal fever, maternal or fetal septicemia and fetal tachycardia i s the major problem of this clinical syndrome. Therefore early detecti on of chorioamnionitis gains high prospective value. Gram's staining m ethod from amniotic fluid provides a quick and reliable diagnostic too l (sensitivity 63.8%, specificity 97.7%). A localized extra-amniotic a bscess demonstrates the special case of a false negative amniocentesis performed for bacteriological reasons. Conclusion: In suspected amnio tic infection the obstetrical management has always to take into accou nt all different parameters - clinical symptoms, chemistry and microbi olocigal analysis. Nevertheless Gram's stain is a reliable and quick m ethod to verify amniotic infection syndrome.