Place of amniocentesis in the assessment of preterm labour

Objective: To evaluate the benefits and indications for amniocentesis in ca ses of preterm labor with or without preterm rupture of membranes. Method: A review of the literature on amniocentesis in cases of intra-amniotic infe ction. Results: Amniocentesis is an invasive method that allows the diagnos is of intra-amniotic infection. However, no randomized trials have been per formed from which we can assess the benefits and complications of amniocent esis in preterm labor. Conclusion: The published data do not justify the ro utine practice of amniocentesis in preterm labor. More data are needed to e valuate the benefits and complications of this practice. Only randomized tr ials of patients in preterm labor, comparing those who undergo amniocentesi s with those who do not, will clarify the indications for this procedure. ( C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.