OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 in cervical and amniotic fluid in women in preterm labor and with preterm premature rupture of membranes.

STUDY DESIGN:

Women with singleton pregnancies (<or=34 weeks) in preterm labor (n=75 women), with preterm premature rupture of membranes (n=47 women), and at term (n=45 women) who were undergoing elective cesarean delivery were included. Cervical and amniotic fluid were sampled.

RESULTS:

Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 in cervical and amniotic fluid was higher in women in preterm labor than in women at term. Cervical monocyte chemotactic protein-1 in women in preterm labor was associated with microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity, intra-amniotic inflammation, delivery within 7 days, and at <or=34 weeks. Amniotic monocyte chemotactic protein-1 correlated to microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes, intra-amniotic inflammation in preterm labor, preterm premature rupture of membranes, delivery within 7 days, and delivery at <or=34 weeks in women in preterm labor.

CONCLUSION:

Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 in cervical and amniotic fluid levels are elevated in preterm labor and preterm premature rupture of membranes and correlate to intra-amniotic infection/inflammation.