title: [Serum copper levels and pathologic changes in the fetal membranes in cases of premature rupture of the membranes].
abstract: 140 samples of serum and amnionic membrane collected from 60 patients with premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and 20 controls were assayed for levels of essential trace elements by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICPAES). 72 samples of amnionic membranes were examined by pathologist with HE. Van Gieson's and Wright's strain. The serum copper level in PROM cases was significantly lower (23.438 8 +/- 3.292 4 mumol/L) as compared with that of the controls (30.044 1 +/- 4.416 1 mumol/L), P less than 0.01. The serum and tissue level of essential trace elements (Cr, Mn) showed no difference. The collagen and elastin in the amnionic membranes were sparse and weak. It is pointed out that the low copper level and the sparse and weak collagen and elastin in amnionic membranes may be related to PROM.
authors.forename: Y H
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Fu
mesh_terms: D003300:Copper / Q000097:blood*; D005321:Extraembryonic Membranes / Q000032:analysis* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000097:blood* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D003300:Copper