title: Comparison of an improved AFP kit with the intra-amniotic PSP dye-injection method in equivocal cases of preterm premature rupture of the fetal membranes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We developed an improved AFP kit for detecting AFP in leaked amniotic fluid. We studied the relationship between the results of the improved AFP kit and those of the intra-amniotic PSP dye-injection test (PSP test), and compared the results of two tests with the prognosis for subsequent pregnancy outcome, in order to know the diagnostic value of the two tests for preterm PROM, especially in equivocal cases.
  
  
  METHODS
  We compared the results of the AFP kit test with those of the PSP test in 8 equivocal cases of preterm PROM (18th to 34th weeks of gestation).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results of the AFP kit test coincided with those of the PSP test in all 8 equivocal cases of preterm PROM. The 4 cases that tested positive resulted in preterm deliveries; and the other 4 cases that tested negative resulted in full-term deliveries.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of the AFP kit test is useful in assessing the prognosis for subsequent pregnancy in equivocal cases of preterm PROM. The rapid and accurate AFP kit test for diagnosing preterm PROM can be substituted for the PSP test in bedside and outpatient-clinic assessments.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Yamada
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kishida
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Negishi
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sagawa
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yamaguchi
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sato
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Nakamura
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sato
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sakai
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yamaguchi
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fujimoto
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000737:chemistry*; D004396:Coloring Agents; D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005325:Fetal Organ Maturity; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000196:embryology; D010637:Phenolsulfonphthalein; D011247:Pregnancy; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D004396:Coloring Agents; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins; D010637:Phenolsulfonphthalein