title: Place of amniocentesis in the assessment of preterm labour.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the benefits and indications for amniocentesis in cases of preterm labor with or without preterm rupture of membranes.
  
  
  METHODS
  A review of the literature on amniocentesis in cases of intra-amniotic infection.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Amniocentesis is an invasive method that allows the diagnosis of intra-amniotic infection. However, no randomized trials have been performed from which we can assess the benefits and complications of amniocentesis in preterm labor.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The published data do not justify the routine practice of amniocentesis in preterm labor. More data are needed to evaluate the benefits and complications of this practice. Only randomized trials of patients in preterm labor, comparing those who undergo amniocentesis with those who do not, will clarify the indications for this procedure.
authors.affiliation: Maternity Baudelocque, Port Royal, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France. tsatsari@club-internet.fr
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Tsatsaris
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Carbonne
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cabrol
mesh_terms: D000649:Amniocentesis; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011247:Pregnancy; D014591:Uterine Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents