title: Prematurity, subclinical intraamniotic infection, and fetal biophysical parameters: is there a correlation?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This prospective study was undertaken to examine the effects of subclinical intraamniotic infection on fetal behavioral patterns.
  
  
  METHODS
  Amniotic fluid was obtained from four groups of patients (n = 99): group 1, patients with preterm premature rupture of the fetal membranes (PPROM) without infection; group 2, patients with PPROM and infection; group 3, patients with preterm labor (PTL) and without infection; and group 4, patients with PTL and infection. Fetal biophysical profiles were obtained on admission to the labor suite. Amniotic fluid was analyzed for the presence of microorganisms and endotoxin to confirm intraamniotic infection; cytokines interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, and IL-8 were also assayed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found no association between low scores for biophysical parameters and subclinical infection in patients with PPROM or PTL.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We could not demonstrate that upon a patient's admission to the labor hall absent fetal breathing and absent fetal movement, as well as reactivity, correlate with subclinical intraamniotic infection. Elevated cytokines, i.e. IL-1beta, IL-6, and IL-8 were associated with subclinical chorioamnionitis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Kentucky Lexington, KY, USA.
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Cox
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Roussis
authors.forename: B A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.forename: T E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Curry