Lewis phenotype in women with preterm labor and premature rupture of the membranes.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible association between Lewis phenotype status in pregnant women and preterm labor (PTL) or preterm rupture of the membranes (PROM).


METHODS
Red blood cell (RBC) Lewis phenotype was determined in 113 pregnant women admitted for PTL or PROM and in 121 controls. The results were controlled for the influence of race on Lewis phenotype.


RESULTS
Pregnancy was associated with a higher frequency in women with the a-b- phenotype. There was no association between RBC Lewis phenotype and the occurrence of PTL or PROM.


CONCLUSIONS
A susceptibility to PTL or PROM is not due to a lack of Lewis antigen expression on the plasma membrane of the vaginal mucosa.
O'Brien
W F
WF
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of South Florida College of Medicine and Southwest Florida Blood Bank 4 Columbia Drive, #506, Tampa, FL 33606, USA.
Leparc
G F
GF
Holbrook
J
J