Precipitated egg white as a sealant for iatrogenic preterm premature rupture of the membranes.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the study was to investigate whether precipitated egg white could be used as a sealant for iatrogenic injury to fetal membranes.


METHODS
Membranes were collected, washed, and affixed to the bottom of glass cylinders filled with second-trimester amniotic fluid. An iatrogenic defect with an 8-gauge needle was created in the test column, and precipitated egg white was added. Fluid levels in test and control columns were compared over a 14 day period. The amount of fluid added to columns was compared using the Wilcoxon rank sum test; P < .05 was considered significant.


RESULTS
Test columns (20/21) maintained seal integrity for 14 days and required less amniotic fluid to be added as compared with controls: median: 55.1 mL (range, 20-137 mL) vs 61.6 mL (range, 22-159 mL), respectively (P < .01).


CONCLUSIONS
Precipitated egg white has the potential to seal iatrogenic membrane defects for up to 14 days' duration.
Mendez-Figueroa
Hector
H
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, and the Texas Children's Fetal Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
Papanna
Ramesha
R
Berry
David L
DL
Moise
Kenneth J
KJ
D000328:Adult; D011232:Chemical Precipitation; D004529:Egg White / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D014014:Tissue Adhesives / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D014014:Tissue Adhesives