[Further experiences with ovum lavage with respect to preventing premature labor]

Between January and December 1990, lavage of the ovum was performed in 64 gravidae with actual or potential symptoms of premature labour. Subsequently the lavage fluid was microbiologically examined. The present study discusses the indications for this new method, how it is performed and the results obtained. Microorganisms possibly necessitating treatment were detected in the lavage fluid of 30 (47%) of the gravidae at risk. Thirty-nine patients manifested actual symptoms of imminent premature birth, such as labour or critical cervical status. Results of fluid tests were positive in 23 (59%) of these patients, while according to the results of conventional cervical or vaginal smear tests performed simultaneously, treatment was necessary in only 13% of them. The majority of the microorganisms in the lavage fluid (coagulase-negative, haemolytic and group D streptococci were usually detected) are only facultatively pathogenic and are found in small quantities in cervical smears as normal "local flora". The mean delivery date was in gestational week (GW) 37/1, and for patients with antibiosis produced by a suitable antibiotic in GW 38/3 (10 weeks after lavage was performed). In view of the results of this study, bacteriological testing of ovum lavage fluid may be regarded as a useful complementary method for detecting ascending infections. It may advance pathogenetic research into late abortion and premature birth and further reduce the premature birth rate.