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Amniotic fluid alpha 1-antitrypsin concentration in premature rupture of the membranes
W F O'Brien1, R A Knuppel, W J Morales
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa 33612.
Abstract:
Premature rupture of the membranes is probably a result of a loss in amniotic membrane collagen. A recent report that the concentration of alpha 1-antitrypsin was decreased in patients with premature rupture of the membranes suggested a generalized defect in such pregnancies. In this study we compared the concentration of alpha 1-antitrypsin in samples from pregnancies with premature rupture of the membranes and from pregnancies with preterm labor at similar gestational age. No difference in alpha 1-antitrypsin concentration was noted between these groups or between samples with or without intrauterine infection. These results support a localized inflammation and necrosis of the membranes at the site of rupture.