C-reactive protein as a predictor for chorioamnionitis in cases of premature rupture of the membranes

We evaluated C-reactive protein for its ability to predict the occurrence of clinical chorioamnionitis in 51 patients with spontaneous premature rupture of the membranes at ≤ 34 weeks of gestational age. All the patients had determinations of C-reactive protein on admission, and then 25 patients were tested daily. Of the total 51 patients, 14 developed clinical signs compatible with a diagnosis of chorioamnionitis. An analysis was conducted to compare the use of C-reactive protein to that of white blood cell count in predicting febrile disease. Our study indicates that C-reactive protein is an accurate and early marker for predicting clinical chorioamnionitis. White blood cell and differential counts are less accurate in such prediction, especially after steroid treatment.