Association between oxidative stress in pregnancy and preterm premature rupture of membranes

BACKGROUND: Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is caused by collagen damage in the chorioamniotic sac leading to tearing. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) may be the cause of collagen damage. Isoprostanes (F(2)-IP) are produced by ROS attack on polyunsaturated fatty acids and are sensitive and specific biomarkers of lipid-peroxidation in vivo. AIM: To verify whether oxidative stress occurs in pregnancies associated with preterm PROM. METHODS: F(2)-IPs were measured in amniotic fluid of 16 pregnancies with preterm PROM (Group II) and 97 without PROM (Group I). RESULTS: F(2)-IP concentrations (pg/mL) were significantly higher in group II than group I (p<0.0001). The ROC curve showed a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 84.5% at a cut-off of 124.4 pg/mL. CONCLUSIONS: An association exists between oxidative stress in pregnancy and preterm PROM. The detection of amniotic fluid F(2)-IP concentrations seems to be a reliable predictive index of risk of preterm PROM.