Development of a Non-invasive Test to Detect Intra-amniotic Infection and Predict Preterm Birth in Women Presenting With Preterm Labor and and Intact Amniotic Membranes

Intra-amniotic infection (IAI) is an acute bacterial infection of the amniotic fluid and intrauterine contents during pregnancy and occurs in 4% to 10% of all deliveries (Newton, ER., 1993. Newton, ER, et al., 1989. Soper, DE, et al., 1989). IAI is an important cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity. Identifying and appropriately treating women with IAI is, therefore, a major obstetrical challenge.

Intrauterine infection may occur early in pregnancy and remain undetected for a prolonged period, thus exposing the fetus to the effects of infection/inflammation for a considerable period. Ideally, an early diagnosis of IAI is important to allow timely treatment and intervention. Unfortunately, the early diagnosis is difficult because the clinical signs and symptoms of IAI may occur late in the course of the infection and are neither sensitive nor specific. Therefore, to avoid a delay in diagnosis a high degree of suspicion and the appropriate use of adjunctive laboratory tests are warranted.