C-reactive protein and white blood cell count as predictors of maternal and neonatal infections in prelabour rupture of membranes between 34 and 41 weeks of gestation

Prelabour rupture of the membranes (PLROM) is defined as rupture of membranes before the onset of labour. It is one of the most common clinical events, where pregnancy can turn into a high-risk situation for mother and foetus. As prevention of PLROM is difficult, one has to concentrate on management to reduce its complications. Accurate prediction of infection remains a main challenge in cases of PLROM. We conducted a prospective study of all women admitted for PLROM at or after 34–41 weeks of gestation to investigate the predictive value of C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell (WBC) count for early-onset neonatal infection (EONI) and maternal chorioamnionitis. The analysis was done by comparing areas under ROC curves and sensitivity. Lowest best cut off of maternal serum CRP level >4.9 mg/l and lowest cut off of WBC count 12,450/cumm have good predictive values for maternal chorioamnionitis and EONI.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? The ability to detect chorioamnionitis and predict neonatal infection at an early stage would be helpful in its treatment and would make it possible to prolong the pregnancy.What do the results of this study add? Maternal serum CRP level and WBC count obtained at admission are predictors of chorioamnionitis and EONI although WBC count alone is not a good indicator of them. A lowest best cut off of serum CRP level >4.9 mg/l and lowest cut off of WBC count 12,450/cumm have good predictive values for maternal chorioamnionitis and EON.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? We propose that maternal serum CRP level and WBC count should be used as screening test for EONI and chorioamnionitis rather than a diagnostic test.