Fetal Biophysical Profile Versus Amniocentesis in Predicting Infection in Preterm Premature Rupture of the Membranes

A comparison between daily fetal biophysical profile determinations and amniocentesis (for Gram stain and culture) was studied prospectively in 58 patients who presented with preterm premature rupture of the membranes and no apparent infection or labor. The efficacy of these two methods in predicting infection outcome — as reflected by the development of clinical amnionitis and/or neonatal sepsis — was determined. These data suggest that daily fetal biophysical profile assessment is superior to amniocentesis in predicting infection outcome in these patients. The use of frequent biophysical profile determinations should replace amniocentesis in selecting those patients with premature rupture of the membranes who are more likely to develop infection with associated fetal/neonatal sepsis.