Ultrasonographic Markers of Infection-Related Complications in Preterm Prelabour Rupture of Membranes

Preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM) represents a serious pregnancy complication associated with approximately 30% of preterm deliveries. PPROM might be complicated by the presence of microorganisms and/or their nucleic acids in amniotic fluid termed microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC), and the elevation of various inflammatory mediators in the amniotic fluid referred to as intra-amniotic inflammation (IAI). Based on their presence or absence, four subgroups of PPROM can be defined: i) intra-amniotic infection (presence of both MIAC and IAI), ii) sterile IAI (IAI alone), iii) colonisation of the amniotic cavity (MIAC alone), and iv) absence of both MIAC and IAI. Although gestational age at delivery is the most important factor affecting the risk of neonatal morbidity and mortality, the presence of MIAC and/or IAI might worsen neonatal outcomes. Therefore, precise assessment of the intra-amniotic environment seems essential for ideal personalised management of PPROM pregnancies. Modern ultrasound machines allow a very detailed examination of the foetus. The effort to identify surrogate ultrasound markers of MIAC and/or IAI represents a logical research step in this field. One of the most promising results has been found on doppler assessment on blood flow in the foetal splenic..