Abstract

Maternal Vitamin C and Preterm Pre-labour Rupture of Membranes

Background: Preterm pre-labor rupture of membranes (PPROM) is the main reason for premature labor. Aim of the study: The main goal of that study was to determine whether there was a relationship between maternal vitamin C level and occurrence of PPROM in pregnant females. Study design and setting: A case-control study which was conducted in Babylon Teaching Hospital for Gynecology and pediatrics from 1 March 2016 to 30 November 2016. Patients and methods: The study included 68 women: 30 women as patients group diagnosed as cases of preterm pre-labor rupture of membranes who meet the inclusions and exclusions criteria, and 38 women as control groups. Vitamin C concentration was measured for all included women. Results: The two groups were matched in terms of women’s age, gestational age, occupation, address, their parity and level of education (p>0.05). Maternal vitamin C levels were measured in the patient’s group and found to be lower than the control group. (Mean ± SD) (15.25 ± 4.11 µg/ml) Vs. (16.6 ± 4.83 µg/ml) respectively, however, no statistical significance was found (p=0.127). Low maternal vitamin C level is not correlating with the risk of PPROM, odds ratio (1.0182), 95% CI (0.344-3.011), and (p=0.97). Vitamin C levels were significantly higher in women with no PPH (15.08 ± 3.80 µg/ml) in comparison to those who had PPH (10.54 ± 3.38 µg/ml) (p=0.022). On the other hand, a non-significant negative correlation has been noted between low maternal vitamin C level and latency period (r=0.35, p=0.067). Conclusions: Lower maternal serum level of vitamin C levels has been found in patients with PPROM compared to the control group, but there was no statistical significance. Maternal vitamin C deficiency is not a contributing factor in the development of PPROM.

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