Microbiological and Biochemical Profiling of Amniotic Fluid in Women With Short Cervix or Premature Rupture of Membranes

Microbiological and Biochemical Profiling of Amniotic Fluid in Women With Short Cervix or Premature Rupture of Membranes

This study aims at assessing the efficacy, reliability, and clinical impact of Amniotic Fluid analysis by Nanopore DNA sequencing compared to the standard bacterial cultures in detecting intra-amniotic/inflammation in patients with short cervix or premature rupture of membranes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Singleton pregnancy;
• Age > 18 years;
• Pregnant women diagnosed with cervical incompetence (via ultrasound criteria) with cervical length <24 mm, before 24 weeks of gestational age, with intact amniotic membranes and absence of uterine contractions;
• Pregnant women diagnosed with p-PROM (via clinical criteria and/or with a qualitative immunoassay vaginal test) before 34 weeks of gestational age;
• Healthy pregnant women with uncomplicated obstetric history who underwent amniocentesis to exclude chromosomal abnormalities;
• Informed consent to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Multiple pregnancy;
• Patients with contraindications to amniocentesis, including severe bleeding disorders or placenta previa;
• Patients with known fetal anomalies incompatible with life;
• Patients with sepsis or clinical diagnosis of chorioamnionitis;