The hydroxyproline content of amnion and prelabour rupture of the membranes

Objective: To determine whether prelabour rupture of the membranes is caused by a generalised reduction in amniotic collagen. Setting: Leeds General Infirmary, UK. Study design: The hydroxyproline content of amnion from 55 women with prelabour rupture of the membranes was compared with that from 50 women whose membranes ruptured during labour and 28 women who were delivered by elective caesarean section. Results: No association was found between hydroxyproline content and the timing of membrane rupture. Hydroxyproline content was inversely correlated with gestation. The hydroxyproline content per cm(2) amnion was significantly increased in cases which had laboured. There was a strong correlation between the mechanical properties and the hydroxyproline content of amnion. Conclusions: PROM is not associated with a generalised reduction in the hydroxyproline content of amnion. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.