Serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin and interleukin-1 as diagnostic biomarkers for the premature rupture of membranes and chorioamnionitis

Chorioamnionitis is common in females with prematurely ruptured fetal membranes (PROM). The current diagnosis of PROM and preterm PROM (PPROM) is based on vaginal fluid analysis. The present study investigated the value of serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) levels in diagnosing chorioamnionitis. In total, 150 term-pregnancy patients were included in the prospective study. A total of 50 females had normal pregnancies (control group) and 100 had PROM. One hour before delivery, 3 ml venous blood was collected and analyzed. Fetal membrane and placental tissue underwent histopathological analyses. Of the 100 term-pregnancy females, 56 had PROM and 44 had PROM combined with chorioamnionitis (PROM + C). The serum β-hCG levels for the control, PROM and PROM + C groups were 7,557.86±2,922.06, 636.96±14,379.10 and 50,310.34±22,874.82 IU/l, respectively. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) for PROM and PROM + C groups (β-hCG ≥23,900.50 IU/l) had a sensitivity of 77.5% and a specificity of 78.6%. The level of IL-1 in the PROM + C group was higher compared to the control and PROM groups (0.58±0.05, 0.12±0.04 and 0.13±0.03 ng/ml, respectively). In conclusion, ROC for the PROM and PROM + C groups (IL-1 ≥0.38 ng/ml) had a sensitivity of 76.5% and a specificity of 72.6%. Therefore, serum β-hCG and IL-1 are potential biomarkers for diagnosing PROM and PROM + C, respectively.