ascorbic-acid and Chorioamnionitis

Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) results initially from damage to collagen in the chorioamnion leading to a tear in the membrane. Tissue-damaging molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS) are capable of damaging collagen in the chorioamnion that could lead to PPROM. This hypothesis is supported by epidemiological studies linking clinical conditions known to produce ROS or reduce antioxidant protection to PPROM, by in-vitro studies in which membrane segments exposed to ROS exhibited tissue alterations consistent with PPROM, and by clinical studies showing that chorioamnion and amniotic fluid samples obtained from PPROM patients exhibit excessive collagen degradation. The role of antioxidants to protect the chorioamnion from ROS damage has been demonstrated in one in-vitro study. A prospective, randomized blinded trial of antioxidant therapy during pregnancy is needed to evaluate this approach for the prevention of PPROM.

Topics: Adult; Amnion; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Chorioamnionitis; Chorion; Collagen; Female; Fetal Membranes, Premature Rupture; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Oxidative Stress; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Reactive Oxygen Species; Vitamin E

To determine whether supplementation with vitamins C and E after preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) is associated with an increased latency period.. In this double-blind, randomized, controlled trial, 60 women with singleton pregnancies of 26 to 34 weeks' duration and PPROM were randomly assigned to vitamin C (500 mg/day) and vitamin E (400 IU/day) or placebo until delivery. All women received 2 doses of betamethasone in the first 24 h after admission as well as broad-spectrum antibiotic prophylaxis.. Important demographic, as well as clinical characteristics such as number of cases of chorioamnionitis, early neonatal sepsis, and respiratory distress syndrome, were similar in the 2 groups. A statically significant difference in the mean+/-S.D. number of days of latency was found between the groups (10.5+/-5.2 days vs. 3.5+/-4.0 days (P = 0.03).. Vitamins C and E supplementation of after PPROM is associated with a longer latency before delivery.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Chorioamnionitis; Dietary Supplements; Double-Blind Method; Female; Fetal Membranes, Premature Rupture; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, Third; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Vitamin E