The accuracy of placental alpha-microglobuline-1 test in diagnosis of premature rupture of the membranes

Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is a common obstetric issue during pregnancy which might lead to serious fetal or maternal problems. Therefore, an appropriate diagnosis and management of PROM are of significant importance in patients.

The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of placental alpha microglobuline-1 (PAMG-1) test in PROM diagnosis and compare this diagnostic method with other standard tests in diagnosis of PROM.

In this prospective diagnostic accuracy study, patients with symptoms of membrane rupture in 16-39 weeks of gestation were involved. Three tests including Fern, Nitrazine and PAMG-1 were performed at the same time.

PROM was confirmed in 86 patients out of 100. The sensitivity and specificity were respectively 81.3% and 100% for Fern test, 93% and 92.8% for Nitrazine test, 98.9% and 92.8% for PAMG-1 test. PAMG-1 test showed higher sensitivity (98.9% with p<0.001) and accuracy (98%) compared with conventional tests. Although PAMG-1showed a lower positive predictive value (PPV) compared to conventional tests such as Fern test (100%), it was shown to be more accurate.

The accuracy of PAMG-1 test was superior to both Fern and Nitrazine test in PROM diagnosis.