Alpha-fetoprotein in vaginal fluids. The early diagnosis of premature rupture of membranes.

Alpha-fetoprotein, one of the most characteristic proteins of pregnancy, is present in the amniotic fluid during the whole period of pregnancy. In the case of premature rupture of the membranes it is appearing in the vaginal fluid. The level of AFP was measured by the ELISA technique in the vaginal fluid of pregnant women. In 70 cases of the rupture of membranes and in 33 cases of splitting of the membranes the AFP was measurable in the vaginal fluid and it was not detectable in 31 cases of urine and in 16 cases of vaginal fluids of pregnant women without any sign of premature rupture of the membranes.