The fetal biophysical profile in patients with premature rupture of the membranes--an early predictor of fetal infection.

A modified fetal biophysical profile (nonstress test, fetal movements, fetal breathing movements, fetal tone, amniotic fluid volume, and placental grading) was serially assessed in 73 patients who presented with premature rupture of the membranes and were not in labor. The last study before delivery was compared with the outcome of pregnancy. The relationships between individual variables and combinations of variables (biophysical scoring) and the outcome of pregnancy--as reflected by the development of chorioamnionitis and/or neonatal sepsis--were determined. These data suggest that the fetal biophysical profile is a useful tool for evaluating patients with rupture of the membranes. Rupture of the membranes by itself does not alter the biophysical scoring of the healthy fetus; however, a low biophysical score (less than or equal to 7) was a good predictor of impending fetal infection in patients with premature rupture of the membranes.