Collagen type III in normal and prematurely ruptured amniotic membranes.

This study was performed on two groups of parturient women. The first group included 20 parturient women with premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and the second group included 20 parturient women with intact membranes. From each case a specimen was taken by a sterile swab from the posterior fornix for bacteriological examination to isolate and identify both aerobic and anaerobic vaginal organisms. Also a specimen 4 x 4 cm was cut from chorioamniotic membrane at site of rupture for histological examination including routine hematoxylin and eosin staining and silver impregnation technique (Gordon & Sweet method) for identification of reticular-argyrophilic fibers (collagen III). It has been found that collagen type III was significantly decreased in amniotic membranes in cases with PROM, its decrease can be considered as a predisposing factor of PROM. The beta-hemolytic streptococci showed a significant increase in vaginal swabs taken from cases with PROM. No linking correlation was found between types of organisms in vagina and decreased collagen type III in amniotic membrane with premature rupture. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes showed no significant increase in amniotic membrane belonging to cases of PROM.