- Academic Editor
-
-
-
†These authors contributed equally.
Background: We aim to determine the
relationship between intra-amniotic sludge and the amniotic fluid proteome in
cases of acute cervical insufficiency. Methods: This was a secondary
analysis of data from an existing prospective cohort of women with acute cervical
insufficiency. Amniotic fluid had previously been analyzed by Gram stain, culture
and proteomics perioperatively. Post-processing review of stored ultrasound
images to evaluate for the presence of intra-amniotic sludge (IAS) was performed
by two blinded and independent observers. Results, lab, clinical, proteomic and
outcome data were compared between groups with and without sludge.
Results: Ten participants with acute cervical insufficiency from the
initial cohort were included [IAS group (n = 4) and non-IAS group (n = 6)]. 75%
of participants with sludge had negative Gram stain and culture compared to 17%
amongst cases without sludge. 18 proteins (3.3%) were differentially abundant
between the 2 groups (p