The effect of antenatal intravenous immunoglobulin on ascending intrauterine infection after preterm premature rupture of the membranes: a pilot study

Ascending infection is a serious threat in pregnancies complicated by preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PROM). In a controlled randomized prospective pilot study (n = 18) we have evaluated the effect of intravenous IgM enriched immunoglobulin given to the mothers 24-48 hours after preterm PROM in reducing ascending infection. Using a validated infection score from laboratory and clinical data at birth, we found a significant reduction of probable infection in the neonates of the treatment group compared to the control group (p = 0.0022). Histopathological investigation of the placentas, membranes and umbilical cords revealed significantly lower stages and grades of chorioamnioniti…