Lamellar Bodies Count In Amniotic Fluid From Vaginal Pool as A Predictor For Fetal Lung Maturity In Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes

Background: Lamellar body count (LBC) is a newer method which predict fetal lung maturity. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of the amniotic fluid lamellar body counting from vaginal pool in predicting fetal lung maturity in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes. Methods: In a prospective study, Amniotic fluid samples was collected by a sterile speculum inserted in the posterior fornix of the vagina with gestational age between 28 and 36 completed weeks . LBC was estimated in uncentrifugated amniotic fluid samples using The Sysmex K – 800 hematological analyzer and its platelet channel. Results: ninety-two pregnant women were collected were between 28 to 37 completed weeks. The study showed a significant correlation between level of LBC and fetal lung maturity using 38.0 (x103/μL) as a cut-off point for LBC; as it is can be considered a good predictor for fetal lung maturity with sensitivity 92.9% and specificity 90.6% , positive predictive value of 81.3% and negative predictive value of 96.7%. Conclusions: Counting of lamellar bodies in amniotic fluid may be used to predict fetal lung maturity.