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Levels of inflammatory cytokines in amniotic fluid appear to be elevated in pregnant women with intra-amniotic infections. Researchers collected amniotic fluid samples from 41 women with premature labor, contractions, or ruptured membranes. Fifteen patients had infections diagnosed by amniotic fluid culture and 26 women did not have an infection. The levels of leukemia inhibitory factor, interleukin 6, and interleukin 8 were significantly higher in samples from women with an infection. Measurement of these substances may aid the diagnosis of chorioamnionitis and other infections of pregnancy.

Amniotic fluid tests for cyclic guanosine monophosphate, nitrite and nitrate might be useful for identifying pregnant women at-risk for amniotic infections. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate, nitrate, nitrite, pH and glucose levels and white blood cell count and activity were measured in 72 women in premature labor, 14 of whom had amniotic infections. Infected women had higher cyclic guanosine monophosphate, nitrate, and nitrite levels than did uninfected women. Women with these higher values also had lower glucose levels and higher white blood cell counts and activity.