Precipitated egg white as a sealant for iatrogenic preterm premature rupture of the membranes.

Abstract

The objective of the study was to investigate whether precipitated egg white could be used as a sealant for iatrogenic injury to fetal membranes. Membranes were collected, washed, and affixed to the bottom of glass cylinders filled with second-trimester amniotic fluid. An iatrogenic defect with an 8-gauge needle was created in the test column, and precipitated egg white was added. Fluid levels in test and control columns were compared over a 14 day period. The amount of fluid added to columns was compared using the Wilcoxon rank sum test; P < .05 was considered significant. Test columns (20/21) maintained seal integrity for 14 days and required less amniotic fluid to be added as compared with controls: median: 55.1 mL (range, 20-137 mL) vs 61.6 mL (range, 22-159 mL), respectively (P < .01). Precipitated egg white has the potential to seal iatrogenic membrane defects for up to 14 days' duration.