Predicting fetal membrane rupture by mmp-9 activity

摘要

Disclosed is a method of predicting the onset of fetal membrane rupture in a gestative female comprising the step of assaying a tissue or fluid sample of fetal membrane origin obtained from the female for the presence of metalloproteinase-9 activity. The presence of such activity in the sample is a positive indication of the onset of fetal membrane rupture. Also disclosed is a method of delaying the onset of female membrane rupture in a gestative female comprising the step of administering to the female an MMP-9 inhibitor in an amount effective to delay fetal membrane rupture. Further disclosed is a method of inducing labor in a gestative female comprising the administration of an MMP-9 activator or MMP-9 itself in an amount effective to induce fetal membrane rupture, and thus facilitate the onset of labor.