Repair of ruptured membrane by injection of naturally occurring protein in amniotic fluid sac

Abstract

The present invention provides compositions and methods for use in treatment of premature rupture of membrane. The compositions of the invention include a therapeutic amount of an avian thick egg white composition. Preferably, the compositions include the purified thick egg white protein, ovomucin. The methods of the invention involve injecting an effective amount of the compositions into the prematurely ruptured amniotic sac of a patient in order to seal the rupture.

1 - 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . A pharmaceutical amniotic membrane sealant composition comprising ovomucin and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable preservatives. 
     
     
         24 . The composition of  claim 23 , wherein the ovomucin is substantially purified. 
     
     
         25 . The composition of  claim 23 , wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable preservative is selected from the group consisting of paraben, chlorobutanol, phenol, sorbic acid, and thiomerisal. 
     
     
         26 . The composition of  claim 23 , wherein the composition further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         27 . The composition of  claim 26 , wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is selected from the group consisting of water, ethanol, and polyol. 
     
     
         28 . The composition of  claim 27 , wherein the polyol is selected from the group consisting of glycerol, propylene glycol, and liquid polyethylene glycol. 
     
     
         29 . The composition of  claim 23 , wherein the composition is sterile. 
     
     
         30 . The composition of  claim 26 , wherein the composition further comprises an antimicrobial agent in a therapeutically effective amount. 
     
     
         31 . A kit for use in a method of sealing a ruptured amniotic membrane, wherein the kit comprises the composition of  claim 23 . 
     
     
         32 . The kit of  claim 31 , wherein the ovomucin is substantially purified. 
     
     
         33 . The kit of  claim 32 , wherein the composition may be in powder form or gel form or in a solution comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable preservative with or without a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         34 . The kit of  claim 33 , wherein the composition is sterile.