MANAGEMENT OF PREMATURE RUPTURE OF MEMBRANES

Abstract

A 14-mo. prospective study of patients with premature rupture of the membranes was performed. The effect of different therapeutic regimens for management of premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) on perinatal morbidity and mortality and on maternal morbidity was determined. Maternal and fetal risk factors and predictive factors in pregnancy outcome were prospectively defined. In patients with PROM whose gestational age was 34 wk or more, induction within the first 12 h of membrane rupture resulted in minimal maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Patients with gestational age of less than 34 wk had an improved maternal and fetal outcome if left alone until spontaneous labor or 34 wk gestation was reached unless signs of sepsis developed. Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) was the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in infants of patients who delivered prematurely due to premature rupture of the membranes. Incidence of fetal infection was significantly less than that of RDS as a cause for fetal morbidity and mortality.