ABSTRACT
Preterm premature rupture of membranes [PPROM] is among the most important causes of perinatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to survey the pregnancy outcomes in preterm premature rupture of membranes with an amniotic fluid index of <5 and >5. This prospective cohort study was performed on 137 pregnant women complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes [PPROM] with a gestational age of 28-34 weeks during October 2006 to October 2008. The patients were divided in two groups according to their amniotic fluid index; AFI<5 [77cases], AFI >/= 5 [60cases]. The Chi-squared test for qualitative variables and T-student test for quantitative variables were used to analyze the results. The results showed that there was no significant difference in terms of the number of pregnancies, gestational age at rupture of membranes and birthweight between the two groups. However, the results demonstrated that the patients with AFI<5 exhibited a significantly shorter latency period [p=0.049], a higher rate of cesarean due to fetal distress [p=0.008], a lower neonatal Apgar score in the first minute [p=0.0127] and a higher rate of neonatal death during the first week [p=0.045]. Overall, PPROM with oligohydroamnios is associated with shorter latency, higher rate of C/S, higher rate of early neonatal death and lower neonatal Apgar