Preterm prelabor rupture of membranes at 34-37 weeks: conservative versus active management

ABSTRACT

To compare the fetal and maternal morbidity in terms of fetal distress, chorioamnionitis and mode of delivery in conservative and active management of preterm prelabor rupture of membranes [PPROM] at 34-37 weeks of pregnancy. Quasi experimental study. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur from January 2007 to December 2007. A total of 100 cases were included in the study and divided into two groups of 50 each, Group "A" patients were managed conservatively and group "B" underwent active management with immediate induction of labor. Eighteen [18%] patients developed chorioamnionitis. Out of these 13 [26%] were in conservatively managed group and 5 [10%] in actively managed group. Twelve [12%] patients developed fetal distress. 7 [14%] in conservatively managed group and 5 [10%] in actively managed group. A total of 20 [20%] patients underwent cesarean section. Out of these 11 [22%] were from conservatively managed group and 9 [18%] from actively managed group. Induction of labor at presentation is a better option than conservative management in terms of chorioamnionitis but the results are not significantly different for the fetal distress and mode of delivery