Incidence and outcome of preterm-premature rupture of membranes

ABSTRACT

To know the incidence and to evaluate the outcome of cases of preterm premature rupture of membranes [PPROM]. An observational study done over a period of 1 year between 31st January 1999 to 31st January 2000. 136 cases of PPROM admitted in the antenatal ward of Obstetric and Gynecology Unit II, Punjab Medical College, Divisional Head Quarter [DHQ] Hospital, Faisalabad. Main Outcome Measures: Incidence, latency period, perinatal mortality and morbidity and maternal morbidity. Incidence of Pre-term premature rupture of membrane was 5.4%. Most of the patients were below 25 years or above 30 years of age [74%, 66% respectively]. Majority belonged to low socio-economic group. Thirty-two patients had previous history of abortion or preterm delivery, seventy-eight patients delivered within first 48 hours. About 2.6% percent patients developed choriomnionitis. Eighty six percent patients delivered vaginally. Perinatal mortality was 19%. Retained placenta and abruption was seen in 0.7% cases each. PPROM is a major obstetric problem. Expectant management upto 36 weeks is a favourable option in our circumstances where neonatal intensive care units [N.I.C.U.] are not available. Prolongation of pregnancy to achieve fetal maturity can be possible by adopting strict clinical criteria thereby decreasing prematurity