Outcome of preterm premature rupture of membranes

ABSTRACT

Preterm premature rupture of membranes is commonly used to refer to rupture of the membranes when it occurs before term. The period between preterm rupture of membranes and the onset of labor is called latency period. Membrane rupture may occur for a variety of reasons weakening of the membranes or intrauterine infection. The complications resulting from premature rupture of membranes include preterm labor and delivery, intra uterine infection, and umbilical cord compression secondary to umbilical cord prolapse or oligo hydramnios. This study was conducted to identify the optimal outcome preterm premature rupture of membranes. A sample of fifty women was selected from the maternity hospital at Zagazig university hospitals with the following criteria women with gestational age range from 32-36 weeks and with the diagnosis of preterm premature rupture of membranes. Setting: the women where selected from delivery unit. The study tools included a questionnaire sheet, maternal observation sheet until delivery, mode of deliver, and neonatal assessment using Apgar scoring and weight. The data were collected over period of 6 months starting from May 1[st], 2003. the results revealed that in more than three quarter [80%] of the women the temperature was up to 37 °C and only 10% of them had high blood pressure [140/90]. Also, more than half of the women were delivered by caesarian section [CS], the most common cause for CS was fetal distress. Regarding neonatal outcome, the results illustrated that 24% of the neonates needed NICU care, and 20% of them had high temperature. So, it is recommended that women with premature rupture of membranes [PROM] should be counseled regarding the potential hazards and risks involved for both maternal and neonatal outcome and they must be observed and managed at hospital with adequate intensive care facilities