Maternal morbidity and perinatal outcome in preterm premature rupture of membranes before 37 weeks gestation

OBJECTIVE: To assess the maternal morbidity and perinatal outcome in pre-term pre mature rupture of membranes between 24 to 37 weeks gestation. METHODS: This observational study was carried out in Gynaecology & Obstetrics Unit – I, at University Hospital Hyderabad, from October 2010 to October 2011. It included one hundred patients admitted through the outpatient department, as well as from casualty department of University Hospital Hyderabad. Detailed Clinical examination of the patient was done. Systemic review was also done to see any co-morbidity. All patients had laboratory investigations. Inclusion criteria were all patients gestational age between 24 to 37 weeks with preterm premature rupture of membrane (PPROM) confirmed by ultrasound and clinical examination regardless of their age. Exclusion criteria were patients with congenital anomalies, multiple pregnancy, pre-eclampsia & eclampsia, diabetes mellitus, polyhydramnios1 intrauterine growth restriction and placenta abruption. Data was collected using a proforma. Detailed workup including history, general physical examination, abdomen and pelvic examination and relevant specific investigations were noted. RESULTS: Out of 100 patients included in this study Primigravida were 17% and multigravida 83%. There was wide variation of age ranging from a minimum of 20to >40 years. The mean age was 30+ 3.1 years. Mostly patients belonged to the poor class in 72% cases followed by middle class in 21% and upper class 7%. Analysis shows that out of 100 mothers 26% had PROM of <24 hrs duration and 74% had >24 hrs of duration. Maternal outcome in 16 cases of Preterm Premature Rupture of Membrane findings revealed septicemia in 12% cases and Chorioamnionitis in 12% cases. Fetal outcome in 27 cases of preterm premature rupture of membrane revealed prematurity in 5% cases, fetal distress in 4% cases, cord compression in 5% cases, necrotizing enterocolitis in 2% cases, hypoxia in 9% cases and pulmonary hypoplasia in 2% cases. CONCLUSION: Low socioeconomic status is associated with increased neonatal morbidity due to fetal distress, cord compression, necrotizing enterocolitis, hypoxia and pulmonary hypoplasia at the time of delivery. An appropriate and accurate diagnosis of PROM is critical to optimize pregnancy outcome. It is suggested that the timely diagnosis and management of preterm PROM will allow obstetric care providers to optimize perinatal outcome and minimize neonatal morbidity.