A Hospital Based Prospective Study to Evaluate the Maternal and Fetal Outcome of Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes

Abstract

Background: Preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM) is a fair complication of pregnancy. The etiology is obscure, leading to significant maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. It complicates 2-3% of pregnancies leading to 30-40% of preterm births. Objectives: To study the risk factors causing preterm premature rupture of membranes. The aim of this study to find out the maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality trends in preterm premature rupture of membranes. Materials and Methods: A prospective study done on 50 pregnant women’s between 34-37 weeks of gestational age with preterm premature rupture of membranes were selected from outpatient department at district hospital Dholpur, Rajasthan, India during one year period. The onset of complications like fetal distress, fetal heart rate variations, chorioamnionitis were looked for. In cases of fetal jeopardy or any other obstetric complications, labour was cut short by caesarean section. Mothers were watched for third stage complications like PPH and retained placenta and followed up in puerperal period. Results: In this study, the commonest risk factor was breech presentation. 66% patients delivered vaginally and 34% underwent lower segment caesarean section. The main indication for LSCS was fetal distress. There was no maternal mortality, and the common maternal morbidity was wound infection. The commonest neonatal complication was respiratory distress syndrome. Conclusion: pPROM is a common complication that leads to various maternal and neonatal complications. Adequate antenatal care and avoidance of risk factors can prevent preterm births. An understanding of gestational age dependent neonatal mortality and morbidity is important in determining the potential benefits of conservative management of preterm PROM at any gestation.