Am J Perinatol 2004; 21(4): 183-190
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-828609
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Contemporary Management of Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes: Determinants of Latency and Neonatal Outcome

Sameer Gopalani1 , 2 , Marijane Krohn1 , Leslie Meyn1 , Jane Hitti2 , William R. Crombleholme1
  • 1Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive of Sciences, Magee-Womens Hospital of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • 2Division of Perinatal Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
28 May 2004 (online)

Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) is responsible for 30% of neonatal morbidity and mortality in premature gestations. We sought to evaluate pregnancy outcomes in PPROM managed uniformly with antibiotics and steroids, and to determine what maternal factors influence latency. This was a retrospective analysis of 134 patients at 24 to 31.9 weeks with PPROM. Associations of maternal and pregnancy characteristics with latency were evaluated by chi-square for linear trend, nonparametric tests, or multivariable linear regression, as appropriate. Forty-three of 134 women (32%) had latencies greater than a week. Gestational age (p < 0.001), admission white blood cell count (p = 0.001), and amniotic fluid index (p = 0.02) were independently predictive of latency. Histopathologic funisitis increased with pregnancy length. There were no fetal deaths or significant intraventricular hemorrhage past 28 weeks.

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Sameer GopalaniM.D. 

Division of Perinatal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Box 356460, University of Washington Medical Center

1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195