Abstract

Preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (pPROM) occurs in 2–3% of all pregnancies leading to 30–40% of preterm births. The latent period from membrane rupture to delivery is typically brief after pPROM. The present study undertaken is to identify the risk factors causing pPROM and to study fetal and maternal outcome associated with pPROM.
Materials & Methods: A hospital based prospective study done on 60 patients admitted with pPROM under the Obstetrics and Gynaecology department, at district Hospital 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 the caesarean section. The babies were followed up in the postnatal period. Neonatal mortality and morbidity were noted. Neonates were monitored for the complications of birth injuries, signs of asphyxia, meconium aspiration and sepsis. Both mother and baby were followed up till their stay in the hospital. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS statistical software with all the relevant data compiled and entered.
Results: Among the selected cases, pPROM was noted in 6 (10%) mothers in the age group of <20 years, 33 (55%) mothers in the age group of 21-25 years, 14 (23.33%) mothers were in the age group of 26-30 years, and 7 (11.66%) mothers above 30 years of age. Majority of cases belong to socioeconomic status V with a total of 39 cases (65%). Number of multigravida in the study was 22 (36.66%) and primigravida were 38 (63.33%). Out of 60 patients studied, 49 cases (81.66%) were booked and 11 cases (18.33%) were unbooked. Out of 20.58% of neonatal morbidity, complications were maximum in 35-36 weeks group. NICU admissions were more common in 28-31 weeks group. Risk factors were commonly found among 32-34 weeks group with 45%. Out of 13.33% who had latent phase of >3 days, 10% of them were of <34 weeks of gestational age.
Conclusion: We concluded that the most common age group to suffer from pPROM was 21-25 years. There were no risk factors in most of the mothers, but the risk of breech presentation can be avoided by coitus in the later weeks of pregnancy reduces the risk of pPROM. Neonatal care facilities can be improved to manage neonatal emergencies so as to reduce neonatal deaths.