The Relation between Duration of Ruptured Membranes and Perinatal Outcome in Patients with Midtrimester Prelabor Rupture of Membranes

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of gestational age (GA) at rupture and latency on perinatal outcome after midtrimester prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM).

Study design: We obtained data on singleton pregnancies from 22 weeks onwards from the Dutch Perinatal Registry from 1999 to 2007, congenital abnormalities were excluded. In women with PROM before 26 weeks, we studied the impact of GA at rupture and latency on perinatal mortality and morbidity.

Results: A total of 1,233 pregnancies were included. Higher GA at delivery appeared to increase the probability of survival without morbidity, GA at PROM did not. In pregnancies of minimum 22 weeks GA, there appeared to be no clear relationship between earlier GA at PROM and adverse outcome.

Conclusion: Longer latency and early GA at PROM seem to have limited impact in patients delivering after 22 weeks.