Article Abstract:
Preterm premature rupture of the membranes surrounding the fetus occurs in as many as 2 percent of all pregnancies, and is often associated with infections and other complications of pregnancy. To determine the rate of recurrence of this condition, a retrospective study was performed with the records of women seen at one hospital during a four-year period whose membranes had ruptured before the 36th completed week of pregnancy. Patients with incompetent cervix, uterine anomalies, or certain other complications that could explain their condition were not included. One hundred twenty one patients with consecutive pregnancies were studied; 110 patients had one subsequent pregnancy, and 11 patients had 2 or more. The recurrence rate of preterm premature rupture of membranes was 32.2 percent (39 patients). Demographic factors, such as age, number of children, and gestational age at time of rupture, were no different for the women who had recurrent rupture and those who did not. No differences were found in the length of time between pregnancies, the gestational age at delivery in the subsequent pregnancy, or the gestational age at time of the initial rupture. The results show that the tendency to rupture recurs, but the influencing factors are not clear. Patients who have suffered one preterm premature rupture of the membranes should be counseled regarding their risk and monitored closely. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
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Article Abstract:
Giving intravenous ampicillin may prolong the period between preterm premature rupture of membranes and delivery in women colonized with group B Streptococcus. Researchers randomly assigned 15 women with ruptured membranes at or before 35 weeks gestation who had genital tracts colonized with group B Streptococcus to receive continuous intravenous ampicillin or a placebo. Forty-eight hours later, over half the placebo group had been delivered versus none of the treated group. The extra time would allow mothers to be given corticosteroids, which greatly reduces newborn complications in premature infants.
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Article Abstract:
A study is conducted to assess the gestational age at which elective delivery is considered in an otherwise uncomplicated patient with preterm premature rupture of the membranes by members of the Society of Maternal Fetal-Medicine (SMFM). The conclusion states that most SMFM respondents electively deliver uncomplicated patients with preterm PROM by 34 weeks' gestation.
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