Maternal and perinatal consequences of premature rupture of membranes.

Abstract

Objective. This paper tries to precise maternal and perinatal complications associated with premature rupture of the membranes. Stuay Design: By the perinatal informatic system the authors identified 2 397 patients with premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) attended at Maria Auxiliadora Hospital from January 1, 1990 to December 31, 1992. Another 7550 women without any pregnancy complication were selected as controls. Maternal and perinatal complications were determinated in both groups. Results: PROM rate was 15,7%. In PROM patients, induction of labor, cesarean section, postpartum haemorrhage, puerperal infection and other complications were more frequent than in noPROM patients. Similarly, preterm deliveries, low weight, asphyxia and neonatal infection were found more frequently in newborns from mothers PROM. But, hyaline membrane disease was more prevalent in the no-PROM group. Finally, perinatal mortality rate and maternal mortality were also more frequently found in the PROM group. Conclusion: PROM is a very important risk factor for maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.