Short Term Outcomes of Neonates Born after Prolonged Premature Rupture of Membranes < 34 Weeks Gestation

Abstract

Background: Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) is responsible for one?third of all preterm births worldwide. This aim of this study was to investigate the outcome of neonates born after prolonged PPROM with gestational age below 34 weeks.

Materials and methods: This retrospective study included 65 patients who were born to mothers with Prolonged PPROM <34 weeks gestation between January 2011 and December 2015 and admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Jordan University Hospital.

Results: The mean gestational age of included patients was (31.9 ± 2.5 weeks), mean birth weight was (1840 ± 583 g) and 43 (66.2%) were males. The mortality rate in those infants was 12.3 %. Gestational age, birth weight, and Apgar score were significantly lower among mortality cases compared to surviving cases (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Prolonged PPROM before the 34^th gestational week is associated with high rate of morbidity and mortality, for which early identification of risk factors for developing PPROM can help in reducing the risk for preterm labors and subsequent burden on healthcare system.