Publications
Neonatal and maternal outcomes following midtrimester preterm premature rupture of the membranes: a retrospective cohort study
This study provides useful and contemporary data on midtrimester preterm premature rupture of membranes. Whilst fetal and neonatal mortality is high, long-term survival is not impossible. The increased risk of maternal morbidity necessitates close surveillance.
- Authors
Laura Linehan, Keelin O'Donoghue, Noirin Russell
- Year
- 2016
- Journal Name
- BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
- Category
- Journal Article
- Keywords
- Second-trimester miscarriage, Termination of pregnancy
- Full Citation
Linehan LA, Walsh J, Morris A, Kenny L, O'Donoghue K, Dempsey E, Russell N. Neonatal and maternal outcomes following midtrimester preterm premature rupture of the membranes: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. 2016;16:25. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-016-0813-3.
- Link to Publication
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-016-0813-3
Abstract
Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) is when the baby’s waters break before baby reaches 24 weeks gestation. We examined 42 pregnancies complicated by PPROM in the second trimester, at a time where these pregnancies were managed expectantly as termination of pregnancy was restricted in Ireland. Most women delivered within two weeks. Given their early gestation, most babies did not survive (77%). Of the nine babies admitted to the neonatal unit, two survived. Infection of the placenta occurred frequently (69%) and 38% of women required antibiotics, but just one woman developed sepsis. While we found that expectant management was generally safe for women, there is a risk of infection and survival rates are low. Thus, women with PPROM at early gestations should be counselled carefully regarding the risks associated with continuation of pregnancy.