Impact of Latency Period on Feto-Maternal Outcomes in Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (28–33+6 Weeks): A Prospective Observational Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM) is a significant obstetric complication contributing to preterm birth and associated neonatal morbidity and mortality. The latency period between membrane rupture and delivery plays a critical role in determining fetomaternal outcomes. Prolonged latency may improve fetal maturity but increases the risk of infection, posing a clinical dilemma in management. Aims and Objectives: To determine the maternal and fetal outcomes in cases of pPROM between 28 weeks to 33 weeks 6 days of gestation, and to study the association of risk factors associated with pPROM. Results: A total of 48 women were included in the study. The majority (43.8%) had a latency period of 24–72 hours. Prolonged latency was significantly associated with adverse neonatal outcomes such as sepsis (52.5%), hyperbilirubinemia (44.3%), NICU admission (86.9%), low pH (21.3%), and neonatal mortality (8.2%) (p < 0.05). Respiratory distress syndrome (59%) and necrotizing enterocolitis (11.5%) did not show significant association with latency. Maternal complications were predominantly infective, with chorioamnionitis being the most common (29.2%). Urinary tract infection (41.7%) was the leading risk factor identified. Conclusion: Latency period significantly influences neonatal outcomes in pPROM, with prolonged duration increasing the risk of infectious morbidity. Careful monitoring and timely intervention are essential to optimize fetomaternal outcomes.
Authors: Nidhi Badhoriya, Yeshita V. Pujar
Institutions: Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, KLE Society Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7163250386