Maternal outcomes in cases of preterm premature rupture of membranes: A prospective observational study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Preterm premature rupture of membranes is the spontaneous rupture of amniotic membranes prior to the onset of labour and before 37 completed weeks (36 weeks and six days) of gestational age. It is a common obstetric problem and one of the most common clinical events where a traditional pregnancy can turn into a high-risk situation for the mother as well as the foetus. Objective: To determine the maternal outcomes in preterm premature rupture of membranes. Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted over a period of 18 months from September 2022 to March 2024 in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Adichunchanagiri Hospital and Research Centre, Balagangadharanatha Nagara. All patients presenting with preterm premature rupture of membranes who were admitted during the study period were included. The sample size was 100. Results: Preterm premature rupture of membranes was more common among primigravidas. The majority of women were admitted within six hours of membrane rupture. Most pregnant women had a gestational age of 35 to 36 weeks' gestation. The largest proportion of patients (38%) had no identifiable risk factor. Fifty-eight per cent of patients had normal vaginal delivery. Escherichia coli was the most common organism found on high vaginal swab culture. Maternal morbidity was low and there was no maternal mortality in the study. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that preterm premature rupture of membranes is associated with considerable maternal morbidity, underscoring the need for accurate and timely diagnosis. Prenatal care should be well-coordinated with education provided to pregnant women, and close collaboration between obstetricians and neonatologists is essential for optimal outcomes.
Authors: Anusha MM, Ramesh Babu S, Anupama R
Institution: Adichunchanagiri University
Language: English
Subfield: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7201841947