A prospective study of maternal and fetal outcomes in preterm premature rupture of membranes at a tertiary care hospital, Andhra Predesh
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) is an important obstetric complication characterized by rupture of the fetal membranes before the onset of labour and before 37 completed weeks of gestation, and is associated with significant maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the maternal and perinatal outcomes associated with PPROM between 28 and 36 completed weeks of gestation in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at the department of obstetrics and gynaecology, GGH, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, India, from July 2024 to December 2024. A sample size of 200 pregnant women with confirmed PPROM between 28 and 36 weeks of gestation were enrolled consecutively. Maternal demographic and clinical characteristics, obstetric risk factors, mode of delivery, maternal complications, and neonatal outcomes were recorded and analysed. Results: Most women were aged 20–24 years (46%), were primigravidae (79%), and presented between 33 and 34 weeks of gestation (40%). No identifiable risk factor was observed in 66.5% of participants, while previous PROM (9%) was the most common identifiable risk factor. Escherichia coli was the predominant organism isolated from both urine (14%) and high vaginal swab (13%) cultures. Vaginal delivery occurred in 63% of women, while 37% underwent lower segment caesarean section, with fetal distress being the most common indication. Maternal complications occurred in 14% of women, predominantly wound infection (6%) and chorioamnionitis (5%). Low birth weight was observed in 64% of neonates, 36% required neonatal intensive care unit admission, and respiratory distress syndrome was the most frequent neonatal complication (12.5%), followed by septicaemia (5%), neonatal jaundice (4%), and intraventricular haemorrhage (3%). Conclusions: PPROM was associated with relatively low maternal morbidity but substantial neonatal morbidity, primarily related to prematurity. Early diagnosis, prompt antibiotic therapy, close maternal and fetal surveillance, and timely obstetric intervention are essential to improve fetomaternal outcomes.
Authors: Rosemary Penumaka, Baireddy Mounika Reddy
Institution: Rangaraya Medical College
Language: English
Subfield: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7223047813