[Preterm premature rupture of membranes: active or expectant management?]

Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) occurs in 3% of pregnancies and is responsible for 30% of preterm births. The management is discussed between active and expectant management. French recommendations let open both possibilities. The risks described in the case of PPROM are those of prematurity, maternofetal infection, acute procidence of the umbilical cord and abruptio placentae. Before 32 weeks of gestation (WG) and even 34 WG, a prolongation of one week of gestational age significantly decreases neonatal mortality and morbidity. Therefore, most of the authors choose expectant management in case of PPROM. Between 34 and 37 WG, the risk of rare severe morbidity associated with prematurity has to be balanced with risks of an acute maternofetal infection and of abruptio placentae. Further randomized trials are required to choose a type of management with a sufficient level of evidence.