Spontaneous pre-labour rupture of membranes at term: immediate versus delayed induction of labour

Spontaneous pre-labour rupture of membranes (SPROM) at term is one of the most common complications of pregnancy. It is an important cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality, particularly because it is associated with a latency period from membrane rupture to delivery.

To compare the outcome of labour in women who had immediate induction of labour, with those who had delayed induction following SPROM at term.

A prospective case control study of 200 women who had either immediate induction of labour with intravaginal misoprostol tablets, or delayed induction with intravenous oxytocin infusion after an expectant period of 12 hours, at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria. The outcome of labour was compared in the two groups using the Z test and Chi square test, while, p-value of less than 0.05 was taken as significant. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval were also determined where appropriate.

Immediate induction of labour with intravaginal misoprotol resulted in lower rates of caesarean section and operative vaginal delivery, with a higher rate of spontaneous vaginal delivery. The duration of latent phase of labour and hospital stay before delivery was statistically significantly shorter in the immediate induction group. Neonatal and maternal morbidity were insignificant and comparable between the two groups.

Immediate induction of labour with intravaginal misoprotol resulted in significantly lower rates of intervention without compromising fetomaternal outcome. We recommend the immediate induction of labour with proper use of intravaginal misoprotol in women with SPROM at term.