Neonatal morbidity mortality outcomes in pre-term premature rupture of membranes

We present a retrospective review of 228 pre-term premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) singleton pregnancies followed-up in our clinic between 1996 and 2005. The most common neonatal morbidities in PPROM cases are respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), sepsis and intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH). The route of delivery does not affect newborn intensive care unit (NICU) requirements, perinatal asphyxia, sepsis and IVH rates in PPROM cases. NICU and PPV requirements, RDS, sepsis and IVH rates increase if the Apgar score is < 5. Neonatal morbidity and mortality rates increase as the latent period lengthens. C reactive protein (CRP) on admission, last CRP, birth weight and the 5 min Apgar score was found to be associated with NICU requirements; only the 5 min Apgar score was found to be associated with RDS; and last leukocyte count and maternal haemotocrit was found to be associated with sepsis and pneumonia, independently. In PPROM cases, CRP on admission, last CRP, birth weight, the 5 min Apgar score, last leukocyte count and maternal haemotocrit, should be considered to predict neonatal outcomes.