Mid-childhood outcomes after pre-viable preterm premature rupture of membranes

Investigate cardiorespiratory outcomes in children surviving previable preterm premature rupture of membranes (PV-PPROM) before 22 weeks' gestational age (GA) with minimum 2 weeks latency.

Single institution, follow-up of retrospectively identified children who were born after PV-PPROM during 2000-2004, and individually matched preterm-born controls.

Eleven PV-PPROM and matched control children were included at mean age of 10.5 and 10.7 years. Rupture of membranes occurred at mean GA 18² and 27⁶ weeks and birth at 28³ and 28⁶ weeks, respectively. Compared to controls, the PV-PPROM group had significantly poorer lung function, findings on echocardiography indicating mild pulmonary hypertension, and lower peak oxygen consumption. Chart reviews suggested more motor difficulties and a tendency towards more problems with learning and attention.

The findings highlight a preterm-born sub-group in need of targeted long-term monitoring and possibly interventions regarding future cardiorespiratory and neurodevelopmental function.