Frequency of Maternal Anemia in Patients Presenting With Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes

Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) is the rupture of fetal membranes before 38 weeks of gestation. The etiology is multifactorial. Maternal anemia is one of the factors leading to PPROM. This study aims to determine the frequency of maternal anemia in patients presenting with PPROM.

This cross-sectional study was carried out at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. This study was conducted from July 1 to December 31, 2021. One hundred and twenty two patients with PPROM presenting to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology were included. The diagnosis of PPROM was made based on the history of the PV leak, followed by confirmation with the nitrazine litmus test, microscopic fern test, and ultrasonographic amniotic fluid index measurement. Anemia was determined by examination of hemoglobin levels in the maternal blood samples. Hb <11gm/dl was labeled as anemia. IBM Corp. Released 2011. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. was used for statistical analysis.

The age of the patients ranged from 20 to 40 years. The mean age was 29.14 ± 6.194 years. 63 patients (51.6%) were multiparous (parity 2 to 4). Maternal anemia was observed in 39 patients (32.0%). A significant association (p = 0.005) was observed between maternal anemia and grand multiparity (parity 2 to 4).

Maternal anemia significantly contributes to PPROM, especially in multiple pregnancies. Meticulous family planning and consistent obstetrical monitoring throughout pregnancy are key to addressing this, potentially reducing both maternal anemia risk and PPROM complications.