[Premature rupture of the fetal membranes in term pregnancies]

The significance of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) prior to 24 hours before delivery in term pregnancies has been retrospectively studied by comparing 202 deliveries after PROM with 202 controls matched by gestational age and parity but presenting intact membranes until less than 24 hours before delivery. The PROM group was shown to be characterized by a statistically significant accumulation of nulliparous women (80 per cent vs. 50 per cent), occiput posterior presentations (18 per cent vs. 7 per cent), caesarean sections (28 per cent vs. 8 per cent), fever intra partum (8,4 per cent vs. 2,5 per cent), Apgar scores below 7 one minute after birth (15 per cent vs. 6 per cent), and umbilical artery acidosis below pH 7,20 (28 per cent vs. 17 per cent). These results indicate term pregnancies presenting PROM as compared to matched controls to be charged by a threefold risk concerning dystocia and infection, and a doubled risk for neonatal depression, respectively.