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Preterm rupture of the membranes associated with recent cocaine use
M J Dinsmoor1, S J Irons, J T Christmas
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond.
Objective:
We postulated that recent cocaine use is common among patients with preterm (< 37 weeks) rupture of the membranes and that cocaine users have shorter latency periods before the onset of labor and delivery compared with those without recent cocaine use.
Study Design:
A urine toxicologic screen was performed on all patients admitted with preterm rupture of the membranes. Patients were managed expectantly, without tocolytics, antibiotics, or steroids.
Results:
One hundred three patients were enrolled; 71 had negative screens and 19 were positive for cocaine alone. Cocaine-positive women were significantly older and had more advanced cervical dilatation at admission and a significantly shorter latency period from rupture of membranes to labor and delivery.
Conclusion:
Preterm rupture of the membranes associated with recent cocaine use is characterized by advanced cervical dilatation at admission and a shorter latency period to labor and delivery.