Neonatal consequences of preterm PROM

Preterm premature rupture of the fetal membranes is associated with 30-40% of premature births and is an important cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Although the major causes of neonatal death associated with PPROM include prematurity complications, infection, and pulmonary hypoplasia, rupture in a preterm gestation also is associated with an increase in morbidity, including cerebral palsy, other developmental delays, as well as chronic lung disease. When PPROM occurs, antibiotic prophylaxis has been shown to reduce the potential for complications and should be considered. Neonates treated intrapartum with antibiotics should have fewer complications, a longer latency period, and an improved long-term outlook compared with those without antepartum or intrapartum prophylaxis.