Obstetric and Perinatal Outcomes after Very Early Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM)-A Retrospective Analysis over the Period 2000–2020

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Pre-term premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) responds for one third of preterm births, and it is associated with other complications that increase the risk of maternal or fetal poor outcome. To reduce uncertainty and provide accurate information to patients, the analysis of the large series is of great importance. In order to learn about the evolution over the time of the obstetric and perinatal outcomes in cases of PPROM at, or before, 28 weeks (very early PPROM) managed with an expectant/conservative protocol, we have designed the present study. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively studied all cases of very early PPROM attended in Malaga University Regional Hospital from 2000 to 2020. Results: Among 119,888 deliveries assisted, 592 cases of PPROM occurred in pregnancies at or before 28 weeks (0.49% of all deliveries, 3.9% of all preterm births and 12.9% of all cases of PPROM). The mean duration of the latency period between PPROM and delivery was 13.5 days (range 0 to 88 days), enlarging over the years. The mean gestational age at delivery was 27 weeks (SD 2.9; range 17–34). The proportion of cesarean deliveries was 52.5%. The overall perinatal mortality rate was 26.5%, decreasing over the period with a significant correlation Pearson’s coefficient −0.128 (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In the period 2000–2020, there was an improvement in the outcomes of very early PPROM cases and perinatal mortality showed a clear trend to decrease.