[Premature rupture of membranes seen at the Befelatanana maternity, Antananarivo University Hospital Center].

Generally preterm ruptures of membranes (PRM) are harmless, but they become serious if the labor doesn't occur in the following 24 hours. Then, they might generate neonatal infections which provoke heavy fetal and maternal mortality. A retrospective study was carried out in 1998 at the Maternity Hospital of Befelatanana, Antananarivo in order to sum up knowledges on epidemiology and fetal prognosis of this disease, and to draw up measures to aim to reduce causes of PRM. 4232 cases of PRM were registered for the study period. The average age of parturient women was of 27 years old. PRM occur frequently among primiparas and high level multiparas. Risk factors and determinative causes are gyneco-obstetrical history as abortion, preterm delivery, cicatricial uterus, urogenital infections; uterine malformation; placenta praevia; hydramnios; dystocic labor presentation; uterine distension due to either multiple pregnancy or disproportion of fetus and birth canal; irregular and poor prenatal visits quality; low standard of living. Numerous premature infants of PRM outcomes had infections: 1,619 out of 4315 new-borns. Infant perinatal mortality rate was of 11.7 per cent. Maternal complications were infections, uterine rupture, hemorrhages. 5 deaths were noted. The reduction of PRM rate might be obtained by improvement of standard of living and hygiene, correct cares during pregnancy and intergenesic periods.