Use of antibiotics for preterm premature rupture of membranes. Rationales and results.

PPROM is directly associated with 30% to 40% of preterm births. Reproductive tract infection, inflammation, or both may be primary causes or occur secondarily after PPROM and hasten the onset of labor. Recent carefully controlled trials demonstrate that antibiotic treatment (erythromycin, ampicillin) can significantly lengthen the "beneficial latency period" and reduce perinatal and maternal morbidity, as well as the costs.