The relationship between premature rupture of the membranes and the respiratory distress syndrome. An update and plan of management.

The records of 340 infants of 36 weeks' gestational age or less were reviewed to study the relationship between premature rupture of the membranes (PRM) and the development of the respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Twins and infants of diabetic mothers were excluded from the data analysis. PRM of 16 hours or more was associated with statistically significant reduction in the incidence of RDS in infants of 31 weeks' gestational age and older. The association between PRM in excess of 16 hours and survival, however, was only statistically significant for infants of 33 weeks' gestational age and older. The implications of these results and a proposed plan of management for premature infants with PRM are discussed.