Naef R W, Allbert J R, Ross E L, Weber B M, Martin R W, Morrison J C
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA.
Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1998 Jan;178(1 Pt 1):126-30. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9378(98)70638-6.
Our purpose was to compare induction of labor with preterm rupture of membranes between 34 and 37 weeks' gestation with expectant management.
In this prospective investigation 120 gravid women at > or = 34 weeks 0 days and < 36 weeks 6 days of gestation were randomized to receive oxytocin induction (n = 57) or observation (n = 63).
Estimated gestational age at rupture of membranes (34.3 +/- 1.4 weeks vs 34.5 +/- 1.4 weeks) and ultrasonographically estimated fetal weight (2230 +/- 321 gm vs 2297 +/- 365 gm) were equivalent between groups (not significant). Chorioamnionitis occurred more often (16% vs 2%, p = 0.007), and maternal hospital stay (5.2 +/- 6.8 days vs 2.6 +/- 1.6 days, p = 0.006) was significantly longer in the control group. Neonatal sepsis was also more common in the observation group (n = 3) than among induction patients (n = 0), but the difference was not statistically significant.
Aggressive management of preterm premature rupture of the membranes at > or = 34 weeks 0 days of gestation by induction of labor is safe for the infant in our population and avoids maternal-neonatal infectious complications.
