A Hospital Based Prospective Observational Study on the Maternal and Fetal Outcome in Premature Rupture of Membranes in low-risk Pregnancies at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Background: Amniotic fluid plays multiple important roles in pregnancy like homeostasis, protection from
trauma, infection, and also facilitates cervical dilation in labour. Therefore, if the fetal membranes are ruptured
before time, the consequences that follow can be detrimental to the fetus as well as the mother. The etiology of
premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is still largely unclear and the complications are manifold. However
prompt diagnosis and early management can help limit the adverse consequences and ensure a safe delivery.
Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, in
a tertiary care hospital in Tezpur, Assam, over a period of 1 year (2021-2022). Out of all the patients who attended
the OPD or emergency labour room, 94 cases were included in the study as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria.
The data of these women was entered into a proforma and the study was done after due ethical clearance.
Results: Hospital incidence was 1.3%, with more women being primigravidae. Majority of cases had unknown etiology but
women from lower socioeconomic class showed more chances of PROM. Caesarean section was the mode of delivery in 68%
cases. Most common maternal morbidity factor was fever at 7.4%. Most babies had a good APGAR score. 20.2% of babies
required admission to NICU. No maternal or perinatal mortality was seen.
Conclusion: PROM is an enigmatic condition associated with high risk of maternal and perinatal morbidity and
mortality, even in the absence of other obstetric complications. Timely management and appropriate intervention
can greatly improve both outcomes.