Spontaneous Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes and Related Consequences: A Case Series Analysis of Pregnant Women

Background: Preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM) poses a significant challenge in obstetrics, associated with considerable perinatal morbidity and mortality. Despite advancements in healthcare, the management and outcomes of pPROM remain areas of concern, necessitating further investigation into effective strategies for prevention and treatment. Objective: This study aims to investigate the maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with pPROM to develop targeted interventions that can mitigate the associated morbidity and mortality. Methods: Conducted at GU-IV LUMHS, Jamshoro, over a six-month period from March to September 2018, this case series involved 116 pregnant women aged 20 to 30 years diagnosed with pPROM. Using non-probability consecutive sampling, participants were selected based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, clinical findings, and outcomes post-pPROM using a pre-designed proforma, following ethical standards aligned with the Declaration of Helsinki. The study employed SPSS version 25 for statistical analysis, calculating means, standard deviations, and employing chi-square tests for categorical variables, with a significance level set at p<0.05. Results: The mean age of participants was 24.96 ± 2.63 years. Maternal complications included chorioamnionitis (11.21%), while neonatal outcomes revealed preterm births (42.24%), stillbirths (10.34%), and early neonatal deaths (12.93%). The comparison with previous studies highlighted a consistent age range vulnerability and underscored the critical outcomes of pPROM, such as high rates of preterm births and associated neonatal complications. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the persistent challenges posed by pPROM in obstetric care, highlighting the need for enhanced diagnostic and management protocols. Improved understanding and interventions are crucial for reducing the adverse outcomes associated with pPROM, enhancing maternal and neonatal health.