Successful pregnancy outcome after preterm premature rupture of membranes at < 20 weeks. A report of three cases
Schierlitz, L.; Barker, G.K.; Walker, S.P.; Permezel, M.
Journal of Reproductive Medicine 46(3): 263-266
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0024-7758 PMID: 11304871 Document Number: 535305
BACKGROUND: Spontaneous preterm premature rupture of the membranes occurring before 20 weeks' gestation carries a perinatal mortality of approximately 82% and potential for considerable morbidity for mother and fetus. This is in contrast to amniotic fluid leakage after second-trimester amniocentesis, when the prognosis is usually good. CASES: We report three cases of spontaneous rupture of the membranes before 20 weeks' gestation, all associated with reaccumulation of amniotic fluid and satisfactory neonatal outcomes. CONCLUSION: Our cases may represent a subgroup with a relatively good prognosis. The existence of such subgroups would better be determined in a prospective, cohort study, and it might need to be a multicenter one. It requires well-defined entry criteria, management protocols and neonatal follow-up as well as information about pregnancies where termination, rather than continuation, is chosen.