Preterm prelabour rupture of the membranes (PPROM)

Question 1

what are the complications of PPROM?

Answer 1

fetal: prematurity, infection, pulmonary hypoplasia
maternal: chorioamnionitis

Question 2

what investigations will you do for PPROM?

Answer 2

sterile speculum examination to look for pooling of amniotic fluid in posterior vaginal vault

AVOID digital examination due to risk of infection

US useful to show oligohydramnios

Question 3

how do you manage PPROM?

Answer 3

1. admission
2. regular obs to ensure chorioamnionitis not developing
3. oral erythromycin given 10 days
4. antenatal corticosteroids to reduce risk of RDS
5. consider delivery at 34 weeks gestation