PROM, PPROM, Preterm labour Flashcards
what is PROM
Prelabor rupture of membranes is the draining of amniotic fluid due to rupture of membranes occurring before the onset of labor.
when can PROM occur
at term (≥ 37 weeks)
when does PPROM occur
28- 37 weeks
what is PPROM
preterm prelabor rupture of membranes is defined draining of amniotic fluid due to rupture of membranes occurring before the onset of labor.
what is the pathophysiology for PPROM and PROM (3)
- The amniotic membrane integrity is strengthened by collagen synthesis and weakened by metalloproteinases
- as a term is approaching, the activity of metalloproteinases becomes more pronounced in preparation for the labor
- There is major imbalance between metalloproteinase inhibitors and metalloproteinases activity before the onset of the labor, favoring metalloproteinases activity- resulting in in breakdown of collagen fibers, compromising the integrity of the membrane
PROM occurs in % of pregnancy
3-15%
PROM causes what
30–40% of preterm labor worldwide.
what should you ask in history for PPROM and PROM (9)
- Contractions
- Fetal movement
- Time of possiblerupture
- Amount of fluid
- Color and odor of fluid
- Vaginal bleeding
- Pain
- Recent sexual encounters
- Recent trauma and recent physical activity
- Signs of UTI
what are risk factors for PROM/ PPROM (9)
- Previous PROM or PPROM
- Ascending infection (UTI)
- Nutrition deficiencies
- Smoking
- Multiple gestation
- Polyhydramnios
- Incompetent cervix
- Antepartum bleeding ( mostly 2nd and 3rd trimester)
- Genetic predisposition
what is the clinical presentation for PROM and PPROM (5)
- A sudden ‘gush of fluid’ leaking from the vagina
- Cramping
- Recurrent dampness or constant leaking
- Contractions
- Back pain
what investigations can you do for PROM and PPROM (4)0
- USS
- which will show oligohydramnios (low liquor volume) by lowering Amniotic fluid index ( normal 5-25 cm) - FBC, culture and sensitivity , U& E’s, creatinine for septic screening to rule out infectious causes of PROM ( high leukocytes count)
- Nitrazine test
- involvesputting a drop of fluid obtained from the vagina onto paper strips containing Nitrazine dye.
- The strips change color depending on the pH of the fluid.
- The strips will turn blue if the pH is greater than 6.0. A blue strip means it’s more likely the membranes have ruptured
- normal vaginal Ph is 4.5-5.5
- pH of liquor is 7-7.75 - Fern test
- take a sample of fluid, put it on a slide and allow it to dry then look at it under a microscope where you see liquor looking like ferns
what should you avoid doing on exam for PROM and PPROM and why
Avoid digital vaginal examination ( especially if PPROM) because it can introduce organisms into cervical canal, increases the incidence of chorioamnionitis, post-partum endometritis and neonatal infection
what exam do you do in PROM and PPROM (3)
- STERILE SPECULUM EXAMINATION
- To Visualize amniotic fluid passing from the cervical canal and pooling in the vagina.
- To exclude any signs of cervicitis, umbilical cord prolapse, vaginal bleeding or fetal prolapse
- To take cervical swab
- To perform Nitrazine and Fern tests. - Obstetric exam
- Check vital signs
- temp
- pulse
- BP
what is the general management for PPROM (4)
- Send investigations: urine dipstick, urine culture if available, FBC
- If in labour administer Benzyl Penicillin 2 MU q6h IV
- Steroids: dexamethasone 6 mg IM BD x 4 doses
- If not in labor can send to ANW
what causes a false positive in a fern test (2)
- well estrogenized cervical mucous
- contaminated equipment.
what causes a false negative in a fern test (2)
- intermittent leaking and thus inadequate amount of amniotic fluid for slide
- heavy contamination with vaginal discharge or blood.
what is the general management for PROM/PPROM (5)
- Admit patient to labour ward or antenatal ward
- Monitor uterine activity and fetal heart
- Check maternal PR and temperature every 4 hours
- Assess for labour, chorioamnionitis and placental abruption at least daily
- USS for presentation, anatomy and liquor volume
how do you manage PPROM > 34 weeks (3)
- If HIV negative, induce or augment if no spontaneous labour in 24 hrs since rupture of membranes
- If HIV positive start immediate induction, if not in labor within 24 hours consider cesarean
- Deliver by cesarean section if previous cesarean section.