title: Preterm premature rupture of fetal membranes in a low socioeconomic population: results of conservative management.
abstract: A retrospective review of pregnancies complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) in 149 women of low socioeconomic status in Nigeria was undertaken. Delivery occurred within 24 h of onset of symptoms in 51 of these women (immediate delivery group), whereas 98 patients were managed conservatively. The mean length of gestation was higher in the conservatively managed group and the perinatal mortality was correspondingly lower. In contrast, there was a slightly increased incidence of puerperal febrile morbidity in the conservative group. These data suggest that conservative management can be selectively employed in PPROM occurring in women of low socioeconomic status.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Oyo State, Nigeria.
authors.forename: F E
authors.initials: FE
authors.lastname: Okonofua
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Onwudiegwu
authors.forename: O A
authors.initials: OA
authors.lastname: Odunsi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D011645:Puerperal Infection / Q000209:etiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012923:Social Class