No benefit from conservative management in nulliparous women with premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) at term. A randomized study.
OBJECTIVE
To compare maternal and fetal outcome in pregnancies with premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) at term with either early induction of labor or conservative management awaiting spontaneous labor.


METHODS
A prospective randomized trial.


METHODS
The University Hospital of Lund, Sweden.


METHODS
Altogether 369 women with singleton pregnancy, cephalic presentation, gestational duration 36-41 weeks, were randomized either to induction of labor (n = 139) or conservative management up to 3 days (n = 138). Those eligible but not participating in the study totalled 92. MAIN OBSTETRIC MEASURES: Obstetric intervention rate (cesarean section or instrumental delivery) and short-term neonatal morbidity.


RESULTS
No difference was found in the rate of obstetric intervention between the induction of labor group and the group with conservative management (12.2 vs. 18.8%; chi 2 = 2.3, p greater than 0.05). A slightly increased rate of neonatal infections was seen in the latter group (0.7 vs. 4.3%; chi 2 = 3.2, p less than 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
We found no benefit from conservative management for up to 3 days in women with PROM at term, compared with immediate induction of labor. There was no difference in the number of obstetric interventions during labor. The neonatal infectious morbidity was slightly higher in conservatively managed cases.
Rydhström
H
H
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Lund University, Sweden.
Ingemarsson
I
I
D000328:Adult; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002821:Chorioamnionitis / Q000517:prevention & control; D004716:Endometritis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D007239:Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D007751:Labor, Induced / Q000009:adverse effects; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome