Preterm rupture of the membranes associated with recent cocaine use.
OBJECTIVE
We postulated that recent cocaine use is common among patients with preterm (< 37 weeks) rupture of the membranes and that cocaine users have shorter latency periods before the onset of labor and delivery compared with those without recent cocaine use.


METHODS
A urine toxicologic screen was performed on all patients admitted with preterm rupture of the membranes. Patients were managed expectantly, without tocolytics, antibiotics, or steroids.


RESULTS
One hundred three patients were enrolled; 71 had negative screens and 19 were positive for cocaine alone. Cocaine-positive women were significantly older and had more advanced cervical dilatation at admission and a significantly shorter latency period from rupture of membranes to labor and delivery.


CONCLUSIONS
Preterm rupture of the membranes associated with recent cocaine use is characterized by advanced cervical dilatation at admission and a shorter latency period to labor and delivery.
Dinsmoor
M J
MJ
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond.
Irons
S J
SJ
Christmas
J T
JT
D000328:Adult; D003042:Cocaine; D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*
D003042:Cocaine