Amnioinfusion for preterm rupture of membranes.
BACKGROUND
Preterm rupture of membranes places a fetus at risk of cord compression and amnionitis. Amnioinfusion aims to prevent or relieve umbilical cord compression by infusing a solution into the uterine cavity.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of this review was to assess the effects of amnioinfusion for preterm rupture of membranes on maternal and perinatal outcomes.


METHODS
The Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register were searched.


METHODS
Randomised trials of amnioinfusion compared to no amnioinfusion in women with preterm rupture of membranes.


METHODS
Eligibility and trial quality were assessed by the reviewer.


RESULTS
One trial of 66 women was included. It had some methodological flaws. No significant differences between amnioinfusion and no amnioinfusion were detected for caesarean section (relative risk 0.32, 95% confidence interval 0.07 to 1.40); low Apgar scores (relative risk 0.28, 95% confidence interval 0.03 to 2.33) or neonatal death (relative risk 0.55, 95% confidence interval 0.05 to 5.77). In the amnioinfusion group, the number of severe fetal heart rate decelerations per hour during the first stage of labour were reduced (weighted mean difference -1.20, 95% confidence interval -1.83 to -0.57). These outcomes are consistent with those found in the Cochrane review on amnioinfusion for cord compression.


CONCLUSIONS
There is not enough evidence concerning the use of amnioinfusion for preterm rupture of membranes.
Hofmeyr
G J
GJ
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Coronation Hospital and University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa. 091just@chiron.wits.ac.za
D000650:Amnion; D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D007552:Isotonic Solutions; D011247:Pregnancy; D000077325:Ringer's Lactate; D012965:Sodium Chloride
D007552:Isotonic Solutions; D000077325:Ringer's Lactate; D012965:Sodium Chloride