Risk factors for preterm premature rupture of membranes at Mulago Hospital, Kampala.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the epidemiological risk factors in patients admitted at Mulago Hospital with preterm premature rupture of the membranes from their socio-demographic characteristics and reproductive history.


METHODS
Cross-sectional case control study.


METHODS
Labour ward, Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda.


METHODS
Cases were enrolled at admission while controls were enrolled after a term delivery not preceded by pre-mature rupture of the membrane (PROM). Controls were matched for age range (age +/- 2 years) and parity with the cases. A detailed history of socio-demographic characteristics, past medical and surgical illness and past reproductive history were obtained and data entered into a coded questionnaire. Endocervical swabs and amniotic fluid samples were taken from the cases during labour. Validity was assessed using Chi-square with a p-value of less than 0.05 considered significant.


RESULTS
Maternal socio-demographic characteristics were similar for cases and controls. A history of hypertension, abortion, prior PROM, Caesarean section, cervical cerclage, cervical incompetence or abnormal vaginal discharge were significant risk factors for preterm PROM (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
There are factors by which mothers at risk of preterm PROM can be identified before onset of rupture.
Kaye
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Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Makerere University Medical School, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.
D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous / Q000150:complications; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D023802:Cerclage, Cervical / Q000009:adverse effects; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000009:adverse effects; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications; D008423:Maternal Age; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014454:Uganda / Q000453:epidemiology; D002581:Uterine Cervical Incompetence / Q000150:complications; D019522:Vaginal Discharge / Q000150:complications