title: Risk factors for preterm premature rupture of membranes at Mulago Hospital, Kampala.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Makerere University Medical School, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kaye
mesh_terms: 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