title: Preterm premature rupture of the membranes and antioxidants: the free radical connection.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To discuss the role of oxidant stress in preterm, premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM).
  
  
  RESULTS
  There is evidence to suggest that preterm, premature rupture of the membranes occurs secondary to focal collagen damage in the fetal membranes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Oxidant stress caused by increased ROS formation and/or antioxidant depletion may disrupt collagen and cause premature membrane rupture. We propose that supplementation with vitamins C and E may synergistically protect the fetal membranes, and decrease the risks of PPROM.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA. Peter_Wall@urmc.rochester.edu
authors.forename: Peter D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Wall
authors.forename: Eva K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Pressman
authors.forename: James R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Woods
mesh_terms: D000975:Antioxidants; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D014815:Vitamins
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D014815:Vitamins