The influence of meteorological factors on the emergence of preterm delivery and preterm premature rupture of membrane.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the influence of changes in the atmospheric state on the incidence of preterm delivery (PTD) and preterm premature rupture of membrane (PPROM).


METHODS
The hospital records of PTD and/or PPROM over the year 1999 were reviewed. The current meteorological state was described by a set of parameters and their diurnal and seasonal variations. Multivariate analysis, time series approach and Poisson regression were used.


RESULTS
PTD occurrence was correlated with humidity and maximum temperature (P<0.01), its rise preceded their sharp variations by 3 days (P<0.01). PPROM was influenced by the variations in the weather state: desert heat wave arrival (P=0.093), strong winds, overall daily differences of humidity and temperature (all with P<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The rates of PTD and PPROM are affected by an ensemble of meteorological variables, specific for each disorder. Obstetricians should be aware of the influence of unstable weather on PTD and PPROM rates, especially in the spring and autumn.
Yackerson
N
N
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel. naomy@ee.bgu.ac.il
Piura
B
B
Sheiner
E
E
D002391:Catchment Area, Health; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007557:Israel; D008685:Meteorological Concepts; D011247:Pregnancy; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012621:Seasons