A population-based study of race-specific risk for preterm premature rupture of membranes.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that race is associated with the risk of preterm birth due to preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and its recurrence.


METHODS
We conducted a population-based cohort study using the Missouri Department of Health's maternally linked birth certificate database (1989-1997) to assess racial effects on the occurrence and recurrence of PPROM, while adjusting for socioeconomic and maternal medical risk factors (n = 644,462).


RESULTS
Black mothers were more likely to have PPROM compared to white mothers (aOR, 2.3; 95% CI, 2.0-2.5). The magnitude of risk of PPROM for black mothers compared to white mothers was greatest at < 28 weeks of gestation (aOR 2.8, 95% CI, 2.5-3.2). Black mothers were at significantly higher risk of recurrent PPROM compared to white mothers (aOR 6.4, 95% CI, 3.7-11.0).


CONCLUSIONS
There is an overrepresentation in the occurrence and recurrence of PPROM in black mothers that persists after adjusting for known risk factors.
Shen
Tammy T
TT
Center for Preterm Birth Research, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO 63110, USA.
DeFranco
Emily A
EA
Stamilio
David M
DM
Chang
Jen Jen
JJ
Muglia
Louis J
LJ
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000208:ethnology*; D006801:Humans; D008923:Missouri / Q000453:epidemiology; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D011247:Pregnancy; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors