The Incidence and Management Outcome of Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM) in a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria

Abstract

Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) complicates 3-8 percent of pregnancies and leads to one third of preterm deliveries. It results in increased risk of prematurity and leads to perinatal and neonatal complications with risk of fetal death. This article aims to determine the incidence and management outcome of PPROM in Enugu, Nigeria over a ten year period. This was a retrospective review of management outcome of PPROM at the UNTH Enugu from January 1<SUP>st</SUP> 1999 to December 31<SUP>st</SUP>, 2008. The frequency of 3.3% for PPROM and 7% perinatal death were recorded over the period. Preterm PROM is a major complication of pregnancies. Currently, there is no effective way of preventing spontaneous rupture of fetal membranes due to ignorance of its aetiology, with consequent inability to control its incidence. However, it is important that women be well informed regarding maternal, fetal and neonatal complications regardless of controversies of its management.