The outcome of pregnancies complicated by preterm rupture of the membranes with and without cerclage.

Thirty-two patients with cerclage were compared to 76 patients without cerclage. All pregnancies were complicated with preterm (less than 36 weeks) rupture of the membranes (PTROM). The management following removal of the cerclage was the same for the two groups and consisted of conservative treatment unless chorioamnionitis ensued. It was found that under similar conditions and treatment there was no significant difference between the outcomes of PTROM-complicated gestations with and without a cerclage. The low added risk of cerclage to PTROM should not deter its use when indicated.