INTRODUCTION: Preterm premature rupture of membranes is a common complication of pregnancy associated with significant maternal, fetal and neonatal risks. An understanding of its magnitude and consequences is critical in providing appropriate intervention to prevent poor pregnancy outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To describe maternal and perinatal outcomes of preterm premature rupture of membranes at Tikur Anbessa Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODOLOGY: A Retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study done at Tikur Anbessa Hospital from June, 2010 G.C. to June, 2013 G.C. RESULTS: The prevalence ofpreterm premature rupture of membranes in this study was 1.4%. Intra-amniotic infection, seen in 31.5% (35/111), was the commonest maternal complication. The mean latency period from rupture of membranes to delivery was 6.6 days. Twenty-six (23.2%) neonates were delivered by cesarean section. There were a total of 12 perinatal deaths, 4 (3.6%) stillbirths (2 antepartum and 2 itrapartum) and 8 (7.1%) early neonatal deaths, making the gross perinatal mortality rate to be 107 per 1000 live births. Prematurity was the commonest cause of neonatal death. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Although the prevalence of preterm premature rupture of membranes in this study appears lower than many prior reports, the level of maternal and perinatal morbidity is high compared to many prior reports from similar setups. Especially the proportion of mothers presenting with established chorioamnionitis is high. Therefore, it is important that women be well informed regarding maternal, fetal and neonatal complications ofpremature rupture of membranes so that proper and timely management is provided.
INTRODUCTION: Preterm premature rupture of membranes is a common complication of pregnancy associated with significant maternal, fetal and neonatal risks. An understanding of its magnitude and consequences is critical in providing appropriate intervention to prevent poor pregnancy outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To describe maternal and perinatal outcomes of preterm premature rupture of membranes at Tikur Anbessa Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODOLOGY: A Retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study done at Tikur Anbessa Hospital from June, 2010 G.C. to June, 2013 G.C. RESULTS: The prevalence ofpreterm premature rupture of membranes in this study was 1.4%. Intra-amniotic infection, seen in 31.5% (35/111), was the commonest maternal complication. The mean latency period from rupture of membranes to delivery was 6.6 days. Twenty-six (23.2%) neonates were delivered by cesarean section. There were a total of 12 perinatal deaths, 4 (3.6%) stillbirths (2 antepartum and 2 itrapartum) and 8 (7.1%) early neonatal deaths, making the gross perinatal mortality rate to be 107 per 1000 live births. Prematurity was the commonest cause of neonatal death. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Although the prevalence of preterm premature rupture of membranes in this study appears lower than many prior reports, the level of maternal and perinatal morbidity is high compared to many prior reports from similar setups. Especially the proportion of mothers presenting with established chorioamnionitis is high. Therefore, it is important that women be well informed regarding maternal, fetal and neonatal complications ofpremature rupture of membranes so that proper and timely management is provided.