Maternal herpes infection complicated by prolonged premature rupture of membranes.

Three cases of patients who developed genital herpes virus infections after prolonged, premature rupture of membranes (PROM) at 28-31 weeks gestation are reported. These patients were expectantly managed without immediate intervention at the time of diagnosis of the genital herpes virus infection. In all three cases, there was no evidence of neonatal herpes virus infection at the time of delivery or before hospital discharge. The spectrum of decisions facing the physician managing a patient with prolonged PROM and a genital herpes virus infection is discussed, and a rational approach to management presented.