The evaluation of infection and pulmonary maturity in women with premature rupture of the membranes.

Although the etiology of PROM is multifactorial, increasing evidence regarding clinical risk factors, membrane histology, membrane culture, and amniotic fluid microbiology shows a strong association with infection. Recent studies suggest an association between genital tract infection, preterm labor (PTL), and preterm premature rupture of the membranes (pPROM). If correct, this information may be used to target areas for prevention, as well as to develop management protocols. This article reviews both the diagnostic tests for the causes associated with pPROM and the evaluation of intraamniotic infection and pulmonary maturity in patients with pPROM.