Abstract

• Premature rupture of the membrane represents the greatest risks of prematurity, maternal and fetal infection and perinatal mortality. Spontaneous labor develops in most cases within 24 hours after premature rupture of the membrane, but maternal infectious morbidity occurs if rupture of the membranes persists for up to 48 hours. The management to premature rupture of the membrane has created as much controversy as has any other problem in obstetrics. A retrospective study of 166 cases of premature rupture of the membrane admitted to Ewha Womans University Hospital during the 2 year interval 1984 to 1985 was performed to gain clinical data. The results were as follows; 1) The incidence of premature rupture of the membranes was 3.6%. 2) The incidence of premature rupture of the membranes in premature delivered fetuses(308 cases) was 23.1%. 3) The premature rupture of the membranes was highest between 25-29 years of age. 4) The primigravida and multigravida of premature rupture of the membranes were 70.5% and 29.5% respectively. 5) There were anemia(24.4%), C.P.D.(13.3%) and preeclampsia(12.8%) in maternal complications. 6) The overall incidence of breech presention in premature rupture of the membranes was 5.5%. 7) The cesarean section rate was 41.6% and its indications were C.P.D., abnormal presentation and fetal distress in order. 8) The neonatal birth weight between 2500-2999 gm was 25.6%. 9) The longer the latent period of premature rupture of the membranes is, one minite apgar score under 6 is increased. 10) Causes of perinatal morality of premature rupture of the membrane were R.D.S(11.8%) with prematurity and no correlation with latent period of PRM. 11) The incidence of amnionitis was 5.4% and the longer the latent period is, the higher the maternal morbidity is. 12) There was no significant difference in the incidence of maternal and neonatal morbidity and perinatal mortality in antibiotic treated and untreated groups of the mothers complicated with premature rupture of the membranes.