Neonatal outcomes are associated with latency after preterm premature rupture of membranes

Objective: To determine factors associated with latency time to birth after preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and the impact on neonatal outcomes. Study Design: Data on singleton pregnancies with PPROM (n = 1535 infants) were prospectively collected in a computerized perinatal/neonatal database at a tertiary care perinatal center. Latency was characterized as <= 72h versus >72 h after PPROM. Result: The percentage of women with latency to birth >72 h decreased from 67% in very preterm (gestational age (GA) 25 to 28 weeks) to 10% in late preterm women (GA 33 to 36 weeks). PPROM women with latency <= 72 h were more likely to have pregnancy-induced hypertension and birth weight <3%; PPROM women with latency >72 h were more likely to have received steroids and develop clinical chorioamnionitis. PPROM <32 weeks GA with latency <= 72 h was associated with a two-fold higher incidence of severe neonatal morbidity, while PPROM between 29 to 34 weeks GA and latency <= 72 h was associated with a higher incidence of moderate neonatal morbidity. Conclusion: A latency period >72 h was associated with a decreased incidence of adverse neonatal outcomes up to 32 weeks GA for severe and 34 weeks GA for moderate morbidity indices. Journal of Perinatology (2012) 32, 970-977; doi:10.1038/jp.2012.15; published online 15 March 2012