Short-term verus long-term prophylactic tocolysis in patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes

A randomised prospective clinical trial was conducted over a 7-year period (1987-1993) in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Patras. The purpose of this study was to compare two management protocols of Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM). Two-hundred forty-one women entered the study and were assigned randomly to one of two groups. Group A consisted of 105 subjects who were managed expectantly (tocolysis used for 48 h only, if necessary, to permit full course of steroid therapy), while Group B consisted of 136 subjects, in whom aggressive tocolysis was utilised. The differences in the latency period (time from rupture of membranes to the onset of labour) were not statistically significant between the two groups. On the contrary, statistically significant differences in the incidence of chorioamnionitis and postpartum endomyometritis were found between the two groups (higher in Group B). Twelve subjects in Group A (12/105, 11.4%) and 40 in Group B (40/136, 29.4%) had chorioamnionitis. The relative risk (RR) was 2.47 (95% C.I. 1.42-4.66, P < 0.001). Endomyometritis was diagnosed in 20 subjects in Group A (20/105, 19%) and in 45 in Group B (45/136, 33.3%). The RR was 1.74 (95% C.I. 1.10-2.75, P < 0.05). These data suggest that long term prophylactic tocolytic therapy in patients with PPROM, while without demonstrated benefit, may result in an increased risk of maternal infectious morbidity, and raise the cost of treatment.

[Puerperium after threatened premature labor--effects of infection screening in pregnancy]

Subclinical intrauterine infection is one of the causes of preterm birth. Adjuvant antibiotic treatment can improve the prolongative effects of tocolysis in patients with preterm labour. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of screening for infection and of antibiotic treatment in reducing postpartal infectious complications in patients with so called idiopathic preterm labour being treated with tocolysis intravenously. At the time of admission, we obtained cervical swabs of 138 patients for bacteriological investigation. 23 of the 37 patients with pathologic cervical colonisation were treated with antibiotics in addition to tocolysis. In women in preterm labour with pathologic cervical microbial colonisation, the frequencies of infectious complications in the puerperium were markedly increased compared to women without cervical colonisation. Adjuvant antibiotic therapy during pregnancy significantly reduced such complications. Additional antibiotic treatment of patients in idiopathic preterm labour with indicators of silent intrauterine infection seems beneficial not only for prolongation of gestation, but also for the reduction of postpartal infectious morbidity.

A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of penicillin in preterm premature rupture of membranes

OBJECTIVE

Preterm premature rupture of the fetal membranes is common and frequently results in infectious complications. A prospective, randomized, controlled trial of penicillin versus placebo in preterm premature rupture of membranes is reported. The aim of the study was to determine if prophylactic antibiotics after preterm premature rupture of membranes would reduce infectious complications in the mother or neonate.

STUDY DESIGN

Patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes between 21 and 37 weeks' gestation were randomized into a penicillin group that received 1 million units of benzylpenicillin intravenously every 4 hours followed by 250 mg of potassium phenoxymethyl penicillin (Pen-Vee K, Wyeth-Ayerst) orally twice daily or a placebo group before delivery. Latency period, infectious complications, and neonatal outcomes were studied.

RESULTS

Patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes who received prophylactic penicillin had fewer infectious complications, including intraamniotic infection and postpartum endometritis (4 vs 11, p < 0.03), without adverse effects on the mother or fetus.

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic penicillin in patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes reduces maternal infectious complications without adversely affecting the mother or newborn.

[Results and experiences with the premature labor prevention program]

From August 1992 to August 1993 we used the Prematurity Prevention Programme at 50 Pat. (23 + 1 to 34 + 0 pregnancy week) with premature labour or with a premature rupture of membranes. The results tally for the most part with the results in the literature. The combination of a positive bacteriological cut, of a positive identification of fibronectin and of a CRP-value > or = 2.0 mg/dl indicate and advanced degree of symptoms of premature birth through infection. With the examinations of the Prematurity Prevention Programme we have a simple technical and systematic programme for assessment symptoms of premature birth. The clinical use of this programme is a good help at the medical care of high risk patients.

[The efficacy of prophylactic antibiotic and tocolytic therapy for premature rupture of the membranes--a prospective randomized study]

A comparative study in patients with premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) from 25 to 34 weeks of gestation was carried out, prospectively. Group 1 (34 patients) was given aggressively intrauterine therapy including the administration of tocolytic agents (ritodrine and/or magnesium sulfate) and prophylactic antibiotics (AB-PC 2g/day). Group 2 (41 patients) was managed conservatively with bed rest only. At the time of admission to the study, there were no clinical signs of infection, fetal distress, or active labor in either group. All patients were delivered if the pregnancy had reached 35 weeks of gestation or later, had established labor, or developed evidence of chorioamnionitis or fetal distress. Prolongation for more than 72 hours was greater in group 1 than in group 2. There was no difference in the incidence of chorioamnionitis, postpartum endometritis, or placental infection in the groups. However, the incidence of a low Apgar score (7 < at 5 min), requiring artificial ventilation, and infection was more common in group 1. It is concluded that the use of antibiotics and tocolytics might make the management of PROM more complicated.

Double-blind; placebo-controlled trial of piperacillin prophylaxis in preterm membrane rupture

OBJECTIVE

We attempted to test whether antibiotic therapy prolongs pregnancy in preterm premature rupture of membranes, because preterm premature rupture of membranes is frequently associated with chorionic-decidual infection.

STUDY DESIGN

Women with preterm premature rupture of membranes and a singleton gestation at 24 to 34 completed weeks were randomized to receive either piperacillin 3 gm or placebo intravenously every 6 hours for 72 hours and were managed conservatively until spontaneous delivery, chorioamnionitis, or fetal distress.

RESULTS

Between January 1987 and January 1992, a total of 75 patients were randomized to receive piperacillin (n = 38) or placebo (n = 37). There were no differences between the piperacillin group and the placebo group in mean gestational age at randomization (30.2 +/- 3 vs 30.3 +/- 2.9 weeks). However, a greater number of patients had pregnancy prolonged beyond 7 days (42.1% vs 10.8% p = 0.005) and the mean latency period was significantly prolonged (11.4 +/- 18.8 vs 6.1 +/- 13.6 days, p = 0.001) in the piperacillin group compared with the control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of intravenous piperacillin for 72 hours in preterm premature rupture of membranes significantly prolongs the latency period between membrane rupture and delivery.

Randomized trial of prophylactic antibiotic therapy after preterm amnion rupture

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to determine whether maternal administration of prophylactic ampicillin or erythromycin after preterm amnion rupture is associated with maternal or neonatal benefits.

STUDY DESIGN

Women with singleton pregnancies between 24 and 33 weeks 6 days of gestation were eligible if they had no immediate indication for delivery. After giving informed consent, patients were randomized either to receive ampicillin (erythromycin if penicillin allergic) until delivery or to enter a control group. Women whose cervical cultures were positive for either group B streptococci or Neisseria gonorrhoeae received treatment. Tocolytics and corticosteroids were not used.

RESULTS

From January 1990 to February 1992 117 patients (antibiotics 59, control 58) were recruited and analyzed. Prophylactic antibiotics were associated with a longer latent phase (mean 12 vs 7.0 days, p = 0.004) and fewer maternal infectious complications (29% vs 60%, p = 0.001). A higher incidence of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis was observed in the treatment group (14% vs 3.5%, p = 0.05). Other neonatal complications, including death, were lower in the treatment group, but none attained statistical significance (p = 0.09 to 0.33).

CONCLUSION

The use of prophylactic antibiotics in selected patients after preterm amnion rupture appears to have a demonstrable maternal benefit. Large, multicenter trials may demonstrate a significant neonatal benefit or confirm any adverse outcomes.

Achievement of therapeutic concentrations of cefuroxime in early preterm gestations with premature rupture of the membranes

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether therapeutic cefuroxime concentrations can be achieved in maternal plasma, amniotic fluid (AF), neonatal plasma, placenta, and membranes in women with premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) at 27-33 weeks' gestation.

METHODS

In an open nonrandomized, dose-response study, nine patients with PROM at 27-33 weeks' gestation received 1.5 g of cefuroxime intravenously three times daily. Maternal plasma and AF specimens were collected during pregnancy, and umbilical cord plasma, placenta, and membrane specimens were collected after delivery to assay cefuroxime concentrations using high-performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

A high rate of placental transfer of cefuroxime was found. Bactericidal concentrations could be demonstrated in maternal plasma and in AF leaking from the vagina. A concentration-time curve in AF could be detected, with a peak concentration 3-4 hours after infusion. Therapeutically active levels were present in the newborns. The resorption of cefuroxime by the fetal membranes was high.

CONCLUSIONS

Therapeutic concentrations of cefuroxime were found in all body fluids and tissues studied. Further study to establish the clinical utility of cefuroxime prophylaxis in PROM seems appropriate.

[Further experiences with ovum lavage with respect to preventing premature labor]

Between January and December 1990, lavage of the ovum was performed in 64 gravidae with actual or potential symptoms of premature labour. Subsequently the lavage fluid was microbiologically examined. The present study discusses the indications for this new method, how it is performed and the results obtained. Microorganisms possibly necessitating treatment were detected in the lavage fluid of 30 (47%) of the gravidae at risk. Thirty-nine patients manifested actual symptoms of imminent premature birth, such as labour or critical cervical status. Results of fluid tests were positive in 23 (59%) of these patients, while according to the results of conventional cervical or vaginal smear tests performed simultaneously, treatment was necessary in only 13% of them. The majority of the microorganisms in the lavage fluid (coagulase-negative, haemolytic and group D streptococci were usually detected) are only facultatively pathogenic and are found in small quantities in cervical smears as normal "local flora". The mean delivery date was in gestational week (GW) 37/1, and for patients with antibiosis produced by a suitable antibiotic in GW 38/3 (10 weeks after lavage was performed). In view of the results of this study, bacteriological testing of ovum lavage fluid may be regarded as a useful complementary method for detecting ascending infections. It may advance pathogenetic research into late abortion and premature birth and further reduce the premature birth rate.

[Meta-analysis of management seeking to prevent ovular infection]

The prevention of chorioamnionitis after preterm rupture of membranes is still controversial. This is due to the lack of power of most studies. These seem to show that the outcome is mostly determined by the gestational age at membrane rupture and a trend at lower chorioamnionitis when antibiotics are used.

Management of premature rupture of membranes at term

Although prelabor rupture of membranes at term is common, in most cases, the spontaneous onset of labor relieves the obstetrician of the need for making management decisions. The standard practice in the United States has been to induce labor with intravenous oxytocin in that minority of patients who fail to labor spontaneously. Controlled trials suggest that this practice is associated with higher rates of both chorioamnionitis and the need for cesarean delivery than is expectancy. Expectancy, however, has not been demonstrated to be safer for the perinate.

[Prolongation of premature multiple pregnancy after abortion of one or more fetuses]

In four cases of one twin pregnancy and three triplet pregnancies, efforts were made to prolong the pregnancy after the death of one foetus between 15th and 26th weeks of gestation. Two patients had a history of spontaneous abortion, three patients had undergone infertility treatment. In a further three cases the membranes ruptured prematurely in association with severe disturbance of the vaginal flora. Treatment consisted of rest in bed, sedation, and administration of magnesium and antibiotics. Neither cervical cerclage nor general IV tocolysis were performed. Although the pregnancies could be prolonged for 4, 22, 28, and 76 days, they all terminated before the 27th week, mainly due to ascending infection. Of the 11 children, two survived with no morbidity, two children (B and C of the third triplet pregnancy), died 2 and 19 days after delivery, respectively, and seven were stillborn. A comparison with prolongations of twelve twin and four triplet pregnancies reported in the literature, reveals the various concepts for treatment. After infection has been ruled out and the parents have been fully informed, efforts could be made to prolong the multiple pregnancy after the death of one foetus until the surviving child is viable. This requires intensive supervision.

Premature rupture of the membranes: effect of penicillin prophylaxis and long-term outcome of the children

To assess the value of prophylaxis with penicillin in women with premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and the long-term outcome of children born after prolonged PROM, we studied 221 women with this condition. Penicillin (5 mu twice, 6 hours apart) was given intravenously to 50 women and placebo to 51 women, whereas 76 comparable patients were treated without penicillin or placebo. The time interval between PROM and delivery ranged from 14 hours to 56 days. Chorioamnionitis occurred more frequently (p less than 0.05) among patients with placebo (14%) than among those treated with penicillin (2%). One puerperal endometritis appeared in the placebo group compared with none in the penicillin group. One newborn (1.7%) born to a mother with placebo prophylaxis developed septicemia, compared with none in the penicillin group. The outcomes of pregnancies complicated with PROM treated without penicillin or placebo were comparable with those in the placebo group. In addition, we compared somatic and psychomotor development of 159 children born to mothers with prolonged PROM (more than 12 hours; mean, 5.6 days; range, 14 to 1344 hours) with those of 43 children born at similar gestational age within 5 hours after PROM. No pulmonary sequelae could be linked to the long time period between PROM and delivery, but infants born soon after PROM more often (p less than 0.05) had cerebral palsy (8 of 43, 18.6%) than did infants born after prolonged PROM (7 of 159; 4.4%). We conclude that, in cases with PROM, penicillin prophylaxis decreases maternal and neonatal infectious morbidity and that the long interval between PROM and delivery does not impair the long-term outcome for these children.

[The advantage of preventive vaginal antisepsis with hexetidine in obstetrics and gynecology]

In five studies, the advantage of repeated vaginal prophylaxis by a new preparation of hexetidine vaginal suppositories (10 mg) was investigated prospectively, randomised and method-controlled (n = 2 x 50). After a five-day application, the hexetidine group achieved bacterial reductions of five log CFU/ml in the vagina and nearly three log CFU/ml in the cervix uteri, whilst no reduction was found in the controls at any time (p less than 0.01). The reduction of individual bacterial species was investigated in 224 pregnant and also gynaecological patients. In cases of impending preterm childbirth, a five-day application of 20 mg hexetidine/day could reduce all bacteria sufficiently with the exception of lactobacilli; especially beta Streptococci were reduced. The same was achieved by a three-day application of 10 mg hexetidine/day pre-operatively. A long-term study in 11,724 deliveries showed, that neonatal infectious mortality and morbidity after 36 gestational weeks could be reduced significantly by hexetidine. The new hexetidine preparation appeared to be efficient in vaginal antisepsis, especially in pregnancy. A favourable lactobacilli-selective effect was demonstrated. Since the importance of lactobacilli in vaginal ecology is known, hexetidine prophylaxis must be considered as advantageous in Obstetrics and Gynecology. From a practical and economic point of view, the application of hexetidine as vaginal suppositories appears favourable compared to antiseptic solutions.

[Prevention of late abortion and high risk premature labor--measures suited for routine practice]

Ascending infection is likely to be the main cause of late abortion and early delivery. In a retrospective evaluation performed at our hospital, evidence of infection was encountered in 76% of 195 pregnancies with premature infants having birth weights less than 2000 g. It may be assumed that the processes responsible for this development take place at the lower pole. It was against this background that we developed a programme designed to contribute to an effective prevention of late abortion and early delivery. The essential requirement is that measurements of vaginal pH enter into routine use during prenatal care. This simple procedure allows for the identification of many (not all) vaginal disorders that might occur in patients at risk. In the presence of other serious anamnestic or diagnostic evidence of imminent late abortion or early delivery, specific bacteriologic examinations including a check-up for chlamydia, vaginal ultrasonography of the cervix and testing for CRP should be carried out. Lower pole lavage, a procedure recently developed by the authors, facilitates the identification of pathogens in the upper part of the infected area, as compared to conventional vaginal and cervical smear. Following are the most important therapeutic measures: An early total blockage of the os uteri is desirable in patients with a clinical history of late abortion or premature infants with little chance of surviving. Acidifying local treatment with Lactobacillus acidophilus is recommended in the presence of abnormally high vaginal pH values (over 4.2). If pathogenic or potentially pathogenic micro-organisms are identified in the upper part of the infected area, local antibiotic therapy should be resorted to, if useful; otherwise systemic antibiotics should be given. If the patient shows definite symptoms of imminent late abortion or early delivery (e.g. critical cervical findings and/or premature labour and/or positive CRP values), systemic wide-spectrum antibiotics should be administered, even if no pathogens have been encountered. The first assessments of the effectiveness of this programme have shown that since its institution in 1989 and 1990, the incidence of underweight infants (birth weight below 1500 g) was significantly reduced at this hospital (by 30%) as compared to the years 1987 and 1988. On the other hand, the incidence of larger underweight infants having a birth weight of 1500 g and more was shown to rise slightly by 9%, while the total number of underweight infants remained unchanged (8.7%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

[Pharmacokinetic and clinical studies of flomoxef in perinatal period]

Pharmacokinetic and clinical studies of flomoxef (FMOX) in perinatal period were carried out and the following results were obtained. 1. Concentrations of FMOX in maternal serum, umbilical cord serum and amniotic fluid were determined subsequently to intravenous injection (4 cases) and intravenous drip infusion method (20 cases) of 1 g FMOX. Maternal serum levels were similar to those of healthy adults, and peak levels of umbilical cord sera and amniotic fluids were 12.0 micrograms/ml and 12.05 micrograms/ml, respectively, using intravenous drip infusion. The levels in amniotic fluids were higher than those in umbilical cord sera at 2 hours after treatment in either administration method. Parameters T 1/2 (beta) and AUC were 1.05 hours and 74.1 micrograms.hr/ml, respectively. 2. In the treatment of 4 cases with perinatal infection and in prophylaxis cases, clinical efficacies of FMOX were all good with 1 g twice daily treatment using intravenous drip infusion. No side effects nor abnormal laboratory test values due to the drug were observed in any cases. These results indicate that single intravenous drip infusion of FMOX 1-2 g twice daily is effective for the treatment and the prophylaxis of perinatal infections.

No benefit from conservative management in nulliparous women with premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) at term. A randomized study

OBJECTIVE

To compare maternal and fetal outcome in pregnancies with premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) at term with either early induction of labor or conservative management awaiting spontaneous labor.

DESIGN

A prospective randomized trial.

SETTING

The University Hospital of Lund, Sweden.

SUBJECTS

Altogether 369 women with singleton pregnancy, cephalic presentation, gestational duration 36-41 weeks, were randomized either to induction of labor (n = 139) or conservative management up to 3 days (n = 138). Those eligible but not participating in the study totalled 92. MAIN OBSTETRIC MEASURES: Obstetric intervention rate (cesarean section or instrumental delivery) and short-term neonatal morbidity.

RESULTS

No difference was found in the rate of obstetric intervention between the induction of labor group and the group with conservative management (12.2 vs. 18.8%; chi 2 = 2.3, p greater than 0.05). A slightly increased rate of neonatal infections was seen in the latter group (0.7 vs. 4.3%; chi 2 = 3.2, p less than 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We found no benefit from conservative management for up to 3 days in women with PROM at term, compared with immediate induction of labor. There was no difference in the number of obstetric interventions during labor. The neonatal infectious morbidity was slightly higher in conservatively managed cases.

Management of asymptomatic, term gestation neonates born to mothers treated with intrapartum antibiotics

Intrapartum antibiotics are frequently administered to parturient women for suspected chorioamnionitis to treat infection in the mother and to prevent or treat infection in the baby. We sent a questionnaire to the 150 United States fellowship program directors in neonatology and pediatric infectious disease, focusing on recommendations for evaluation and therapy of apparently healthy, pretreated, term gestation infants. Eighty-three (55%) of the completed responses were analyzed. Sixteen (19%) respondents do no initial laboratory evaluation but simply observe the baby, 65 (78%) take a complete blood count as well as a platelet count, 59 (71%) obtain blood cultures, 41 (49%) check urine antigen for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) and 23 (28%) perform a lumbar puncture. Only 39% of respondents would begin antibiotic therapy for all pretreated infants. If the evaluation were unremarkable 65 directors would treat for less than or equal to 3 days. If only the urine GBS antigen were positive 47 would treat for greater than or equal to 7 days, while if an elevated immature neutrophil:total neutrophil ratio were the sole abnormality 19 would treat for greater than or equal to 7 days. Forty-four respondents thought that a combination of an elevated immature neutrophil:total neutrophil ratio and a positive urine GBS antigen should always be considered indicative of bacteremia. Given a different scenario, that of a mother treated with intrapartum antibiotics because of a positive cervical culture for GBS and a risk factor (e.g. temperature greater than or equal to 38 degrees C), 58 respondents would begin antibiotics. There is no consensus regarding management of pretreated, healthy appearing, term gestation neonates.

Placental transfer of cefazolin and piperacillin in pregnancies remote from term complicated by Rh isoimmunization

Although the administration of prophylactic antibodies for intrauterine transfusion is controversial, little information is available regarding placental transfer of antibiotics administered to the mother, or whether the presence of hydrops affects this placental transfer. Sixteen intravascular intrauterine transfusions were performed in 10 patients. Seven (10 procedures) patients were given 2 gm of cefazolin before the procedure and samples were obtained by fetal vascular access. Three patients (six procedures) were given 4 gm of piperacillin and samples were similarly obtained. Specimens were obtained for fetal serum, maternal serum, and amniotic fluid antibiotic concentration. The mean serum cefazolin concentration in hydropic fetuses was 18.04 +/- 3.37 micrograms/ml, and in nonhydropic fetuses the concentration was 21.02 +/- 17.8 micrograms/ml (p = 0.72). The mean fetal serum concentration of piperacillin was 22 +/- 12 micrograms/ml. The placental transfer of both drugs was similar. We conclude that the transplacental passage of these antibiotics is prompt and that the presence of hydrops does not significantly impair the passage of cefazolin.

Antibiotic therapy in preterm premature rupture of membranes: a randomized, prospective, double-blind trial

The use of antibiotics in the management of preterm, premature rupture of membranes remains controversial. By use of a prospective randomized double-blind design we investigated the maternal-fetal benefits associated with antibiotic therapy in 85 women with premature rupture of membranes at 34 weeks' estimated gestational age. In the treatment group 40 patients received intravenous mezlocillin for 48 hours followed by oral ampicillin until delivery. In the control group 45 patients received intravenous and oral placebo. Patients who received antibiotics had chorioamnionitis and endometritis less frequently than the control group (p less than 0.01 and p less than 0.05). Pathologic examination of the placentas showed a lower incidence of chorioamnionitis in the treatment group (p less than 0.05). The period from premature rupture of membranes to delivery (latency) was prolonged with antibiotics (p less than 0.05) and resulted in significant weight gain in the infants in the antibiotic group (p less than 0.0001). These infants also had higher 1- and 5-minute Apgar scores. Clinically suspected sepsis, respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, perinatal death rate, and prolonged hospitalization (greater than 30 days) were also increased in the control group.

[Problems and practical application of fibrin gluing in early premature rupture of the fetal membranes. 4 clinical single cases using various procedures]

In four cases of early rupture of the amnial membranes between the 19, and 29, gestational week, the membranes were closed by fibrin sealing. The pregnancies were prolonged from 5 to maximal 15 weeks. The fetale weights grew from 600 to maximal 2800 g. The children were born vital without infection and a weight between 1300 and 3620 g. The fibrin sealing appears to be a useful method in the obstetrical management.