Les complications et la surveillance pendant la période de latence après une rupture prématurée des membranes avant terme : mise au point

[Epidemiology, risk factors and child prognosis: CNGOF Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes Guidelines]

OBJECTIVES

To synthetize the available evidence regarding the incidence and risk factors of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). To describe the evolution of pregnancy, neonatal outcomes and the prognosis of infants born in a context of PPROM, according to the existence of an associated intrauterine infection and to the latency duration.

METHOD

Consultation of the Medline database, from 1980 to February 2018.

RESULTS

PPROM before 37 and before 34 weeks' gestation occur in 2-3% and <1% of pregnancies, respectively (LE2). Although many risk factors are identified, few are modifiable, and the vast majority of patients have no risk factors (LE2). Consequently, individual prediction of the risk of PPROM and primary prevention measures have not been shown to be effective and are not recommended in clinical practice (Grade B). Most women give birth within the week following PPROM (LE2). The main complications of PPROM are prematurity, intrauterine infection and obstetric and maternal complications (LE2). Latency duration and the frequency of complications decrease with increasing gestational age at PPROM (LE2). Neonatal prognosis is largely conditioned by gestational age at birth, with no apparent over-risk of poor outcomes linked to PPROM compared to other causes of preterm birth (LE2). In contrast, intrauterine infection is associated with an increased risk of in utero fetal death (LE3), necrotizing enterocolitis (LE1) and early-onset sepsis (LE2). The association of intrauterine infection with neurological morbidity remains controversial. Prolongation of latency, from gestational age at PPROM, is beneficial for the child (LE2).

CONCLUSION

PPROM is a major cause of prematurity and short- and long-term mortality and morbidity. Antenatal care is an important issue for obstetric and pediatric teams, aiming to reduce complications and adverse consequences for both mother and child.

[A case study regarding the use of antibiotic therapies for the treatment of preterm premature rupture of fetal membranes, and emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria]

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this retrospective study is to compare two types of antimicrobial management used to treat premature rupture of membranes in pregnancy. This study evaluates both duration and the type of antibiotic therapy used for treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The antimicrobials used to treat premature rupture of membranes include a first generation cephalosporin in one group and amoxicillin in the other group. Cephalosporin was used over a 7-day period to treat 38 cases, whereas amoxicillin was used through delivery in 52 cases. Emergence of multidrug-resistant Gram negative bacteria (GNB) on maternal of neonatal sampling was the primary outcome.

RESULTS

Emergence of antibiotic resistant GNB can be seen under both antibiotic regimens and appears to be linked to the duration of latency, and to duration of antibiotic treatment. Other outcomes (duration of latency period, gestational age at delivery, maternal and neonatal complications) were similar in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Antibiotic treatment in PPROM favors a selection of GNB. This emergence is positively linked with the duration of latency between rupture of membranes and delivery and with the length of antibiotic administration. The extension of antibiotherapy does not alter other maternal or neonatal parameters.

[Rupture of membranes: pathophysiology, diagnosis, consequences and management]

Rupture of membranes (ROM) depends on mechanical stretch, extracellular matrix components imbalance and increased apoptosis. It occurs in 2 to 3% of all pregnancies before 37 weeks' gestation (WG) and in up to 10% at term. Main consequences are labor induction and risk of maternal-fetal infection. ROM is associated with one third of preterm births and about 20% of perinatal mortality. This review deals with recent knowledge concerning ROM including diagnosis and management. In many cases, ROM is easily identified by clinical examination. In other cases, the use of vaginal pH appears to be less efficient than the use of immunochromatographic strips based on IGFBP-1 or PAMG-1 detection. Before 34WG, conservative management consists in in utero transfer, antibioprophylaxis and corticosteroids. After 37WG, delivery is the most appropriate option. Between 34 and 37WG, recent studies demonstrate that induction of labour does not improve pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, expectant management can be the first option between 34 and 37WG when no active infection is suspected especially in case of unfavourable cervix.