Modeling the duration of the latency period after preterm premature rupture of the membranes according to maternal and pregnancy characteristics: DOMINOS study☆

Abstract 

Objective

The objective was to assess the effects of maternal and pregnancy characteristics on the rupture-to-delivery interval.

Study design

DOMINOS study, a descriptive prospective population-based study, recorded the characteristics of 598 pregnancies with preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM) between 24 and 34 weeks’ gestation. Univariate and multivariate analyses was performed that were likely to affect the rupture-to-delivery interval.

Results

Sixty percent of babies were born within 1 week. Three factors shortened the delay: multiple pregnancies, preterm labor before PPROM, and PPROM after 32 weeks. The estimated median interval for a single pregnancy occurring between 32 and 34 weeks’ gestation was 4.68 days (95% CI 3.90; 5.61). This interval was shorter in multiple pregnancies, but doubled with PPROM before 32 weeks’ gestation.

Conclusion

The estimate of the rupture-to-delivery interval according to maternal and pregnancy characteristics may help in comparing the benefit in terms of reduction of prematurity with the risk of complications such as chorioamnionitis or fetal distress.

Keywords: Fetal membranes, Rupture, Latency period, Model of prediction