ASCORBIC ACID LEVELS IN PPROM AND ITS MATERNAL AND PERINATAL OUTCOME

Abstract

Background: Preterm prelabour rupture of membranes is the spontaneous rupture of fetal membranes before 37 completed weeks of gestation and before onset of labour. It complicates approximately 1-5 % of all pregnancies and contributes to one- third of preterm births. The biochemical mechanism in membrane rupture is disturbances in collagen structure and increased oxidative stress. Vitamin C deciency during pregnancy leads to abnormal collagen formation leading to preterm, prelabour rupture of membranes and complications. This study was undertaken to establish the relation between maternal plasma vitamin C concentration in women with PPROM and women without PPROM and to correlate the neonatal morbidity and mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This case control study was conducted in Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, J.J.M Medical College, Davangere. 120 patients were studied, 60 were in study group (patients admitted to labour room with h/o PPROM) and 60 in the control group (patients admitted to labour room at term for delivery). Fasting blood sample was taken to measure the plasma vitamin C levels in both the groups. RESULTS: Plasma vitamin C levels were low in PPROM patients and the concentration decreased as the pregnancy advanced, this proves linear relationship between plasma vitamin C levels and PPROM. The results of this study showed decreased plasma vitamin C levels leading to PPROM, preterm deliveries, increased NICU admissions, increased perinatal morbidity, mortality, maternal anaemia in study group than in control group. CONCLUSION: As vitamin C deciency during pregnancy leads to PPROM, it's supplementation during pregnancy along with iron and calcium in second and third trimester should be made mandatory