Maternal Mortality in Women With Previable Premature Rupture of Membranes: An Analysis From the French Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths

Abstract

(Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2022;101:1395–1402) Previable premature rupture of membranes (PvPROM) is a rare complication of pregnancy (<1% frequency) but can lead to severe maternal adverse outcomes including sepsis and death. Conservative management without fetal extraction is common, but the documented risk of maternal sepsis remains elevated and variable even with prophylactic antibiotic treatment. The data on maternal mortality is lacking, and underreporting is a concern. The aim of this study was to characterize the lethality of PvPROM to inform decision-making as to whether to prolong a ruptured pregnancy or recommend termination.