Prediction of the latency period by cervical length in preterm premature rupture of membranes

Abstract

PREMATURE RUPTURE OF MEMBRANES ACQUINONETTE BRYANT, TAMMY SINCLAIR, AMY MURTHA, Duke University Medical Center, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Durham, North Carolina OBJECTIVE: Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) remains a leading cause of preterm delivery. The interval from rupture of membranes to delivery is important in optimizing neonatal outcomes. However, predicting the latency period remains a challenge in obstetric practice. The objective of this study is to determine if the cervical length in pregnant women diagnosed with (PPROM) is associated with a decrease in latency period. The secondary objective is to determine if cervical length is associated with an increase in the incidence of funisitis. STUDY DESIGN: The ultrasound reports of women, whom were previously recruited in the PPROM Infection & Inflammation study, were reviewed; and data regarding the cervical length and the mode of ultrasound was collected. All subjects admitted with the diagnosis from 22-34 weeks were approached for enrollment. All subjects received an ultrasound as part of their routine care. The latency period was defined in hours from the time of rupture to the time of delivery. The cervical lengths were divided into two groups: > or %2.5 cm. The latency period between the two groups was compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. The cervical length and incidence of funisitis was compared using the t test. RESULTS: Of the 112 patients enrolled 24% had cervical length %2.5 cm. A cervical length of %2.5 cm was associated with a significant decrease in the median latency compared to those >2.5 cm (142.8 hours versus 290.9 hours, P = .002). 37% (37/102) of the patients enrolled had a histological diagnosis of funisitis. The mean cervical length in patients with funisitis was 3.44 cm compared to 3.05 cm in those without funisitis (P = .64). CONCLUSION: In women with PPROM the latency period appears to be shorter in patients with a cervical length %2.5 cm. Preliminary analysis suggests that cervical length may not predict funisitis. S104 SMFM Abstracts