The Effect of Transabdominal Amnioinfusion on Perinatal Outcomes in Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the role of transabdominal amnioinfusion in improving the latency period and perinatal outcomes of pregnancies complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Materials and methods:A randomized controlled trial was carried out at MCH Centre, Unit I, PIMS, Islamabad, from Jan 2008 to Dec 2008. Sixty women with singleton pregnancies between 28 and 32 completed weeks of gestation, complicated with PPROM was randomly allocated into two groups viz transabdominal amnioinfusion (amnioinfusion group) and expectant management (control group), within 24 hours of admission. Results:The demographic characteristics were comparable in both the groups. Amnioinfusion group showed significant improvement in PPROM to delivery interval (18.47 ± 6.699 vs 8.93 ± 4.741 days; p = 0.001), neonatal birth weight (p = 0.019) and Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes (p = 0.007 for 1 minute and p = 0.012 for 5 minutes). There was less frequency of respiratory distress syndrome (p = 0.032), neonatal sepsis (p = 0.020) and neonatal jaundice (p = 0.002) in the amnioinfusion group. Fewer neonates were admitted to NICU (p = 0.010) and higher survival rate was found in amnioinfusion group (p = 0.023). Conclusion:The treatment with transabdominal amnioinfusion in pregnancies complicated with PPROM resulted in significant prolongation of pregnancy and better neonatal outcomes as compared to women who were managed with traditional expectant management.