Premature rupture of membranes: a prospective, randomized evaluation of steroids, latent phase, and expectant management.

A prospective, randomized study was conducted comparing the use of betamethasone and early delivery, early delivery alone, and expectant management in patients in the 28th to 34th week of pregnancy with premature rupture of the membranes (PROM). Tocolytic drugs were used to delay delivery until 24 hours had elapsed after the first dose of steroid or 24 to 48 hours of latent period had elapsed in the second group. There were no significant differences in maternal age, gestation at PROM, maximum maternal temperature, birth weights, maternal hospital days, respiratory distress, maternal sepsis, or delivery routes in the three groups. Comparisons with one other similar prospective, randomized study support the concept that expectant management offers less risk from tocolytic side effects.