Premature rupture of membranes before fetal viability.

The outcome of 53 cases expectantly managed with premature rupture of membranes (PROM) before fetal viability (16 to 25 weeks) was retrospectively reviewed. Forty-one percent of patients developed amnionitis, four had prolonged hospital stays (longer than seven days), and one each had sepsis and pelvic thrombophlebitis. Twenty-two mothers (41%) had no complications. No serious long-term maternal sequelae were noted. Eighteen patients were delivered after 26 weeks, and there were 13 surviving neonates with birth weights ranging from 740 to 2170 g.