A comparative study of outcome of preterm neonate with and without history of preterm premature rupture of membrane.

The aim of the study was to find out the neonatal outcome of infants born with history of preterm premature rupture of membrane (PPROM) and to compare with infants born without history of PPROM. It was a retrospective study that included 187 preterm newborn with history of PPROM admitted in neonatal intensive care unit of the third affiliated hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2008 to December 2008. Another 150 preterm newborns from same department during same period were taken as control. Patient demographics, patient's problem, investigation, management and outcome were recorded from medical record department and compared. Chi square and t test were used for statistical analysis. There was no statistical difference of gestational age, mode of delivery, birth weight and gender between case and control group. Respiratory system related problems like birth asphyxia, respiratory distress syndrome, apnea and pneumonia were common in both group but not statistical significant (p>0.05). However, need of oxygen supply and mechanical ventilation was significantly more (p<0.05) in case group. Neonatal death was more in case group (5.3%) than in control group (0.7%) and was statistically significant (p<0.001). The morbidity of preterm neonate does not entirely depend on history of PPROM than prematurity itself. However severity of disease and death is more with history of PPROM.