Utility of antibiotic therapy in preterm premature rupture of membranes: a meta-analysis.

The optimal management of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is controversial. Maternal risks must be weighed against fetal benefit when expectant management is considered. Despite concerns about maternal harm, protocols of expectant management seem to afford the best perinatal outcomes. Given that infection often is the common pathway for delivery in preterm PROM, recent reports have explored the utility of maternal administration of antibiotics. In this paper we will summarize these results using meta-analytic techniques and assess the impact of antibiotic therapy on maternal and perinatal outcomes.