Rupture of Fetal Membranes Among Women Accessing Maternity Care in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital: A 5 Year Review

Abstract

Prelabour rupture of membranes (PROM) is the rupture of membranes before labour begins. Complications are increased in PROM  because of the increased risk of infection, preterm labour and prematurity. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, risk  factors and complications of prelabour rupture of membranes (PROM) in women accessing maternity care at the University of Calabar  Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria. The study was a retrospective descriptive study that utilized data retrieved from the antenatal ward  admission register, case files, theatre records and ward reports of 243 women who were managed for PROM over a 5year period at the  University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH). The data collected was entered into an excel sheet and statistical analysis carried out  using STATA 16. There were 9,227 deliveries and 243 cases of PROM giving a prevalence of 2.63% (95% CI 2.32- 2.98%). Many of the  women were in the 26 - 30 and 31 - 35years age groups 75(30%) and 68(28%) respectively. The majority of the PROM occurred at  gestational age of 37-39 weeks 102(42%). Highest risk factor was Previous history of PROM (36.2%) while 51(20.9%) of patients had no  identifiable risk factor. Birth asphyxia was found in 44(18.0%) of babies and Chorioamnionitis in 38(15.4%) of the mothers and there were  32(13.0%) perinatal deaths. PROM constitutes a serious complication of pregnancy requiring proactive antenatal care in mothers at risk   and vigilant care in affected mothers to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality.