Sonographic predicting factors of latency interval in pregnancies complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes

Abstract

Objectives: Preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) is associated with significant perinatal morbidity and mortality. To date, the latency period to delivery cannot be reliably predicted. The aim of this study was to identify potential sonographic predictors of the interval until delivery in cases with PPROM.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of all singleton pregnancies with PPROM between 24⁺⁰ and 33⁺⁶ gestational weeks that were admitted in the 3^rd Academic Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki between January 2016 and December 2019. Sonographic parameters including the cervical length (CL) and the deepest vertical pool (DVP) of amniotic fluid, as well as the pregnancy outcomes were examined.

Results: In total, 50 women fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. The multivariate analysis (multiple linear regression) revealed that only the CL made a unique contribution (p=0.001, beta=0.542) to the latency interval. Moreover, in the subgroup multivariate analyses (binary logistic regression), only the CL correlated significantly with a latency interval greater than 2 days (p=0.008, OR=1.142, 95% CI=1.036-1.262) or latency>7 days (p=0.034, OR=1.076, 95% CI=1.005-1.125).

Conclusions: The CL may be an independent predictor for the latency interval in pregnancies with PPROM between 24 and 34 gestational weeks. Further research is needed on potential sonographic and other biomarkers for the effective prediction of imminent delivery.