Premature rupture of membranes at term: immediate induction of labor versus expectant management

Objective : To compare the maternal outcomes of immediate induction of labor with expectant management in women presenting with premature rupture of membranes (PROM) at term. Methods : One hundred and fifty two women with PROM at term were randomized into either immediate induction of labor with oxytocin or expectant management for a period of 12 hours. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of clinical endometritis in each group. Secondary outcomes were the mode of delivery, the neonatal outcome and the proportion of women in the expectant management group that progressed to spontaneous labor. Results : The immediate induction arm had a lower caesarean section rate, (7.9% vs 28.9%, P=0.001), higher spontaneous vaginal delivery rate (92.1% vs 71.1%; P=0.001) and lower incidence of clinical endometritis (0% vs 5.3%, P=0.006), when compared with the expectant management arm. The estimated duration of labor was shorter in the expectant management arm (8.9±2.17hours vs 10.6±2.35hours; P=<0.001). Neonatal morbidity rates were comparable in both groups. Conclusion : Immediate induction of labor in women with PROM at term resulted in significantly lower rate of infectious morbidity without increasing the risk of operative delivery. It is therefore recommended as the management option of choice. Keywords : Premature rupture of membranes, induction of labor, endometritis