Premature rupture of membranes one fetus from a multiple pregnancy

Abstract

Summary In multiple gestation, premature rupture of fetal membranes (PROM) is an important risk factor for premature delivery and intrauterine infection. The incidence of PROM in twin gestations is threefold of that in singleton pregnancies. The incidence in triplets occurs even more frequently, underlining the role of PROM as a leading cause of infant mortality and morbidity. Besides prematurity, the complications of PROM include umbilical cord compression due to oligohydramnios, cord prolapse, placental abruption, and chorioamnionitis. Together with PROM, chorioamnionitis is held responsible for significant maternal and neonatal morbidity, including endometritis and sepsis in the mother, and early-onset sepsis, respiratory distress syndrome, inborn pneumonia, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, and periventricular white matter injury in the neonate. Furthermore, in twin gestations, PROM remains an independent risk factor for long-term neonatal care. An uncommon situation develops when in multiple gestation PROM affects only one of the fetuses. In such cases, the co-existence in the uterine cavity of the properly developing fetus(es) can be a challenge for the process of medical decision-making. In the present work, limited world literature on the topic was critically reviewed in search of the best possible recommendations for clinical management.