ABSTRACT
To investigate the effects of magnesium sulfate therapy in premature preterm rupture
of membranes (PPROM), this retrospective cohort study of deliveries after PPROM over
a 3-year period was performed. Gestational age-matched patients, who received magnesium
sulfate therapy after PPROM, were compared with those who did not receive tocolysis.
Deliveries within 48 hours (47 versus 22%) and a week (92 versus 44%) of PPROM occurred
more frequently in those who received tocolysis. Cervical dilation and frequency of
contractions were not different between the two groups. There was no difference at
24 hours in the delivery rates (36 versus 22%). Population demographics and neonatal/obstetrical
outcomes were similar between the two groups except for a shorter latency in patients
who received tocolysis (60 [1-245] versus 127 [1-1848] hours, median [range]). Magnesium
sulfate therapy does not appear to improve maternal or neonatal outcome in PPROM and
may in fact shorten the latency period.
KEYWORDS
Premature preterm rupture of membranes - latency - tocolysis