The use of fetal biophysical profile improves pregnancy outcome in premature rupture of the membranes.

Overview

A protocol using daily fetal biophysical assessment was applied in 73 consecutive patients with premature rupture of the membranes and no clinical signs of infection or labor. A persistently low biophysical score (7 or less on two examinations 2 hours apart) in the presence of a nonreactive nonstress test and absence of fetal breathing was used as an indication for delivery. Measures of pregnancy outcome included the presence of amnionitis or neonatal infection. The outcome of pregnancy in this group of patients was compared with the outcomes of two historic groups: one managed conservatively (control group) and the other managed with amniocentesis on admission to the hospital (amniocentesis group). Infection outcome, maternal as well as neonatal, and low 5-minute Apgar scores were significantly less in the study than in the control group. The frequency of neonatal sepsis was significantly less in the study than in the amniocentesis group. These data suggest that management of premature rupture of the membranes with daily fetal biophysical profiles improves pregnancy outcome by reducing the incidence of maternal and neonatal infection.