Antibiotics for preterm rupture of membranes

Cochrane Review by Kenyon S, Boulvain M, Neilson J

This record should be cited as: Kenyon S, Boulvain M, Neilson J. Antibiotics for preterm rupture of membranes. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD001058. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001058.

ABSTRACT

Title

Antibiotics for preterm rupture of membranes

Background

Premature birth carries substantial neonatal morbidity and mortality. One cause, associated with preterm rupture of membranes (pROM), is often subclinical infection. Maternal antibiotic therapy might lessen infectious morbidity and delay labour, but could suppress labour without treating underlying infection.

Objectives

To evaluate the immediate and long-term effects of administering antibiotics to women with pROM before 37 weeks, on maternal infectious morbidity, fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, and longer-term childhood development.

Search strategy

We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register (August 2004).

Selection criteria

Randomised controlled trials comparing antibiotic administration with placebo that reported clinically relevant outcomes were included. In addition, trials, in which no placebo was used, were included for the outcome of perinatal death alone.

Data collection and analysis

We extracted data from each report without blinding of either the results or the treatments that women received. We sought unpublished data from a number of authors.

Main results

Twenty-two trials involving over 6000 women and their babies were included.

Authors' conclusions

Antibiotic administration following pROM is associated with a delay in delivery and a reduction in major markers of neonatal morbidity. These data support the routine use of antibiotics in pPROM.

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