Prediction of latency interval of labour in preterm premature rupture of membranes by 2D ultrasound : Case control study

Introduction: PPROM occurs in 3% of pregnancies and is responsible for about 30% of preterm births. So, the prediction of latency interval is helpful to the patient and obstetrician to allow possible interventions and proper management.Aim: This study aimed to assess the relation between the myometrial thickness, cervical length, amniotic fluid index and membrane thickness (measured by transabdominal ultrasound) and latency interval of labor in cases of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).Patients and Methods: This was a case control study that was conducted at Al-zahraa University Hospital and Shebin El-Kom Teaching Hospital. One hundred pregnant women (28-34 weeks gestation) were divided into two groups: The first group (fifty cases of PPROM) and the second group (control group = fifty cases with no PPROM), they were subjected to routine transabdominal ultrasound examination to assess fetal biometry, amniotic fluid index, thickness of fetal membranes, cervical length, and the myometrial thickness in 4 areas (the lower uterine segment, mid-anterior uterine wall, uterine fundus, and posterior uterine wall).Results: The myometrial thickness of the anterior wall and LUS was significantly thinner, cervical length showed significant shortening, AFI was significantly decreased and the membrane thickness was significantly thicker in PPROM cases than in controls. The latency interval showed a significant inverse correlation with gestational age and a significant direct correlation with myometrial thickness, cervical length and AFI.Conclusion: There was a significant thinning in the anterior and LUS myometrial thickness in addition to shortening of cervical length, decrease in amniotic fluid index and increase in membrane thickness. Also, the myometrial thickness, the cervical length and the AFI were directly correlated with latency interval.