Using Sonographically Estimated Myometrial Thickness in Prediction of Latency Interval in Cases of Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM)

Objectives: To study myometrial thickness (MT) sonographically as a predictor of latency interval in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Study design: The data were collected in a prospective manner from the antenatal patients between November 2011 and June 2013 during the follow-up of patients in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Goa Medical College. 100 patients with the periods of gestation of 28–36 weeks were studied, out of which 50 were PPROM cases and 50 were controls, both not in labor. The demographic factors and MT of uterine wall are measured at four different levels: midanterior, posterior, lower uterine segment (LUS), and fundus, which are then compared with the latency interval which is defined as the time from the rupture of membranes to the time of delivery. Results: There was a significant inverse relation between the periods of gestation and latency interval, and positive correlation between anterior MT (p value 0.047), LUS thickness (p value 0.000), and latency interval implicating that the thicker the myometrium at admission in cases of PPROM the longer the latency period. Conclusion: MT appears a promising tool for obstetricians for predicting latency in cases of PPROM and guiding the management. © 2015, Federation of Obstetric & Gynecological Societies of India.