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Abstract Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is defined as rupture ofthe fetal membranes before the onset of labour irrespective of gestational age. It occurs in approximately 8% of women with pregnancy at term. Epidemiological data on the time interval from PROM at term to spontaneous labour demonstrates that over 60% of these women begin labour spontaneously within 24 hours and over 95% begin labour spontaneously within 72 hours. (1) Early and accurate diagnosis of preterm PROM would allow for gestational age-specific obstetric interventions designed to optimize perinatal outcome and minimize serious complications, such as cord prolapse and infectious morbidity (chorioamnionitis, neonatal sepsis).Conversely, a false-positive diagnosis of preterm PROM may lead to unnecessary obstetric interventions, including hospitalization, administration of antibiotics and corticosteroids, and even induction of labor. |