Tocolysis in the Management of Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes Before 34 Weeks of Gestation (TOCOPROM)

Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) complicates 3% of pregnancies and accounts for one-third of preterm births. It is a leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity and increases the risk of maternal infectious morbidity. In cases of early PPROM (22 to 33 completed weeks' gestation), expectant management is recommended in the absence of labor, chorioamnionitis or fetal distress. Antenatal steroids and antibiotics administration are recommended by international guidelines. However, there is no recommendation regarding tocolysis administration in the setting of PPROM. In theory, reducing uterine contractility should delay delivery and reduce risks of prematurity and neonatal adverse consequences. Likewise, a prolongation of gestation may allow administering a corticosteroids complete course that is associated with a two-fold reduction of morbidity and mortality. However, tocolysis may prolong fetal exposure to inflammation and be associated with higher risk of materno-fetal infection, potentially associated with neonatal death or long-term sequelae, including cerebral palsy. The purpose of this study is to assess whether short-term (48 hr) tocolysis reduces perinatal morti-morbidity in cases of PPROM at 22 to 33 completed weeks' gestation.