Epidemiologic Study of Cervical Swab Culture in Preterm Premature Rupture of Membrane (PPROM) at Ramathibodi Hospital

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the incidence and results of cervical swab culture in pregnant women with preterm premature rupture of membrane (PPROM) at Ramathibodi Hospital and their management. Study design Retrospective descriptive study. SettingDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University. Subjects161 pregnant women who were diagnosed as PPROM and admitted into labor room at Ramathibodi Hospital during January 2003 and September 2006. Main outcomes Rate of cervical swab culture among cases of PPROM, types of organisms found and management compared with management protocol of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Ramathibodi Hospital. ResultsCervical swab culture was done in 64.7% of pregnant women with PPROM and 82% of cases received antibiotics. The most common organism was Gardnerella vaginalis (34.8%). Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization was found in 6.8% of cases. One case of newborn was dead from GBS infection. ConclusionThe rate of GBS colonization was low in comparison with other studies. The rate of performing swab culture and prescribing antibiotics were not consistent with management protocol of Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Ramathibodi Hospital. Management protocol should be improved in system implementation and compliance of personnel.

Keywords

• preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM)
• cervical swab culture
• group B streptococcus