Preterm labor and preterm premature rupture of the membranes - Diagnosis and management

Preterm delivery is the major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality in the United States. Corticosteroid therapy is one of the most effective ante natal interventions in reducing infant morbidity and should be administered if feasible. Acute tocolytic therapy offers short-term benefit to enable corticosteroid administration but is not without risks to the mother and fetus. Adjunctive antibiotic administration after preterm premature rupture of membranes remote from term offers a reduction of chorioamnionitis, prolongation of latency, and a reduction of neonatal infections and gestational age-dependent morbidity.