Background: Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation is a significant contributor to preterm birth, leading to various neonatal complications. Accurate prediction of the latency period—the time from membrane rupture to delivery—can enhance clinical management by guiding interventions that improve outcomes for both mother and neonate. This study aimed to assess the correlation between Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI), Uterocervical Angle (UCA), and Umbilical Artery (UA) Doppler with the latency period in PPROM.
Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 100 pregnant women with PPROM between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation were included. The cohort was divided into two groups based on the latency period: Group I (n=58) delivered within 7 days post-PPROM, and Group II (n=42) delivered after 7 days.
Results: AFI at PROM was significantly lower in Group I (4 cm) compared to Group II (7.4 cm, P < 0.001). The mean UCA was larger in Group I (124.38 ± 19.37°) than in Group II (104.92 ± 26.51°, P < 0.001). Higher pulsatility index (PI) (0.98 ± 0.16 vs. 0.92 ± 0.11, P = 0.019) and S/D ratio (2.89 ± 0.68 vs. 2.66 ± 0.45, P = 0.043) were observed in Group I. Logistic regression identified AFI and UCA as significant predictors of prolonged latency.
Conclusion: Lower AFI, larger UCA, and higher UA Doppler PI and S/D ratios are significantly linked with a shorter latency period in PPROM cases.