Saline solution amnioinfusion was performed for 12 cases of preterm PROM before 27 weeks gestational age complicated by
oligohydramnios in order to suppress
chorioamnionitis, prevent fetal pulmonary hypoplasia and delay delivery. The results were as follows. 1. The mean gestational ages at diagnosis of premature
rupture of membranes and initiating
saline solution amnioinfusion were 23.6 +/- 2.9 weeks and 24.9 +/- 1.5 weeks, respectively. The mean duration of
saline solution amnioinfusion was 14.7 +/- 11.9 days. The mean gestational age at delivery was 27.2 +/- 1.7 weeks. The mean
birth weight was 1,056 +/- 220g. 2.
Saline solution amnioinfusion was effective in relieving
oligohydramnios in all cases. No pulmonary hypoplasia was observed in the infants. 3. Clinically
saline solution amnioinfusion was effective in suppressing
chorioamnionitis in 9 cases out of 12. Histologically the picture of
chorioamnionitis was revealed in 10 cases out of 12. no serious
infection was observed in the infants. 4. Nine infants out of 12 survived. There were 2 IUFD and one
neonatal death. The perinatal survival rate was 75%. 5. It is concluded from the above results that
saline solution amnioinfusion is an effective treatment for preterm PROM before 27 weeks' gestational age.