Mid-childhood outcomes after pre-viable preterm premature rupture of membranes

Investigate cardiorespiratory outcomes in children surviving previable preterm premature rupture of membranes (PV-PPROM) before 22 weeks’ gestational age (GA) with minimum 2 weeks latency. Single institution, follow-up of retrospectively identified children who were born after PV-PPROM during 2000–2004, and individually matched preterm-born controls. Eleven PV-PPROM and matched control children were included at mean age of 10.5 and 10.7 years. Rupture of membranes occurred at mean GA 182 and 276 weeks and birth at 283 and 286 weeks, respectively. Compared to controls, the PV-PPROM group had significantly poorer lung function, findings on echocardiography indicating mild pulmonary hypertension, and lower peak oxygen consumption. Chart reviews suggested more motor difficulties and a tendency towards more problems with learning and attention. The findings highlight a preterm-born sub-group in need of targeted long-term monitoring and possibly interventions regarding future cardiorespiratory and neurodevelopmental function.