AMNIOPATCH – way forward for midtrimester premature rupture of membrane (PROM)

Fetal membranes are important for amniotic fluid homestasis. It protects the growing fetus against infection, trauma and provides space for movement and growth. Strength of the tissue is provided by collagen in amnion, although amnion and chorion together... More

Fetal membranes are important for amniotic fluid homestasis. It protects the growing fetus against infection, trauma and provides space for movement and growth. Strength of the tissue is provided by collagen in amnion, although amnion and chorion together are stronger than either layer1. Etiology PROM Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) complicates approximately 10-12% of pregnancies and may happen in 0.8-1% post amniocentesis. Rate of fetal morbidity and mortality with PROM is very high due to preterm delivery, infection, miscarriage or pulmonary hypoplasia due to chronic oligohydramnios. The clinical approach to the situation lies in waiting for spontaneous closure of the rupture, which is a rare possibility or terminating the pregnancy. It has been postulated that chronic infection and inflammation increases the production of hormones and cytokines2 along with repeated stretching of amnio-chorion induces a phenomenon known as strain hardening. This makes the membranes less elastic Less