Azithromycin vs erythromycin for the management of preterm premature rupture of membranes

Azithromycin dosing and preterm premature rupture of membranes treatment (ADAPT): a randomized controlled Phase I trial

BACKGROUND

Seven days of antibiotics are recommended in the setting of preterm premature rupture of membranes to promote latency. Azithromycin has generally replaced a 7-day course of erythromycin in current clinical practice. Azithromycin clears from plasma quickly and concentrates in local tissue, which is why daily dosing is not always needed, and local tissue, rather than plasma, concentrations are used to determine dosing. On the basis of limited pharmacokinetic studies in pregnancy, a 1-time dose of 1 g azithromycin may not maintain local (amniotic fluid) drug concentrations above minimum inhibitory concentrations for common genitourinary pathogens (50-500 ng/mL).

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to compare the pharmacokinetics of 1-time vs daily dosing of azithromycin in the setting of preterm prelabor rupture of membranes.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a randomized clinical trial of singletons with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes randomized to 1 g oral azithromycin once or 500 mg oral azithromycin daily for 7 days. The primary outcome was amniotic fluid azithromycin concentrations over 8 days. Secondary outcomes included plasma azithromycin trough concentrations. Plasma was collected at 1-4 hours and 12-24 hours after the first dose and then every 24 hours through 8 days. Amniotic fluid was collected opportunistically throughout the day noninvasively with Always Flex foam pads. We aimed to enroll 20 participants to achieve n=5 still pregnant through 8 days in each group. Continuous variables were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test, and the relationship between azithromycin concentration and time was assessed using linear regression.

RESULTS

The study was halted after 6 enrolled because of lagging enrollment, with 3 in each group. The mean gestational age of enrollment was 27.1±1.7 weeks in the 1 g group and 31.0±1.4 weeks in the 500 mg daily group. One participant in each group had latency to delivery >7 days. Regarding amniotic fluid azithromycin concentration, there was a difference in change in amniotic fluid azithromycin concentration over time between groups (P<.001). The amniotic fluid concentration of azithromycin was relatively stable in the 1 g once group (B,-0.07; 95% confidence interval, -0.44 to 0.31; P=.71), whereas amniotic fluid concentration (ng/mL) increased over time (hours) in the 500 mg daily group (B, 1.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.7-1.9; P<.001). By ≥96 hours, median amniotic fluid levels of azithromycin were lower in the 1 g once group (median, 11; interquartile, 7-56) compared with 500 mg daily (median, 46; interquartile, 23-196), with a median difference of -27 (interquartile,-154 to -1; P=.03). In plasma, there was higher azithromycin concentration during the first 24 hours with 1 g once vs 500 mg daily (median difference, 637 ng/mL; 101-1547; P=.01); however, by ≥96 hours plasma azithromycin declined and was virtually undetectable in the 1 g once group, whereas trough plasma levels in the 500 mg remained elevated (median difference -207 ng/mL; interquartile, -271 to -155; P=.03).

CONCLUSION

Approximately 500 mg daily dosing of azithromycin maintains higher amniotic fluid concentrations and more consistently greater than common minimum inhibitory concentrations over 8 days compared with 1 g once in the setting of PPROM. El resumen está disponible en Español al final del artículo.

Frontiers in the Etiology and Treatment of Preterm Premature Rupture of Membrane: From Molecular Mechanisms to Innovative Therapeutic Strategies

Preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM) poses a significant threat to fetal viability and increases the risk for newborn morbidities. The perinatal period of preterm infants affected by pPROM is often characterized by higher rates of mortality and morbidity, with associated risks of cerebral palsy, developmental delays, compromised immune function, respiratory diseases, and sensory impairments. pPROM is believed to result from a variety of causes, including but not limited to microbially induced infections, stretching of fetal membranes, oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and age-related changes in the fetal-placental interface. Maternal stress, nutritional deficiencies, and medically induced procedures such as fetoscopy are also considered potential contributing factors to pPROM. This comprehensive review explores the potential etiologies leading to pPROM, delves into the intricate molecular mechanisms through which these etiologies cause membrane ruptures, and provides a concise overview of diagnostic and treatment approaches for pPROM. Based on available therapeutic options, this review proposes and explores the possibilities of utilizing a novel composite hydrogel composed of amniotic membrane particles for repairing ruptured fetal membranes, thereby holding promise for its clinical application.

Latency Antibiotics in Preterm Prelabor Rupture of Membranes: A Comparison of Azithromycin Regimens

BACKGROUND

Treatment with antibiotics at the time of preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) has been shown to prolong pregnancy. Due to the recurrent shortage of erythromycin, azithromycin has been substituted in the traditional regimen; however, there are little data on optimal dosing.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine whether there is a difference in latency from onset of PPROM to delivery in patients who received a single dose of azithromycin compared with a 5-day course.

METHODS

This was a single-center, multisite, retrospective, IRB approved analysis of patients admitted with a diagnosis of PPROM. Patients were included if rupture occurred between 22 0/7 and 33 6/7 weeks of gestation and received either a single dose or a 5-day course of azithromycin along with a beta lactam.

RESULTS

A total of 376 patients were reviewed with 296 patients included in the final analysis. There was no statistical difference in the primary outcome of latency days in patients who received the 5-day versus the single-dose course (4 vs 5 days, P = 0.641). There was a significantly higher rate of histologic chorioamnionitis in the single-dose course of azithromycin (46.4% vs 62.6%, P = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

There was no difference in latency for patients who received a 5-day course of azithromycin versus a single dose for the treatment of PPROM. A higher rate of histologic chorioamnionitis was observed in those who received the single-day course. Prospective follow-up studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Prevention and Therapy of Preterm Birth. Guideline of the DGGG, OEGGG and SGGG (S2k Level, AWMF Registry Number 015/025, September 2022) - Part 2 with Recommendations on the Tertiary Prevention of Preterm Birth and on the Management of Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes

Aim The revision of this guideline was coordinated by the German Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics (DGGG), the Austrian Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics (OEGGG) and the Swiss Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics (SGGG). The aim of the guideline is to improve the prediction, prevention and management of preterm birth based on evidence from the current literature, the experience of members of the guidelines commission, and the viewpoint of self-help organizations. Methods The members of the contributing professional societies and organizations developed recommendations and statements based on international literature. The recommendations and statements were presented and adopted using a formal process (structured consensus conferences with neutral moderation, written Delphi vote). Recommendations Part 2 of this short version of the guideline presents statements and recommendations on the tertiary prevention of preterm birth and the management of preterm premature rupture of membranes.

Outcomes after extended azithromycin administration in preterm premature rupture of membranes

BACKGROUND

Preterm premature rupture of membranes accounts for approximately one-quarter of all preterm deliveries and occurs in 2% to 3% of all pregnancies. With subclinical infection being a suspected cause of preterm premature rupture of membranes, the administration of prophylactic antibiotics is an accepted standard of care to extend the latency period. Historically, erythromycin was used in the antibiotic regimen recommended for women with preterm premature rupture of membranes during expectant management; however, azithromycin has recently been shown to be a suitable alternative.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate whether extended azithromycin administration affects the latency time in preterm premature rupture of membranes.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective multi-institutional cohort study in Washington, District of Columbia, of patients admitted from January 2012 to December 2019 with preterm premature rupture of membranes of singleton pregnancies between 23 0/7 and 33 6/7 weeks of gestation. Patients were excluded if they had multiple pregnancies, had an allergy to penicillin or macrolides, were in labor, had suspected placental abruptions, had overt chorioamnionitis, or had nonreassuring fetal status on presentation indicating the need for prompt delivery. Patients that received limited azithromycin administration (<2 days) and patients that received extended azithromycin administration (7 days) were compared. All patients otherwise received the institutional standard of 2 days of intravenous ampicillin followed by 5 days of oral amoxicillin. The primary outcome was length of gestational latency, defined as the time from membrane rupture to delivery. The selective secondary outcomes that were evaluated were rates of chorioamnionitis and adverse neonatal outcomes, including sepsis, respiratory distress, necrotizing enterocolitis, intraventricular hemorrhage, and neonatal death.

RESULTS

During the study period, 416 cases of preterm premature rupture of membranes were identified. Of the 287 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 165 (57.5%) received limited azithromycin administration, and 122 (42.5%) received extended azithromycin administration. Adjusted median gestational latency was significantly longer for patients who received extended azithromycin administration, extended by >3 days (2.6 days [interquartile range, 2.2-3.1] for limited azithromycin administration vs 5.8 days [interquartile range, 4.8-6.9] for extended azithromycin administration; P<.001). Neonatal secondary outcome evaluation was performed on 216 cases (76%). There was no difference in chorioamnionitis or adverse neonatal outcomes between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

Among patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes, extended azithromycin administration was associated with increased latency, without any effect on other maternal or neonatal outcomes.

A randomized clinical trial of antibiotic treatment duration in preterm premature rupture of membranes: 7 days vs until delivery

BACKGROUND

Antibiotic treatment in preterm premature rupture of membranes can prolong the interval from membrane rupture to delivery and improve neonatal outcomes. However, the duration of antibiotic treatment for preterm premature rupture of membranes has been rarely compared in prospective studies.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the optimal duration of antibiotic treatment for premature rupture of membranes. We performed a randomized controlled trial comparing neonatal morbidity and infantile neurologic outcomes between 2 groups of patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes who received antibiotic treatment for 7 days or until delivery, respectively.

STUDY DESIGN

This prospective randomized study included patients who were diagnosed with preterm premature rupture of membranes between 22+0 weeks and 33+6 weeks of gestation. The enrolled patients were randomly assigned to receive intravenous cefazolin (1 g dosage every 12 hours) and oral clarithromycin (500 mg dosage every 12 hours) either for 7 days or until delivery. The study protocol was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT01503606. The primary outcome was a neonatal composite morbidity, and the secondary outcome was neurologic outcomes at 12 months of corrected age. We enrolled 151 patients and allocated 75 and 76 of them to the 7-day and until-delivery groups, respectively. Analysis was done by per protocol.

RESULTS

After excluding cases lost to follow-up and those with protocol violations, 63 (7-day regimen) and 61 (until-delivery regimen) patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes and their babies were compared. There was no significant difference in the pregnancy outcomes, including gestational age at delivery and the interval from rupture of membranes to delivery, between the 2 groups. Among the neonatal outcomes, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, retinopathy of prematurity, necrotizing enterocolitis, and proven neonatal sepsis did not differ between the groups. However, the rates of respiratory distress syndrome (32.8% vs 50.8%; P=.039) and composite neonatal morbidities (34.4% vs 53.9%; P=.026) were lower in the until-delivery group than in the 7-day group. This difference remained statistically significant after a multivariable analysis adjusting for maternal age, twin pregnancy, antenatal corticosteroids treatment, gestational age at delivery, interval from rupture of membranes to delivery, and clinical chorioamnionitis. Infantile neurologic outcomes were evaluated in 71.4% of the babies discharged alive and did not differ between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the until-delivery regimen of cefazolin and clarithromycin in preterm premature rupture of membranes led to a lower incidence of composite neonatal morbidity and respiratory distress syndrome than the 7-day regimen, and both regimens otherwise showed similar individual neonatal morbidities and infantile neurologic outcomes.

Antibiotic prophylaxis in pregnant with premature rupture of ovular membranes: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials that compared the use of antibiotics versus placebo in premature rupture of membranes preterm and evaluated maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes in pregnant women with premature rupture of ovular membranes at a gestational age between 24 and 37 weeks.

METHODS

A search was conducted using keywords in PubMed, Cochrane, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde and Biblioteca Digital de Teses e Dissertações da USP between August 2018 and December 2021. A total of 926 articles were found. Those included were randomized clinical trials that compared the use of antibiotics versus placebo in the premature rupture of preterm membranes. Articles referring to antibiotics only for streptococcus agalactiae prophylaxis were excluded. The retrieved articles were independently and blindly analyzed by two reviewers. A total of 24 manuscripts met the inclusion criteria and 21 articles were included for quantitative analysis.

RESULTS

Among the maternal outcomes analyzed, there was a prolongation of the latency period that was ≥7 days. In addition, we observed a reduction in chorioamnionitis in the group of pregnant women who used antibiotics. As for endometritis and other maternal outcomes, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. Regarding fetal outcomes, antibiotic prophylaxis worked as a protective factor for neonatal sepsis. Necrotizing enterocolitis and respiratory distress syndrome showed no statistically significant differences.

CONCLUSION

The study showed positive results in relation to antibiotic prophylaxis to prolong the latency period, new randomized clinical trials are needed to ensure its beneficial effect.

PROSPERO DATABASE REGISTRATION

(www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero) under number CRD42020155315.

Different azithromycin protocols for management of preterm prelabour rupture of membranes: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Preterm prelabor rupture of membranes is associated with polymicrobial infection; hence broad-spectrum antibiotics are recommended. Nowadays, Azithromycin is used instead of Erythromycin due to erythromycin shortages, its ease of administration, decreased cost, and better side effect profile. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of different azithromycin protocols for the conservative management of preterm prelabor rupture of membranes.

METHODS

It was a single-blinded randomized clinical trial including pregnant women at 24-36⁺⁶ weeks with viable singleton pregnancies and confirmed preterm prelabor rupture of membranes from January 01, 2020, to June 01, 2021. The participants were randomized into two groups: Group I was made of women who received Azithromycin 1000 mg PO once, and Group II of women who received Azithromycin 500 mg PO once, followed by Azithromycin 250 mg PO daily for four days. The primary study outcome was the length of the latency period from the diagnosis of preterm prelabor rupture of membranes to delivery (days).

RESULTS

The latency period in group I was significantly higher than that in Group II (5.80 ± 5.44 days vs. 2.88 ± 2.37; respectively, p = 0.0001). The mean gestational age at the time of delivery was significantly higher in Group I (p = 0.0001). However, postpartum endometritis and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) rates were significantly higher in Group II (p = 0.003 and p = 0.0001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The higher dose of Azithromycin was associated with better maternal and neonatal outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical trial identification number: Clinical trial.gov: NCT04202380 (17/ 12/ 2019). Date of registration: 1/1 /2020. Date of initial participant enrollment30 /1/2020. URL of the registration site: https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov/ct2/show/NCT04202380.

Directive clinique no 430 : Diagnostic et prise en charge de la rupture prématurée des membranes avant terme

OBJECTIF

Fournir des directives claires et concises pour le diagnostic et la prise en charge de la rupture prématurée des membranes avant terme (RPMAT).

POPULATION CIBLE

Toute patiente manifestant une rupture prématurée des membranes avant 37 semaines d'aménorrhée. BéNéFICES, RISQUES ET COûTS: La présente directive clinique vise à fournir les premières recommandations générales canadiennes sur la prise en charge de la rupture des membranes avant terme. Elle repose sur un examen complet et à jour des données probantes sur le diagnostic de la rupture et sur la prise en charge, le bon moment et les modes d'accouchement. DONNéES PROBANTES: Des recherches ont été effectuées dans PubMed-Medline et Cochrane en 2021 en utilisant les termes suivants : preterm premature rupture of membranes, PPROM, chorioamnionitis, Nitrazine test, ferning, commercial tests, PAMG-1, IGFBP-1 test, ultrasonography, PPROM/antenatal corticosteroids, PPROM/Magnesium sulphate, PPROM/antibiotic treatment, PPROM/tocolysis, PPROM/preterm labour, PPROM/neonatal outcomes, PPROM/mortality, PPROM/outpatient/inpatient, PPROM/cerclage, previable PPROM. Les articles retenus sont des essais cliniques randomisés, des méta-analyses, des revues systématiques, des directives cliniques et des études observationnelles. D'autres publications pertinentes ont été sélectionnées à partir des notices bibliographiques de ces articles. Seuls les articles en anglais ont été examinés. MéTHODES DE VALIDATION: Les auteurs ont évalué la qualité des données probantes et la force des recommandations en utilisant le cadre méthodologique GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation). Voir l'annexe A (tableau A1 pour les définitions et tableau A2 pour l'interprétation des recommandations fortes et faibles). PROFESSIONNELS CONCERNéS: Tous les fournisseurs de soins de santé prénatale ou périnatale. DÉCLARATIONS SOMMAIRES: RECOMMANDATIONS.

Guideline No. 430: Diagnosis and management of preterm prelabour rupture of membranes

OBJECTIVE

To provide clear and concise guidelines for the diagnosis and management of preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM) TARGET POPULATION: All patients with PPROM <37 weeks gestation BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS: This guideline aims to provide the first Canadian general guideline on the management of preterm membrane rupture. It includes a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the evidence on the diagnosis, management, timing and method of delivery.

EVIDENCE

The following search terms were entered into PubMed/Medline and Cochrane in 2021: preterm premature rupture of membranes, PPROM, chorioamnionitis, Nitrazine test, ferning, commercial tests, placental alpha microglobulin-1 (PAMG-1) test, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) test, ultrasonography, PPROM/antenatal corticosteroids, PPROM/Magnesium sulphate, PPROM/ antibiotic treatment, PPROM/tocolysis, PPROM/preterm labour, PPROM/Neonatal outcomes, PPROM/mortality, PPROM/outpatient/inpatient, PPROM/cerclage, previable PPROM. Articles included were randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, guidelines, and observational studies. Additional publications were identified from the bibliographies of these articles. Only English-language articles were reviewed.

VALIDATION METHODS

The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See Appendix A (Tables A1 for definitions and A2 for interpretations of strong and weak recommendations).

INTENDED AUDIENCE

All prenatal and perinatal health care providers.

SUMMARY STATEMENTS

RECOMMENDATIONS.

The Management of Pregnancy Complicated with the Previable Preterm and Preterm Premature Rupture of the Membranes: What about a Limit of Neonatal Viability?-A Review

Preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM) at the limit of viability is associated with low neonatal survival rates and a high rate of neonatal complications in survivors. It carries a major risk of maternal morbidity and mortality. The limit of viability can be defined as the earliest stage of fetal maturity when a fetus has a reasonable chance, although not a high likelihood, for extra-uterine survival. The study reviews available data on preventing preterm delivery caused by the previable PPROM, pregnancy latency, therapeutic options including the use of antibiotics and steroids, neonatal outcomes, and future directions and opportunities.

Developing a Core Outcome Set for the Evaluation of Antibiotic Use in Prelabor Rupture of Membranes: A Systematic Review and Semi-Structured Interview

Background: Prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM) is associated with maternal and neonatal infections. Although guidelines suggest prophylactic antibiotics for pregnant women with PROM, the optimal antibiotic regimen remains controversial. Synthesizing the data from different studies is challenging due to variations in reported outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to form the initial list of outcomes for the core outcome set (COS) that evaluates antibiotic use in PROM by identifying all existing outcomes and patients' views. Methods: Relevant studies were identified by searching PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and VIP databases. We also screened the references of the included studies as a supplementary search. We extracted basic information from the articles and the outcomes. Two reviewers independently selected the studies, extracted the data, extracted the outcomes, and grouped them into domains. Then, semi-structured interviews based on the potential factors collected by the systematic review were conducted at West China Second Hospital of Sichuan University. Pregnant women who met the diagnostic criteria for PROM were enrolled. Participants reported their concerns about the outcomes. Two researchers identified the pregnant women's concerns. Results: A total of 90 studies were enrolled in this systematic review. The median outcomes in the included studies was 7 (1-31), and 109 different unique outcomes were identified. Pre-term PROM (PPROM) had 97 outcomes, and term PROM (TPROM) had 70 outcomes. The classification and order of the core outcome domains of PPROM and TPROM were consistent. The physiological domain was the most common for PPROM and TPROM outcomes. Furthermore, 35.1 and 57.1% outcomes were only reported once in PPROM and TPROM studies, respectively. Thirty pregnant women participated in the semi-structured interviews; 10 outcomes were extracted after normalized, and the outcomes were reported in the systematic review. However, studies rarely reported pregnant women's concerns. Conclusion: There was considerable inconsistency in outcomes selection and reporting in studies about antibiotics in PROM. An initial core outcomes set for antibiotics in PROM was formed.

Erythromycin vs azithromycin for treatment of preterm prelabor rupture of membranes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to estimate the effect of erythromycin vs azithromycin on the duration of latency and the rate of clinical chorioamnionitis in women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis of the existing literature.

DATA SOURCES

From inception to October 2021, we explored MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Studies comparing the duration of latency and the rate of clinical chorioamnionitis between women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes who were treated with erythromycin and those who were treated with azithromycin at the time of diagnosis were included.

METHODS

Here, 2 reviewers separately ascertained studies, obtained data, and gauged study quality. The mean length of latency and the rate of clinical chorioamnionitis were compared and mean differences and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were estimated.

RESULTS

A total of 5 studies with 1289 women were identified. The mean length of latency in women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes was similar between individuals treated with erythromycin and those treated with azithromycin: 6.6 days vs 6.7 days (mean difference, 0.07 days; 95% confidence interval, -0.45 to 0.60; I², 0%). The median point prevalence rates of clinical chorioamnionitis were 25% (95% confidence interval, 12-32) in women treated with erythromycin and 14% (95% confidence interval, 9-24) in women treated with azithromycin. The overall clinical chorioamnionitis rate in women treated with azithromycin was lower than women treated with erythromycin (pooled odds ratio, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.39-0.71; I², 0%).

CONCLUSION

The administration of azithromycin in women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes was associated with a similar latency period but a lower rate of clinical chorioamnionitis than the administration of erythromycin.

Individualized treatment of preterm premature rupture of membranes to prolong the latency period, reduce the rate of preterm birth, and improve neonatal outcomes

BACKGROUND

Preterm premature rupture of membranes complicates approximately 3% of pregnancies. Currently, in the absence of chorioamnionitis or placental abruption, expectant management, including antenatal steroids for lung maturation and prophylactic antibiotic treatment, is recommended. The benefits of individualized management have not been adequately explored.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the impact of 2 different management strategies of preterm premature rupture of membranes in 2 tertiary obstetrical centers on latency of >7 days, latency to birth, chorioamnionitis, funisitis, and short-term adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a multicenter retrospective study of women with singleton pregnancies with preterm premature rupture of membranes from 23 0/7 to 33 6/7 weeks of gestation between 2014 and 2018 and undelivered within 24 hours after hospital admission managed at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, Toronto, Canada (standard management group), and BCNatal (Hospital Clínic of Barcelona and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona), Barcelona, Spain (individualized management group), following local protocols. The standard management group received similar management for all patients, which included a standard antibiotic regimen and routine maternal and fetal surveillance, whereas the individualized management group received personalized management on the basis of amniocentesis at hospital admission (if possible), to rule out microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity and targeted treatment. The exclusion criteria were cervical dilatation >2 cm, active labor, contraindications to expectant management (acute chorioamnionitis, placental abruption, or abnormal fetal tracing), and major fetal anomalies. The primary outcome was latency of >7 days, and the secondary outcomes included latency to birth, chorioamnionitis, and short-term adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Statistical comparisons between groups were conducted with propensity score weighting.

RESULTS

A total of 513 pregnancies with preterm premature rupture of membranes were included in this study: 324 patients received standard management, and 189 patients received individualized management, wherein amniocentesis was performed in 112 cases (59.3%). After propensity score weighting, patients receiving individualized management had a higher latency of >7 days (76.0% vs 41.6%; P<.001) and latency to birth (18.1±14.7 vs 9.7±9.7 days; P<.001). Although a higher rate of clinical chorioamnionitis was suspected in the individualized management group than the standard group (34.5% vs 22.0%; P<.01), there was no difference between the groups in terms of histologic chorioamnionitis (67.2% vs 73.4%; P=.16), funisitis (57.6% vs 58.1%; P=.92), or composite infectious maternal outcomes (9.1% vs 7.9%; P=.64). Prolonged latency in the individualized management group was associated with a significant reduction of preterm birth at <32 weeks of gestation (72.1% vs 90.5%; P<.001), neonatal intensive care unit admission (75.6% vs 83.0%; P=.046), and neonatal respiratory support at 28 days of life (16.1% vs 26.1%; P<.01) compared with that in the standard management group. Moreover, prolonged latency was not associated with neonatal severe morbidity at discharge (survival without severe morbidity, 80.4% vs 73.5%; P=.09).

CONCLUSION

Individualized management of preterm premature rupture of membranes may prolong pregnancy and reduce preterm birth at <32 weeks of gestation, the need for neonatal support, and neonatal intensive care unit admissions, without an increase in histologic chorioamnionitis, funisitis, neonatal infection-related morbidity, and short-term adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Use of Azithromycin in Pregnancy: More Doubts than Certainties

Macrolides such as azithromycin are commonly prescribed antibiotics during pregnancy. The good oral bioavailability and transplacental transfer of azithromycin make this drug suitable for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, toxoplasmosis, and malaria. Moreover, azithromycin is useful both in the management of preterm pre-labor rupture of membranes and in the adjunctive prophylaxis for cesarean delivery. The aim of this comprehensive narrative review is to critically analyze and summarize the available literature on the main aspects of azithromycin use in pregnant women, with a special focus on adverse offspring outcomes associated with prenatal exposure to the drug. References for this review were identified through searches of MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE. Fetal and neonatal outcomes following prenatal azithromycin exposure have been investigated in several studies, yielding conflicting results. Increased risks of spontaneous miscarriage, major congenital malformations, cardiovascular malformations, digestive system malformations, preterm birth, and low birth weight have been reported in some studies but not in others. Currently, there is no conclusive evidence to support that azithromycin use by pregnant women causes adverse outcomes in their offspring. Therefore, this agent should only be used during pregnancy when clinically indicated, if the benefits of treatment are expected to outweigh the potential risks.

A Retrospective Study of the Proportion of Women at High and Low Risk of Intrauterine Infection Meeting Sepsis Criteria

The Surviving Sepsis Campaign recently recommended that qSOFA not be used as a single parameter for identification of sepsis. Thus, we evaluated the efficacy of SIRS and qSOFA scores in identifying intrauterine infection. This case–control study evaluates SIRS and qSOFA criteria fulfillment in preterm premature rupture of membranes (n = 453)—at high infection risk—versus elective cesarean—at low infection risk (n = 2004); secondary outcomes included intrauterine infection and positive culture rates. At admission, 14.8% of the study group and 4.6% of control met SIRS criteria (p = 0.001), as did 12.5% and 5.5% on post-operation day (POD) 1 (p = 0.001), with no significant differences on POD 0 or 2. Medical records did not suffice for qSOFA calculation. In the study group, more cultures (29.8% versus 1.9%—cervix; 27.4% versus 1.1%—placenta; 7.5% versus 1.7%—blood; p = 0.001—all differences) and positive cultures (5.5% versus 3.0%—urine—p = 0.008; 4.2% versus 0.2%—cervix—p = 0.001; 7.3% versus 0.0%—placenta—p = 0.001; 0.9% versus 0.1%—blood—p = 0.008) were obtained. Overall, 10.6% of the study group and 0.4% of control met the intrauterine infection criteria (p = 0.001). Though a significant difference was noted in SIRS criteria fulfillment in the study group versus control, there was considerable between-group overlap, questioning the utility of SIRS in intrauterine infection diagnosis. Furthermore, the qSOFA scores could not be assessed.

Longitudinal evaluation of azithromycin and cytokine concentrations in amniotic fluid following one-time oral dosing in pregnancy

To utilize noninvasive collection of amniotic fluid in the setting of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROMs) to report the time concentration profile of azithromycin in amniotic fluid over 7 days from a single dose, and evaluate the correlation between azithromycin concentration and inflammatory markers in amniotic fluid. Prospective cohort study of five pregnant patients admitted with PPROMs and treated with a single 1 g oral azithromycin dose. Amniotic fluid was collected from pads and used to quantify azithromycin concentration as well as TNFa, IL-1a, IL-1b, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 concentrations. Primary outcome was time/concentration profile of azithromycin in amniotic fluid. Secondary outcome included correlation between azithromycin concentration and cytokine concentrations. Five patients were enrolled. Mean gestational age on admission with PPROM was 27.5 ± 2.3 weeks with a median latency of 7 days (interquartile range [IQR] = 4-13). A median of two samples/day (IQR = 1-3) were collected per participant. Azithromycin was quantified in duplicate; intra-assay coefficient of variation was 17%. Azithromycin concentration was less than 60 ng/ml after day 3. Azithromycin concentration was positively correlated with IL-8 (r = 0.38, p = 0.03), IL1a (r = 0.39, p = 0.03), and IL-1b (r = 0.36, p = 0.04) in amniotic fluid. Azithromycin is detectable in amniotic fluid over 7 days from a single 1 g maternal dose, however, it is not sustained over the range of minimum inhibitory concentration for common genitourinary flora. Based on correlation with specific cytokines, azithromycin penetration in amniotic fluid may relate to maternal monocyte concentration in amniotic fluid in the setting of PPROM.

Medications for Pregnant Women With Obesity: Special Considerations

Pregnant women with obesity are at increased risk of a multitude of complications of pregnancy and adverse perinatal outcomes. The risk of some of these complications, such as neural tube defects or preeclampsia, may be mitigated by some medications. Other complications, such as diabetes, venous thromboembolism, and infections, require treatment with medications. Given the changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics during pregnancy, which is further enhanced by obesity, the optimal medication and its dose is often researched. This chapter further explores the different complications and common medications that women with obesity are likely to require.

Pregnancy latency after preterm premature rupture of membranes: oral versus intravenous antibiotics

BACKGROUND

Following the destruction of pharmaceutical production facilities in Puerto Rico by Hurricane Maria in September 2017, a shortage of small-volume bags of sterile intravenous fluid for infusion led to a decreased ability to administer intravenous azithromycin and ampicillin efficiently for use in the treatment of patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess pregnancy latency after preterm premature rupture of membranes following treatment with oral-only antibiotics compared with treatment with intravenous antibiotics followed by oral antibiotics.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a retrospective historic control study comparing women with preterm premature rupture of membranes who were initiated on a 7-day oral-only regimen of azithromycin and amoxicillin (modified regimen) during a 12-month period beginning December 2017 (during which time there was a shortage of small-volume bags of intravenous fluid) to women with preterm premature rupture of membranes who were initiated on a 2-day regimen of intravenous ampicillin and azithromycin followed by 5 days of oral amoxicillin and azithromycin (standard regimen) from December 2016 to December 2018. Women were included in the study if they were diagnosed with preterm premature rupture of membranes at <34 weeks' gestation and were started on latency antibiotics, and women were excluded from the study if they had a contraindication to expectant management, a cerclage, or suspected fetal anomalies. The primary outcome was pregnancy latency, defined as time from the first dose of antibiotics to delivery.

RESULTS

The 37 women who received the modified regimen and the 79 women who received the standard regimen had similar baseline characteristics. Mean (standard deviation) gestational age at time of preterm premature rupture of membranes was similar between the modified (30.5 weeks' gestation [±3.1]) and standard regimen groups (30.2 weeks' gestation [±3.2]), and the rate of group B streptococcus rectovaginal colonization was similar for both groups (27% vs 24%; P=.95). Pregnancy latency did not differ in the modified vs standard regimen (mean difference, -0.15 days; 95% confidence interval, -4.87 to 4.58) There was no statistically significant difference in the relative risk of composite maternal infection (relative risk, 0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.05-3.53) or composite neonatal infection (relative risk, 0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.05-3.52).

CONCLUSION

Although limited by small sample size, our study suggested that adoption of an oral-only antibiotic regimen for pregnancy latency following preterm premature rupture of membranes is worthy of further study.

Antibiotics for Prophylaxis in the Setting of Preterm Prelabor Rupture of Membranes

"For many years, providers have been using antibiotics to prevent infection in women who present with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM). Given the polymicrobial nature of intra-amniotic infection, the recommended regimen includes a 7-day course of ampicillin and erythromycin, although many substitute of azithromycin. This regimen is used from viability to 34 weeks, independent of the number of fetuses present. Meta-analyses have shown that antibiotics for this indication are associated with lower rates of maternal and fetal infection, as well as longer pregnancy latency. Thus, latency antibiotics are recommended for all women with PPROM through 34 weeks of gestation."

Prelabor Rupture of Membranes: ACOG Practice Bulletin, Number 217

Preterm birth occurs in approximately 10% of all births in the United States and is a major contributor to perinatal morbidity and mortality (). Prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM) that occurs preterm complicates approximately 2-3% of all pregnancies in the United States, representing a significant proportion of preterm births, whereas term PROM occurs in approximately 8% of pregnancies (). The optimal approach to assessment and treatment of women with term and preterm PROM remains challenging. Management decisions depend on gestational age and evaluation of the relative risks of delivery versus the risks (eg, infection, abruptio placentae, and umbilical cord accident) of expectant management when pregnancy is allowed to progress to a later gestational age. The purpose of this document is to review the current understanding of this condition and to provide management guidelines that have been validated by appropriately conducted outcome-based research when available. Additional guidelines on the basis of consensus and expert opinion also are presented. This Practice Bulletin is updated to include information about diagnosis of PROM, expectant management of PROM at term, and timing of delivery for patients with preterm PROM between 34 0/7 weeks of gestation and 36 6/7 weeks of gestation.

Azithromycin in the Treatment of Preterm Prelabor Rupture of Membranes Demonstrates a Lower Risk of Chorioamnionitis and Postpartum Endometritis with an Equivalent Latency Period Compared with Erythromycin Antibiotic Regimens

Objective

To determine if antibiotic regimens including azithromycin versus erythromycin has an impact on pregnancy latency and development of clinical chorioamnionitis in the context of preterm prelabor rupture of membranes. Study Design. We conducted a prospective observational cohort study and followed all women receiving antibiotic regimens including either azithromycin or erythromycin in the context of preterm prelabor rupture of membranes. Primary outcomes were the duration of pregnancy latency period and development of chorioamnionitis. Secondary outcomes included neonatal sepsis with positive blood culture, cesarean delivery, postpartum endometritis, and meconium-stained amniotic fluid.

Results

This study included 310 patients, with 142 receiving the azithromycin regimen and 168 receiving the erythromycin regimen. Patients receiving the azithromycin regimen had a statistically significant advantage in overall rates of clinical chorioamnionitis (13.4% versus 25%, p = 0.010), neonatal sepsis (4.9% versus 14.9%, p = 0.004), and postpartum endometritis (14.8% versus 31%, p = 0.001). In crude and adjusted models, when comparing the azithromycin group with the erythromycin group, a decreased risk was noted for the development of clinical chorioamnionitis, neonatal sepsis, and postpartum endometritis. Pregnancy latency by regimen was not significantly different in crude and adjusted models.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that latency antibiotic regimens substituting azithromycin for erythromycin have lower rates and decreased risk of clinical chorioamnionitis, neonatal sepsis, and postpartum endometritis with no difference in pregnancy latency.

Antibiotic administration reduces the rate of intraamniotic inflammation in preterm prelabor rupture of the membranes

BACKGROUND

Preterm prelabor rupture of the membranes (PPROM) is frequently complicated by intraamniotic inflammatory processes such as intraamniotic infection and sterile intraamniotic inflammation. Antibiotic therapy is recommended to patients with PPROM to prolong the interval between this complication and delivery (latency period), reduce the risk of clinical chorioamnionitis, and improve neonatal outcome. However, there is a lack of information regarding whether the administration of antibiotics can reduce the intensity of the intraamniotic inflammatory response or eradicate microorganisms in patients with PPROM.

OBJECTIVE

The first aim of the study was to determine whether antimicrobial agents can reduce the magnitude of the intraamniotic inflammatory response in patients with PPROM by assessing the concentrations of interleukin-6 in amniotic fluid before and after antibiotic treatment. The second aim was to determine whether treatment with intravenous clarithromycin changes the microbial load of Ureaplasma spp DNA in amniotic fluid.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study included patients who had (1) a singleton gestation, (2) PPROM between 24+0 and 33+6 weeks, (3) a transabdominal amniocentesis at the time of admission, and (4) intravenous antibiotic treatment (clarithromycin for patients with intraamniotic inflammation and benzylpenicillin/clindamycin in the cases of allergy in patients without intraamniotic inflammation) for 7 days. Follow-up amniocenteses (7th day after admission) were performed in the subset of patients with a latency period lasting longer than 7 days. Concentrations of interleukin-6 were measured in the samples of amniotic fluid with a bedside test, and the presence of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity was assessed with culture and molecular microbiological methods. Intraamniotic inflammation was defined as a bedside interleukin-6 concentration ≥745 pg/mL in the samples of amniotic fluid. Intraamniotic infection was defined as the presence of both microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity and intraamniotic inflammation; sterile intraamniotic inflammation was defined as the presence of intraamniotic inflammation without microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity.

RESULTS

A total of 270 patients with PPROM were included in this study: 207 patients delivered within 7 days and 63 patients delivered after 7 days of admission. Of the 63 patients who delivered after 7 days following the initial amniocentesis, 40 underwent a follow-up amniocentesis. Patients with intraamniotic infection (n = 7) and sterile intraamniotic inflammation (n = 7) were treated with intravenous clarithromycin. Patients without either microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity or intraamniotic inflammation (n = 26) were treated with benzylpenicillin or clindamycin. Treatment with clarithromycin decreased the interleukin-6 concentration in amniotic fluid at the follow-up amniocentesis compared to the initial amniocentesis in patients with intraamniotic infection (follow-up: median, 295 pg/mL, interquartile range [IQR], 72-673 vs initial: median, 2973 pg/mL, IQR, 1750-6296; P = .02) and in those with sterile intraamniotic inflammation (follow-up: median, 221 pg/mL, IQR 118-366 pg/mL vs initial: median, 1446 pg/mL, IQR, 1300-2941; P = .02). Samples of amniotic fluid with Ureaplasma spp DNA had a lower microbial load at the time of follow-up amniocentesis compared to the initial amniocentesis (follow-up: median, 1.8 × 104 copies DNA/mL, 2.9 × 104 to 6.7 × 108 vs initial: median, 4.7 × 107 copies DNA/mL, interquartile range, 2.9 × 103 to 3.6 × 107; P = .03).

CONCLUSION

Intravenous therapy with clarithromycin was associated with a reduction in the intensity of the intraamniotic inflammatory response in patients with PPROM with either intraamniotic infection or sterile intraamniotic inflammation. Moreover, treatment with clarithromycin was related to a reduction in the load of Ureaplasma spp DNA in the amniotic fluid of patients with PPROM <34 weeks of gestation.

A novel extended prophylactic antibiotic regimen in preterm pre-labor rupture of membranes: A randomized trial

OBJECTIVES

Prophylactic antibiotic use in preterm pre-labor rupture of membranes (PPROM) is associated with a significant reduction in intra-amniotic infection and improved neonatal outcome. However, data is insufficient to determine the optimal antibiotic regimen. Considering the rise in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia early-onset sepsis rate and the emergence of ampicillin resistance, our aim is to compare the efficiency of two antibiotic regimens in prolonging pregnancy and reducing infectious morbidity.

DESIGN

This multicenter randomized unblinded controlled prospective trial compared two antibiotic prophylactic protocols in PPROM: ampicillin + roxithromycin vs. cefuroxime + roxithromycin in 84 women with PPROM, from 12/2015-12/2019.

RESULTS

The median latency period was significantly longer (p = 0.039) in the cefuroxime + roxithromycin group (4.63 [0.59-50.18] days) than in the ampicillin + roxithromycin group (2.3 [0.15-58.3] days). Neonatal admission to neonatal intensive care unit rate, hospitalization length, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, neonatal fever, and need for respiratory support or mechanical ventilation, were similar between the groups. K. pneumonia cultures were significantly more frequent in the ampicillin + roxithromycin group. None of the cultures were group B Streptococcus positive.

CONCLUSIONS

To prolong latency period and reduce gram-negative early-onset sepsis, cefuroxime + roxithromycin is recommended as the first-line protocol in PPROM.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02819570.

Cellular immune responses in amniotic fluid of women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes

Background Preterm birth is the leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (pPROM) occurs in 30% of preterm births; thus, this complication is a major contributor to maternal and neonatal morbidity. However, the cellular immune responses in amniotic fluid of women with pPROM have not been investigated. Methods Amniotic fluid samples were obtained from women with pPROM and a positive (n = 7) or negative (n = 10) microbiological culture. Flow cytometry was performed to evaluate the phenotype and number of amniotic fluid leukocytes. The correlation between amniotic fluid immune cells and an interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentration or a white blood cell (WBC) count in amniotic fluid was calculated. Results Women with pPROM and a positive amniotic fluid culture had (1) a greater number of total leukocytes in amniotic fluid, including neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages and (2) an increased number of total T cells in amniotic fluid, namely CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells, but not B cells. The numbers of neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages were positively correlated with IL-6 concentrations and WBC counts in amniotic fluid of women with pPROM. Conclusion Women with pPROM and a positive amniotic fluid culture exhibit a more severe cellular immune response than those with a negative culture, which is associated with well-known markers of intra-amniotic inflammation.