[Premature rupture of membranes seen at the Befelatanana maternity, Antananarivo University Hospital Center].

Generally preterm ruptures of membranes (PRM) are harmless, but they become serious if the labor doesn't occur in the following 24 hours. Then, they might generate neonatal infections which provoke heavy fetal and maternal mortality. A retrospective study was carried out in 1998 at the Maternity Hospital of Befelatanana, Antananarivo in order to sum up knowledges on epidemiology and fetal prognosis of this disease, and to draw up measures to aim to reduce causes of PRM.

[Premature deliveries at the maternity hospital of Befelatanana, Antananarivo in 1997].

Preterm deliveries (PT) produce new-borns whose prognosis is generally very dark. Prematurity is the first cause of neonatal death. A retrospective study was carried out at the Maternity Hospital of Befelatanana, Antananarivo in order to specify causes and difficulties of PT and to draw up strategy for their better management so that premature infants have chance to survive.