Impact of Maternal Obesity on Perinatal Outcomes in Preterm Prelabor Rupture of Membranes ≥34 Weeks.

Objective: This study aimed to compare pregnancy outcomes in obese and nonobese women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) ≥34 weeks.

Study Design: The present study is a secondary analysis of a multicenter retrospective cohort of singletons with PPROM from 2011 to 2017. Women with a delivery body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m (obese) were compared with women with a BMI < 30 kg/m (nonobese). Pregnancies were stratified based on delivery policies of expectant management until 35 weeks versus immediate delivery ≥34 weeks. The primary outcome was a composite neonatal outcome (neonatal sepsis, antibiotic administration for duration >72 hours after delivery or respiratory support). Univariate analysis and general estimating equations models including maternal age, delivery timing, mode of delivery, hospital, and gestational age were used with  < 0.05 level of significance.

Results: Among 259 pregnancies, 47% were obese. Pregnant women with obesity had increased composite neonatal outcome versus nonobese pregnancies (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.48 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-2.17]). Obesity was also associated with increased neonatal antibiotic administration for a duration >72 hours after delivery, respiratory support, ventilation, oxygen supplementation, and surfactant administration. When stratified by delivery policies there was no significant difference in perinatal outcomes based on obesity.

Conclusion: Obese women with PPROM ≥34 weeks have an increased odds of adverse neonatal respiratory and infectious outcomes compared with nonobese women.