Mapping Review Synthesizes Risk Factors and Outcomes of Premature Rupture of Membranes in MENA Region

Premature rupture of membranes (PROM), defined as membrane rupture before labor onset, complicates 3% to 8% of US pregnancies and causes 30% of preterm births. This condition compromises amniotic membrane integrity, heightening risks of intrauterine infection and umbilical cord compression. Infection risk escalates with prolonged time from rupture to delivery, making labor induction a key strategy to reduce chorioamnionitis, endometritis, and NICU admissions. Current guidelines, like ACOG's recommendation for oxytocin induction at 37 weeks gestation or greater, often overlook cervical status, potentially increasing cesarean section rates in women with unfavorable cervices.

This mapping review systematically identified and synthesized existing literature concerning Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM) among women in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The study aimed to map the current evidence base on risk factors and maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with PROM within this specific geographical context. While the abstract describes the general context of PROM management, it does not detail the specific search strategy, databases, inclusion/exclusion criteria, or the number of studies included in this mapping review.

The provided abstract primarily outlines the background and significance of Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM) and the rationale for a mapping review in the MENA region. It describes PROM as the rupture of fetal membranes prior to regular uterine contractions and notes that management strategies, including induction of labor versus expectant management, have been controversial. The abstract highlights the importance of cervical ripening in women with PROM and an unfavorable cervix to potentially increase vaginal delivery rates. However, the abstract does not present any specific findings, data, or conclusions derived from the mapping review itself regarding the identified risk factors, outcomes, or trends within the MENA region. No quantitative results, such as percentages, p-values, or fold-changes, are reported from the review's synthesis.