Indomethacin Versus Placebo in Women With Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM)

• Prolongation of pregnancy (interval from time of randomization to time of delivery) for 48 hours [ Time Frame: 48 hours ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  

• Prolongation of pregnancy for 7 days [ Time Frame: 7 days ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  
• Neonatal Morbidities: birth weight, APGAR scores, sepsis, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), NICU hospitalization days, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) [ Time Frame: from admission/birth ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  
• Maternal outcomes: chorioamnionitis, endometritis, labor induction, placental abruption, cesarean section [ Time Frame: from admission ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  

Drug: indomethacin
Indomethacin 50mg PO followed by 25mg PO q6hrs

Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) is defined as rupture of the chorioamniotic membranes before the onset of labor prior to 37 weeks of gestation. The etiology of PPROM is not well understood but likely to be multifactorial. Although the underlying mechanism of PPROM is unknown, some speculate it is the human's inflammatory response to bacterial infection with the subsequent production of prostaglandins which weaken the fetal membranes. Therefore, the use of indomethacin, a prostaglandin inhibitor, may decrease prostaglandin synthesis leading to less uterine irritability and prevention of weakened membranes.

This is a double blind randomized controlled trial comparing indomethacin to placebo in women with PPROM between the gestational ages of 24-32 weeks. Women between the gestational age of 24 to 32 weeks with premature rupture of membranes and not in active labor will be eligible for this clinical trial. After informed consent, patients will be randomized to either indomethacin or placebo. Maternal and neonatal outcomes will be assessed.