ROLE OF VITAMIN C SUPPLEMENTATION IN PREVENTION OF PRE LABOUR SPONTANEOUS RUPTURE OF CHORIOAMNIOTIC MEMBRANES

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Prelabour rupture of membranes means the rupture of chorioamniotic membranes at least one hour prior to the initiation of labour after thirty seven completed weeks of gestation and when it occurs before term that is thirty seven weeks of gestation, it is called preterm prelabour rupture of membranes. This study was conducted to know the role of Vitamin C supplementation in preventing pre labour spontaneous rupture of chorioamniotic membranes in pregnancy. 
METHODS: This Randomized controlled trial was conducted at Mother and Child Health Unit II, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Islamabad, from May to November 2009. 200 pregnant women,12-20 weeks of gestation, with singleton pregnancy were included excluding non compliant women, those with cervical circlage, having obstetric indication for cesarean section or active smokers were sampled through non-probability convenient sampling. Then they were randomly assigned to two groups; both groups received Folic acid and Iron supplements. Group 1 was study group and was supplemented with Vitamin C 500mg/ day while Group 2 was control group which didn’t receive Vitamin C. An informed consent was taken. Data was analysed using SPSS version 11 and Chi sq test was applied for comparison at 5% level of significance.
RESULTS: Mean age of all participants was 25.5 + 4.8 years .Association between prevention of pre labour spontaneous rupture of chorioamniotic membranes and supplementation of Vit C was found non-significant.
CONCLUSION: Antioxidants like Vitamin C may not be helpful in preventing rupture of membranes at this gestation and dosage and more work needs to be done. 
KEYWORDS: PROM, PPROM, Vitamin C, Chorioamnionitis.