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Abstract Objective To evaluate the usefulness of transvaginal ultrasonography in the determination of the risk of preterm delivery and chorioamnionitis in pregnancies affected by preterm premature rupture of membranes preterm premature rupture of membranes. Design One hundred and one singleton pregnancies with preterm premature rupture of membranes were included in this prospective study over a 3-year period. Patients underwent cervical length measurement by transvaginal ultrasonography at admission and thereafter, in the absence of chorioamnionitis, were managed expectantly. Results The median time interval between admission and delivery (latency period) was 48 h. A cervical length of less than 20 mm was associated with a significant risk of early delivery (mean latency period was 59.44 ± 159.93 h vs. 240.94 ± 364.67; P < 0.05). There was no relation between cervical length and occurrence of chorioamnionitis or neonatal sepsis. Conclusions These data suggest that the use of transvaginal ultrasonography for cervical length measurement during preterm premature rupture of membranes may predict an early delivery but cannot anticipate the risk of chorioamnionitis or neonatal sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital laryngeal cysts are rare and can cause upper airway obstruction if they are misdiagnosed. We describe a case of large vallecular cyst diagnosed at 33 weeks of gestation. The purpose of an early diagnosis is to establish a careful perinatal management. If the airway is compromised, a multidisciplinary medical team is necessary to perform emergency immediate tracheostomy. Elective delivery should be always carried out in a tertiary referral center. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]