Abstract
Objective
To estimate the effect of speculum examination only versus digital cervical examination on maternal infectious morbidity in women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Materials and methods
We explored MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies comparing the rate of a composite maternal infectious morbidity (either chorioamnionitis, endometritis or both) in women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes that underwent a speculum only versus digital cervical examination at the time of diagnosis. Two reviewers separately ascertained studies, obtained data, and gauged study quality. The rate of a composite maternal infectious morbidity (either chorioamnionitis, endometritis or both) were compared and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated.
Results
Four cohort studies, reporting on 1213 women were identified. The median point prevalence of the composite maternal infectious morbidity was 26% (interquartile range 15–35%) in women who had a speculum examination only compared to 33% (interquartile range 22–42%) in women who underwent a digital examination. The overall maternal composite infectious morbidity rate in women that had a speculum examination only was less compared to women that had undergone a digital examination (pooled OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.58–0.98, I2 17%). The weighted mean length of latency in women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes was longer in individuals evaluated by speculum only versus digital examination, 6.6 d versus 2.9 d (mean difference 4.5 d, 95% CI 1.4 to 7.8, I2 99%).
Conclusion
Speculum examination only in women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes is associated with less maternal infectious morbidity and longer latency periods.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.