18 ian. 2010 GUIDELINES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF SPONTANEOUS PRETERM LABOUR
Gian Carlo Di Renzo (Italy)*,
Lluis Cabero Roura (Spain)** and
The European Association Of Perinatal Medicine – Study Group On “Peterm Birth”***
Purpose
Preterm birth is defined as delivery at < 37 completed weeks of pregnancy (World Health Organization). Spontaneous preterm birth (SPB) includes preterm labor, preterm spontaneous rupture of membranes, preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and cervical weakness; it does not include indicated preterm delivery for maternal or fetal conditions.
Early SPB (< 32 weeks' gestation) is associated with an increased higher perinatal mortality rate, inversely proportional to gestational age. The development of clinical guidelines requires an evidence- based approach to improve outcome and allow more efficient use of resources.