Does the use of probiotics in pregnant women with premature rupture of membranes improve the maternal and perinatal outcome?

a systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is a condition that affects 8–10% of all pregnancies, and contributes with 20–40% of preterm deliveries. Evidence shows that changes in the vaginal microbiota may also have a favorable impact on the decrease in the prevalence of PROM, and that expectant treatment may be an appropriate approach to reduce morbidity in these cases. Objective: To investigate whether the use of probiotics in pregnant women with premature rupture of ovary membranes improves the maternal and perinatal outcome. Methods: This is a systematic review, developed from articles published between January 2001 and August 2018, which justify the use of probiotics in pregnant women with PROMto improve maternal and perinatal outcome. Results: Some studies have shown a potential role of probiotics in modulating vaginal bacterial communities, reducing rates of cesarean section and PROM, and increasing the latency and weight of newborns in pregnant women with PROM. However, in other studies, there was no confirmation of changes in the vaginal microbiota from the use of oral probiotics. Conclusion: There are benefits in the administration of probiotics to the mother-fetus binomial. However, there are still doubts about routes of administration, choice of strains and period of use. More studies are necessary to settle them.