Prolonged rupture of membranes is a risk factor for which neonatal complication?

• A. Neonatal sepsis
• B. Hypoglycemia
• C. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
• D. Polycythemia

Answer: (A)

Prolonged rupture of membranes allows bacteria from the birth canal to ascend into the amniotic cavity, increasing the risk of intra-amniotic infection and neonatal sepsis. Once the newborn is exposed to these bacteria around birth, they may develop a systemic infection that presents soon after delivery, making neonatal sepsis the most direct and likely complication.

The other options aren’t as directly tied to PROM: hypoglycemia is usually related to maternal diabetes or newborn energy reserves; bronchopulmonary dysplasia is mainly linked to prematurity and prolonged ventilation or oxygen exposure; polycythemia relates to factors like placental function and timing of umbilical cord clamping. PROM can increase the chance of preterm birth, which in turn raises risks for these conditions, but the clearest immediate risk from PROM itself is sepsis due to ascending infection.