Comparing Erythromycin and Azithromycin for Treating Premature Rupture of Membranes

Erythromycin Versus Azithromycin for Preterm Prelabor Rupture of Membranes: A Cluster Randomized Comparative Effectiveness Trial

Phase 3 Interventional Inova Health Care Services · NCT06273891

This study is testing whether azithromycin or erythromycin works better with standard care to help pregnant people with premature rupture of membranes keep their pregnancy going longer.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment140 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexFemale
SponsorInova Health Care Services Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Falls Church, Virginia and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06273891 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to determine the most effective antibiotic treatment for pregnant individuals experiencing premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Participants diagnosed with PPROM will be randomly assigned to receive either azithromycin or erythromycin, alongside standard care with ampicillin and amoxicillin, to see which antibiotic combination better prolongs pregnancy. The study is crucial as it addresses a gap in existing research regarding the optimal antibiotic choice for this condition. By comparing these two treatments, the study seeks to improve outcomes for both mothers and their babies.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are pregnant individuals between 22 and 32 weeks gestation who have experienced a confirmed rupture of membranes within the last 36 hours.

Not a fit: Patients with non-reassuring fetal heart tracings, chorioamnionitis, or those requiring immediate delivery will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved antibiotic treatment protocols that prolong pregnancies and reduce complications for both mothers and infants.

How similar studies have performed: While observational studies have shown no significant difference between azithromycin and erythromycin, this study is novel as it is the first randomized controlled trial to directly compare these two antibiotics in this context.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy at 22 weeks 0 days to 32 weeks 6 days of gestation.
* Rupture of membranes confirmed by biochemical testing.
* Membrane rupture within the past 36 hours.
* Cervical dilation 3 cm or less and 4 or fewer contractions within 60-minutes at the time of admission.
* Age ≥18 and \<50 years.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Non-reassuring fetal heart tracing, vaginal bleeding, chorioamnionitis or any indication for delivery at admission.
* Allergy to penicillin, erythromycin, or azithromycin.
* Multiple gestations.

Where this trial is running

Falls Church, Virginia and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Premature Rupture of Membraneppromlatency antibioticsprom
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.