Abstracts » Health

Microbiologic causes and neonatal outcomes associated with chorioamnion infection

Article Abstract:

To learn more about the association between chorioamnion infection (infection of the membranes that surround the fetus) and preterm delivery, and the microorganisms that cause such infections, a study was carried out involving 156 placentas from women in preterm labor. Social and demographic information was collected from the subjects and the placentas were removed and biopsied to detect infection. Bacteria were found in 36 of 112 placentas (32 percent) delivered after 34 or fewer weeks gestation, and in 29 of 156 placentas (19 percent) delivered after more than 34 weeks gestation. Histologic chorioamnionitis was seen in 66 of the placentas in the former group (59 percent) and in 35 of the placentas in the latter (22 percent). Prematurity and chorioamnionitis were most significantly related to group B streptococcus and Fusobacterium organisms. Infection with Peptostreptococcus was related to preterm birth but not to chorioamnionitis, while infection with Bacteroides species or Escherichia coli was related to chorioamnionitis. Infection with Ureaplasma urealyticum was strongly related to chorioamnionitis but not to preterm birth. When bacteria were isolated from the chorioamnion, the risk of neonatal death was 3.8 times higher than when no bacteria were found. A discussion is presented of the roles of the pathogens detected in these placentas in preterm birth and chorioamnion infection. While causality cannot be proven, it appears that specific agents are associated with preterm delivery. When methods for diagnosing chorioamnion infection are developed, it should be possible to use appropriate antibiotics to prevent this infection and reduce related complications. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Causes of, Premature labor, Chorioamnionitis

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Epidemiology and outcomes associated with moderate to heavy Candida colonization during pregnancy

Article Abstract:

Moderate to heavy vaginal infection with Candida yeast during pregnancy may not be associated with a higher risk of low birth weight or premature delivery. Researchers performed vaginal cultures on 13,863 women, and found moderate to heavy yeast infection in 10% of the women. Women with yeast infections were more likely to be Hispanic or black, unmarried, or prior users of oral contraceptives. The risks of stillbirth, premature rupture of membranes, low birth weight, and premature delivery were unrelated to the presence or absence of vaginal yeast infection.

Health aspects, Pregnant women, Birth weight, Low, Low birth weight, Premature birth, Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal, Vulvovaginal candidiasis

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