Publication:

Association of vaginal infections in Preterm labour

Background Preterm labour is defined as onset of regular uterine contractions associated with cervical changes between 28-37 completed weeks of gestation. Prematurity is the cause of 85% neonatal morbidity and mortality. Preterm labour has multiple etiologies. Vaginal infections have been associated with increased risk for preterm labour. Screening for genitourinary infections antenatally, especially in high risk cases, prompt recognition and treatment decrease the incidence of preterm labour.

Methods Ours was a prospective and retrospective observational study done at Dr. Pinnamaneni Siddhartha Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Foundation from April 2016 to February 2018 in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The aim is to study the association of vaginal infections in preterm labour. A total of 116 women in preterm labor were studied. After clinical examination, CBP, CUE, Ultrasound, urine culture and sensitivity were done. Vaginal swab was taken from posterior fornix and sent for culture and sensitivity and gram staining .Culture and sensitivity were done in the Department of Microbiology at our Institute.

Results Out of 116 women in preterm labour, urinary tract infection was seen in 27.58% women. E. Coli was the commonest microorganism isolated in urine (15.51%). Vaginal infections were seen in 33.62% women. Candida was the commonest microorganism isolated in HVS cultures.

Conclusions Screening for genitourinary infections in pregnancy is necessary, especially in high risk cases. Early detection and prompt treatment of genitourinary infections decrease the incidence of preterm labor, thereby decreasing the neonatal morbidity and mortality associated with prematurity.