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Urinary tract infections in pregnancy
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, USA.
The Urologic Clinics of North America
|December 10, 1999
Summary
Pregnant women with asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) face faster disease progression and increased risk of preterm delivery. Early screening and treatment of ASB in pregnancy are crucial for better maternal and infant outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) prevalence is not increased by pregnancy.
- Pregnancy accelerates the progression of ASB from asymptomatic to symptomatic disease.
- ASB in pregnant women is linked to preterm delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the importance of identifying and eradicating ASB in pregnant women.
- To highlight the benefits of ASB screening and treatment in preventing complications like pyelonephritis and preterm delivery.
- To recommend systematic screening for ASB in all pregnant individuals.
Main Methods:
- Systematic screening for ASB in pregnant women.
- First-trimester urine culture as the preferred screening method.
- Treatment of identified ASB with safe and effective antibiotic regimens.
Main Results:
- Identification and eradication of ASB can reduce the incidence of pyelonephritis.
- Treatment of ASB is effective in preventing preterm delivery.
- Pregnancy-related symptoms like urinary frequency can mask ASB, making symptom-based screening inadequate.
Conclusions:
- Systematic screening for ASB in pregnant women is essential.
- First-trimester urine culture is the recommended screening test.
- Prompt and appropriate antibiotic treatment for ASB during pregnancy is safe and effective.