Related Experiment Videos
Screening for asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy.
Warren McIsaac1, June C Carroll, Anne Biringer
1Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto ON; Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON.
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada : JOGC = Journal D'Obstetrique Et Gynecologie Du Canada : JOGC
|June 7, 2005
Summary
Screening for asymptomatic bacteriuria (ABU) in pregnant women using three urine cultures per trimester is most effective. A single urine culture misses over half of ABU cases, while multiple cultures significantly increase detection rates.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
- Diagnostic Screening
Background:
- Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ABU) in pregnancy is associated with adverse outcomes.
- Effective screening strategies are crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of four distinct screening strategies for detecting asymptomatic bacteriuria (ABU) in pregnant women.
- Evaluate leukocyte-esterase-nitrite (LEN) strips, single, dual, and triple urine cultures.
Main Methods:
- Pregnant women (n=1050) were screened using LEN dipstick tests at prenatal visits.
- Urine cultures were performed before 20 weeks, at 28 weeks, and 36 weeks gestation.
- Comparison of ABU detection rates for LEN testing, one, two, or three urine cultures.
Main Results:
- 49 cases of ABU (4.7%) were identified.
- LEN testing detected 14.3% of ABU cases.
- Single, dual, and triple cultures detected 40.8%, 63.3%, and 87.8% of ABU cases, respectively.
Conclusions:
- A single urine culture before 20 weeks' gestation is insufficient for detecting ABU.
- Implementing urine cultures in each trimester significantly improves ABU detection rates in pregnancy.