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Bacterial vaginosis and preterm delivery: an open question
Francesco De Seta1, Andrea Sartore, Monica Piccoli
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Trieste, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy.
The Journal of Reproductive Medicine
|June 24, 2005
Summary
Early bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women is linked to a higher risk of preterm delivery. This study highlights the importance of screening for bacterial vaginosis during early pregnancy to potentially prevent premature birth.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Microbiology
- Perinatal Health
Background:
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal condition.
- Its association with adverse pregnancy outcomes, especially preterm delivery, requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in Italian pregnant women.
- To analyze the relationship between BV and adverse pregnancy outcomes, focusing on preterm delivery.
Main Methods:
- 598 pregnant women were enrolled between 13-18 weeks of gestation.
- Bacterial vaginosis was diagnosed using Gram's staining at two time points: 13-18 weeks (early) and 28-32 weeks (late).
- Statistical analysis employed univariate and multiple logistic regression models.
Main Results:
- Preterm delivery occurred in 14.7% of women with early BV versus 6.9% of controls (OR 1.6, CI 1.07-2.51).
- In women with BV, 78.6% of preterm deliveries happened around the 36th week of gestation.
Conclusions:
- Early-stage bacterial vaginosis is associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery.
- However, BV in this study population did not appear strongly linked to extreme prematurity.