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Deprivation and infection among spontaneous very preterm births

Lucy K Smith1, Elizabeth S Draper, Bradley N Manktelow

  • 1Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, 22-28 Princess Road West, Leicester, United Kingdom. lks1@le.ac.uk

Obstetrics and Gynecology
|August 2, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Maternal and fetal infection are linked to socioeconomic deprivation in spontaneous very preterm births. Mothers in deprived areas face higher odds of infection, contributing to preterm birth disparities.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Neonatology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Socioeconomic deprivation is a known factor influencing preterm birth rates.
  • The specific role of infection in the deprivation gap for very preterm birth requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between maternal/fetal infection and socioeconomic deprivation in spontaneous very preterm births.
  • To understand how infection contributes to the disparity in very preterm birth rates across socioeconomic strata.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study utilizing comprehensive data from a UK health region (1994-2005).
  • Analysis of singleton live births between 22 0/7 and 32 6/7 weeks gestation with spontaneous labor onset.
  • Examination of the relationship between infection and maternal deprivation quintiles.

Main Results:

  • Maternal or fetal infection was recorded in 24% of 4,987 spontaneous very preterm births.
  • Infection rates significantly increased with higher levels of socioeconomic deprivation.
  • Mothers in the most deprived quintile had 43% increased odds of infection associated with spontaneous very preterm birth (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.13-1.80) after adjustments.

Conclusions:

  • Spontaneous very preterm births in more deprived areas show a higher likelihood of being associated with prenatal infection.
  • Infection serves as a potential mediator in the relationship between socioeconomic deprivation and spontaneous very preterm birth.
Abstract

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