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Published on: June 24, 2020
Adverse perinatal outcomes of chlamydia infections: an ongoing challenge
Yael Eliner1, Moti Gulersen2, Amos Grunebaum1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lenox Hill Hospital - Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, New York, NY, USA.
Insights
Chlamydia infections during pregnancy significantly increase the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes, including preterm birth and low birthweight. Increased education and surveillance are recommended for pregnant individuals with chlamydia.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neonatology
Background:
- * *Chlamydia trachomatis* is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection globally.
- * Limited data exist on its impact on pregnancy and birth outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To investigate the association between *Chlamydia trachomatis* infection during pregnancy and adverse perinatal outcomes.
- * To analyze the impact of maternal chlamydia infection on neonatal health.
Main Methods:
- * Retrospective analysis of the US CDC natality live birth database (2016-2019).
- * Comparison of adverse perinatal outcomes between pregnant individuals with and without chlamydia infection.
- * Statistical analysis using Pearson's chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression.
Main Results:
- * Chlamydia infection linked to increased odds of preterm birth (<37 weeks) and early preterm birth (<32 weeks).
- * Associated with higher risks of low birthweight (<2,500 g), congenital anomalies, and low 5-min Apgar scores (<7).
- * Increased rates of NICU admission and neonatal ventilation were observed in infants born to mothers with chlamydia.
Conclusions:
- * *Chlamydia trachomatis* infections in pregnancy are associated with a range of adverse perinatal outcomes.
- * Enhanced patient education on chlamydia risks during pregnancy is crucial.
- * Increased antenatal surveillance and postnatal pediatric assessment are recommended for these pregnancies.
Objectives:
Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the world, but there are limited data on its impact on perinatal outcomes. Our objective was to investigate the association between chlamydia infections and adverse perinatal outcomes.
Methods:
This is a retrospective analysis of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention natality live birth database for the years 2016-2019. The rates of adverse perinatal outcomes were compared between patients with a chlamydia infection during pregnancy and patients without such infection, using Pearson's chi-square test with the Bonferroni adjustment. A multivariate logistic regression was then used to adjust outcomes for potential confounders.
Results:
Chlamydia infections were associated with small, but statistically significant, increased odds of preterm birth (<37 weeks), early preterm birth (<32 weeks), low birthweight (<2,500 g), congenital anomalies, low 5-min Apgar score (<7), neonatal intensive care unit admission, immediate neonatal ventilation, prolonged (>6 h) neonatal ventilation, and neonatal antibiotic treatment for suspected sepsis.
Conclusions:
Chlamydia infections during pregnancy are associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. These results call for increased education regarding the potential risks of pregnancies with a chlamydia infection, as well as for increased antenatal surveillance and post-natal pediatric assessment in these pregnancies.
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