Early Postpartum Hospital Encounters among Patients with Genitourinary and Wound Infections during Hospitalization...

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Genitourinary and wound infections (GWI) are potential complications following childbirth.
• Early postpartum hospital encounters, including readmissions and emergency department visits, represent a significant concern for maternal health.
• Understanding the associations between GWI and early postpartum outcomes is vital for improving maternal care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the association between genitourinary and wound infections during birth hospitalization and early postpartum hospital encounters.
• To identify clinical risk factors for early postpartum hospital encounters among patients with GWI during birth hospitalization.

Main Methods:

• Population-based cohort study of births in California (2016-2018).
• Identification of GWI using diagnosis codes.
• Logistic regression analysis to evaluate associations, adjusting for confounders and stratifying by mode of birth.

Main Results:

• 5.5% of birth hospitalizations were complicated by GWI.
• GWI was associated with an increased risk of early postpartum hospital encounters for both vaginal and cesarean births.
• Cesarean births with major puerperal or wound infections had the highest risk (6.4% and 4.3%) of early postpartum hospital encounters.

Conclusions:

• Genitourinary and wound infections during birth hospitalization are linked to a higher risk of early postpartum hospital encounters.
• Specific infections, particularly in cesarean birth patients, confer the greatest risk.
• Identifying and managing GWI promptly is essential for reducing postpartum readmissions and emergency visits.