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Relationship between Vaginal Bacterial Infections and Pregnancy Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Hojjat Rokni1, Amjad Ahmadi2, Yousef Moradi3
1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research
|February 9, 2024
Summary
Bacterial infections significantly increase risks for pregnant women, leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes like preterm birth, abortion, and stillbirth. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for preventing severe complications.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
- Perinatal Health
Background:
- Bacterial infections pose serious global health risks, particularly for pregnant women.
- These infections are associated with severe pregnancy complications including miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth, and ectopic pregnancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the relationship between bacterial infections and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- To quantify the risk associated with bacterial infections during pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases (January 2000 - December 2018).
- Relevant studies were selected and assessed for quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS).
- Meta-analysis was performed on case-control studies to determine odds ratios (OR) and risk ratios (RR) for various pregnancy outcomes.
Main Results:
- Meta-analysis revealed that bacterial infections significantly increase the odds of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- Specific increased odds were observed for premature infant birth (OR: 1.50), preterm delivery (OR: 1.54), abortion (OR: 1.16), stillbirth (OR: 1.29), and ectopic pregnancy (OR: 1.12).
- The risk ratio for preterm delivery due to vaginal infections was 1.57, and for abortion, it was 2.02.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial infections in pregnant women are strongly linked to increased risks of preterm delivery, abortion, stillbirth, and ectopic pregnancy.
- Healthcare providers should prioritize the diagnosis of bacterial infections before and during pregnancy.
- Proactive management of these infections is essential to mitigate adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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