Intrapartum pyrexia, cardiotocography traces and histologic chorioamnionitis: a case-control study

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics
• Perinatology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Intrapartum pyrexia complicates term pregnancies.
• Chorioamnionitis is a potential underlying cause.
• Understanding its impact on labor and outcomes is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare labor characteristics, cardiotocography (CTG) traces, and maternal/neonatal outcomes.
• To investigate pregnancies at term with intrapartum pyrexia, with or without histologic chorioamnionitis.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case-control study (January 2020 - June 2021).
• Included term pregnancies with intrapartum pyrexia.
• Analyzed CTG traces (FIGO guideline) and placental histology (AFIC).

Main Results:

• Forty-four patients included.
• Oxytocin augmentation significantly associated with histologic chorioamnionitis.
• Loss/absence of accelerations on CTG more frequent with histologic chorioamnionitis.

Conclusions:

• Histologic chorioamnionitis associated with myometrial dysfunction.
• Increased oxytocin use suggests impaired myometrial function in these cases.
• Intrapartum pyrexia and chorioamnionitis warrant close monitoring.