Meconium stained amniotic fluid is associated with maternal infectious morbidity in pre term delivery

The purpose of the study was to determine if intra partum meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) is associated with infectious morbidity in women with pre term delivery. The study group was composed of 89 women with pre term delivery and MSAF. The control group comprised 89 women with pre term delivery and clear amniotic fluid, matched for maternal age, gravidity, parity, gestational age, rate of premature rupture of membranes, breech presentation and mode of delivery. The parameters of maternal infectious morbidity were compared between the two groups during pregnancy, delivery and puerperium. The prevalence of recurrent urinary tract infections was significantly higher in the study group than those in the control group, 7.8% (7/89) vs. 0% (0/89), respectively (p = 0.02). During delivery women with MSAF had a significantly higher rate of clinical chorioamnionitis than women without MSAF, 6% (6/89) vs. 0% (0/89), respectively (p = 0.03). Histological chorioamnionitis was also significantly higher in patients with intra partum MSAF, as compared to those the clear amniotic fluid, 11.2% (10/89) vs. 0% (0/89), respectively (p = 0.03). In addition, women in the study group had a significantly higher post partum infectious morbidity rate and endometritis than women in the control group [52.8% (47/89) vs. 37.1% (33/89) (p = 0.05); 18% (16/89) vs. 7.8% (7/89) (p = 0.03), respectively]. We conclude that intra partum MSAF should be considered as a potential marker for infectious morbidity in women with pre term labor and delivery.