Race, perinatal outcome, and amniotic infection

Racial differences in rates of amniotic infection were examined through a review of the literature. Following a computerized and manual search of the literature from 1966 to 1994, studies were selected that reported the prevalence by race of presumed markers of amniotic infection. These markers included: amniotic infection syndrome, histologic chorioamnionitis, clinical chorioamnionitis, premature rupture of the membranes, and early neonatal mortality from sepsis. With the exception of overall rates of histologic chorioamnionitis, black women showed higher rates of the all the conditions examined. Insofar as amniotic infection is a risk factor for poor perinatal outcomes, the finding of higher rates of markers of amniotic infection among black women suggests that such infections may contribute to racial disparities in perinatal outcome.