Histologic chorioamnionitis & its association with prematurity in a hospital-based study

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Perinatal Medicine
• Infectious Diseases in Pregnancy

Background:

• Histologic chorioamnionitis is a placental inflammation observed in some pregnancies.
• Understanding its association with adverse pregnancy outcomes like prematurity is crucial.
• The role of specific genital tract pathogens in its development requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the occurrence of histologic chorioamnionitis.
• To investigate its association with prematurity.
• To assess if genital mycoplasma or Chlamydia trachomatis colonization is a risk factor for histologic chorioamnionitis.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 268 women with singleton pregnancies over 26 weeks gestation.
• High vaginal cultures for genital mycoplasmas and endocervical specimens for chlamydia antigen.
• Placental histopathology on multiple sections.

Main Results:

• Histologic chorioamnionitis was found in 22.4% of placentae.
• Genital tract colonization with Ureaplasma urealyticum or C. trachomatis was not a risk factor.
• Neonates born with histologic chorioamnionitis had a lower mean birth weight (111g less).
• A trend showed increased prevalence of histologic chorioamnionitis with decreasing gestation (P=0.047).

Conclusions:

• Histologic chorioamnionitis may be a modest risk factor for prematurity.
• Genital mycoplasma and C. trachomatis colonization are not associated with histologic chorioamnionitis.