621 Gonorrhea infection during pregnancy is associated with adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes

Abstract

To determine whether gonorrhea infection in pregnancy is associated with adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Retrospective analysis of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Natality Live Birth database (2016-2018). The study group included women with gonorrheal infection in pregnancy, while all births with no gonorrheal infection served as controls. The rates of several adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were compared between the two groups using Pearson’s Chi-squared test with Bonferoni adjustments. Multivariate logistic regression was used to adjust outcomes for potential confounders such as maternal age, body mass index, race/ethnicity, and prior preterm birth (PTB). Results were presented as adjusted Odds Ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Statistical significance was defined as a P value < 0.05. Infection with gonorrhea complicated 0.28% (29,071 of 10,426,235) of US live births in 2016-2018. The rates of adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in both groups are displayed in Table 1. Gonorrhea was associated with several adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, including a significantly increased risk for PTB (<37 weeks and <32 weeks), low birthweight, congenital malformations, low 5 minute APGAR scores, NICU admissions, antibiotic treatment of the neonate, immediate ventilation, as well as prolonged ventilation (Table 2). Based on this large US population cohort, gonorrheal infection during pregnancy is associated with a significant adverse pregnancy outcomes, neonatal complications, and congenital malformations. Strategies for infection prevention are needed to reduce the likelihood of these associated adverse outcomes. The CDC reported recently on the rise in sexually transmitted diseases (STD) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent changes in prenatal care related to COVID-19, including fewer prenatal visits and replacements with telemedicine, further challenge the implementation of STD screening and treatment strategies to improve prenatal outcome.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)