Comparison of the Frequency Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Patients with Preterm Labor and Term

Abstract

Background: Asymptomatic bacteriuria is prevalent in pregnancy and has unpleasant side effects such as hypertension, preeclampsia, Intra uterine growth restriction, preterm labor, low birth weight, postpartum endometritis, pyelonephritis, septicemia, and maternal death. Urinary tract infections are a common health problem among women as compared to men due to a short urethra in women, the proximity of the anus to the vagina, and the easier access of pathogens to sexual activity. Asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy is a risk factor for early delivery. Methods: In this study, the frequency asymptomatic bacteriuria was compared in women with preterm labor and women with term delivery who referred to the maternity ward of Ali Ebn Abitaleb Hospital in 2015 to 2016. In this case-control study, 112 patients with preterm labor and 112 patients in the control group were term. The participants were selected through inclusion and exclusion criteria. The urine specimen was sent to the lab for bacteriuria examination and was analyzed. Finally, the results of the two case and control groups were analyzed. Results: The frequency of asymptomatic bacteriuria was 33 in the preterm labor group and 6 in the term of delivery. There was a statistically significant relationship between asymptomatic bacteriuria and preterm labor (P-value < 0.05). Conclusions: Asymptomatic bacteriuria is a common infection in pregnancy that can lead to an increased risk of adverse maternal and fetal complications. Therefore, pregnant women should be screened for bacteriuria and treated appropriate antibiotics. It is suggested that pregnant mothers are screened at the beginning of their pregnancy owing to treatment for positive bacteriuria can lead to reduce maternal and fetal complications.