Role of bacterial vaginosis in preterm labor - a prospective study

Abstract

Objective: To study the incidence of bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women in preterm labor and in labor at term and the relation of bacterial vaginosis with preterm delivery, neonatal birth weight and puerperal sepsis. Material and Methods: This prospective case control study included 150 pregnant women. 100 pregnant women with singleton pregnancy between 28 to 36 weeks of pregnancy with preterm labor pains were selected randomly in study group and 50 pregnant women in labor at term ( >37 weeks) were enrolled in control group. Diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis was made by clinical criteria (Amsel’s criteria). The two groups were compared in regard to the presence of bacterial vaginosis. Pregnancy outcome variables assessed included gestational age at delivery, neonatal birth weight and puerperal sepsis. Results: In study group 38% women, while in the control group 16% women had bacterial vaginosis. This difference is statistically highly significant. ( p < .001). Out of 30 women with bacterial vaginosis in study group, 27 (90%) women delivered before 37 completed weeks, while only 10% delivered at term. Bacterial vaginosis was associated with low birth weight and was significantly associated with puerperal sepsis. Conclusion: Bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes including preterm labor, preterm delivery, low birth weight and puerperal sepsis. Thus screening for bacterial vaginosis in all pregnant women complaining of vaginal discharge and also in all patients with preterm labour is justifiable.