The Adverse Outcomes of Chorioamnionitis on the Pregnant Female and Their Fetus

Abstract

Introduction: Chorioamnionitis is an intra-amniotic infection caused by an ascending polymicrobial bacterial infection. Triple I (intrauterine inflammation or infection or both) is also proposed to replace chorioamnionitis due to its imprecise definition and variable clinical manifestations. Intraamniotic infection is characterized by inflammation of the amniotic fluid, placenta, fetus, fetal membranes, or decidua. Maternal fever, uterine tenderness, maternal tachycardia, fetal tachycardia, and purulent fluid coming from the cervical os (the cervical opening can be external, near the vagina, or internal, near the uterus) are the key clinical findings that are crucial for the diagnosis of clinical chorioamnionitis. Clinically, intra-amnionitic infections have been linked to severe morbidity and death in pregnant women, fetuses, and newborns. Method: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, LitCovid, MedRxiv, BioRxiv, Google Scholar, EBSCO MEDLINE, CINAHL and Scopus electronic database was done using key words like Chorioamnionitis, adverse complication in pregnancy to mother and her fetus associated with intrauterine infection, Intraamniotic inflammation and triple I. Studies have been included from January 2015 to December 2022. Result: Chorioamnionitis is most typically caused by ascending infection and is frequently linked with premature membrane rupture. Chorioamnionitis is typically caused by a polymicrobial infection, with Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis, and Gram-negative anaerobes being common pathogens. Antimicrobial drugs, antipyretics, rapid treatment, and supportive care are the mainstays of management. Conclusion: Overall, this review provides a better understanding of Chorioamnionitis and its potential impact on public health. By shedding light on this emerging disease, we hope to contribute to ongoing efforts to prevent and treat of this serious disorder. Keywords: Chorioamnionitis, Intrauterine Infection, Pregnancy, adverse complication, Triple I, Intraamniotic Inflammation