Cervicitis as a Clinical Indicator of Gonococcal and Chlamydial Infections in Pregnancy
Author Information
Author(s): Susan L. Jackson, Nan G. O'Connell, Joseph F. Borzelleca, Mara J. Dinsmoor, David E. Soper
Primary Institution: Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University
Hypothesis
Can clinical indicators predictive of cervical infection in non-pregnant populations be applied to pregnant women?
Conclusion
The clinical indicators of cervical infection with C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae were unreliable.
Supporting Evidence
- Only 20% of pregnant women diagnosed with cervicitis had a cervical infection.
- Gravidas with chlamydial infections were significantly younger than those without.
- Clinical diagnosis of cervicitis was poorly predictive of actual infections.
Takeaway
Doctors thought cervicitis could show if pregnant women had certain infections, but it didn't work well, so many women might get unnecessary treatment.
Methodology
A retrospective chart review of pregnant women diagnosed with cervicitis was performed.
Potential Biases
The study's design may introduce bias due to the convenience sampling of patients.
Limitations
The study was limited to a specific urban, indigent population, which may not represent all pregnant women.
Participant Demographics
The mean age of participants was 22.2 years, with a significant number being younger than 24.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.42-5.85
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
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