Effectiveness of Repeated Gonorrhea Cultures in the Third Trimester
Author Information
Author(s): Juan G. Torres, T. Fleming Mattox, Joseph G. Pastorek II
Primary Institution: Louisiana State University Medical Center
Hypothesis
Is it necessary to repeat endocervical gonorrhea cultures in the third trimester of pregnancy?
Conclusion
Repeating gonorrhea cultures in the third trimester is unnecessary, even in high-risk populations.
Supporting Evidence
- Only 4.6% of initial cultures were positive, and none of the repeat cultures were positive.
- 10% of patients had a documented history of gonorrhea, but none had positive cultures during the study.
- The study suggests that the practice of repeating the GC culture in the third trimester should be reevaluated.
Takeaway
Doctors usually check for gonorrhea in pregnant women, but this study found that doing the test again in the third trimester doesn't help.
Methodology
Charts from patients receiving routine prenatal care were reviewed for initial and repeat gonorrhea cultures.
Potential Biases
Charts were selected from specific health units, which may introduce selection bias.
Limitations
The study population was small and may not represent all pregnant women.
Participant Demographics
65.4% black, 28.5% Caucasian, 1.5% Hispanic, and 4.6% other races; 74% were aged 15-25.
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website