Preterm Labor and Maternal Hypoxia in Patients With Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Author Information
Author(s): Maurizio L. Maccato, Phillip Pinell, Mark G. Martens, Sebastian Faro
Primary Institution: Baylor College of Medicine
Hypothesis
Is preterm labor associated with the degree of maternal hypoxia in pregnant women with community-acquired pneumonia?
Conclusion
Community-acquired pneumonia in pregnant women can lead to significant complications, including preterm labor, but maternal hypoxia does not correlate with preterm labor.
Supporting Evidence
- Preterm labor complicated 5 cases (23%) and led to preterm delivery in 3 patients (14%).
- Maternal hypoxia did not correlate with the presence of preterm labor.
- Mean WBC count was significantly higher in patients with preterm labor.
Takeaway
Pregnant women with pneumonia can have early labor, but how low their oxygen levels are doesn't seem to affect that.
Methodology
Retrospective review of medical records of antepartum patients with community-acquired pneumonia from 1983 to 1987.
Potential Biases
Potential misdiagnosis at admission could affect results.
Limitations
Small sample size and retrospective design may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Mean age 23.5 years, range 15-38 years; 36% primigravidas; 23% smokers.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.004
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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