Pregnancy Outcome Following Pelvic Infection
Author Information
Author(s): Miklos Toth, Anu Chaudhry, William J. Ledger, Steven S. Witkin
Primary Institution: Cornell University Medical College
Hypothesis
Does a previous pelvic infection affect the outcome of a subsequent pregnancy?
Conclusion
Women with a history of pelvic infections have a higher prevalence of spontaneous abortion and preterm labor in subsequent pregnancies.
Supporting Evidence
- Women with PID had a threefold higher prevalence of spontaneous abortion than controls.
- Preterm labor was significantly increased in women with a history of PID or amnionitis.
- 56% of control pregnancies resulted in a term vaginal delivery compared to only 16.3% in women treated for infections.
Takeaway
If a woman had a pelvic infection before getting pregnant again, she might have a harder time having a healthy baby.
Methodology
Retrospective chart review of women with pelvic infections and controls from 1975 to 1988.
Potential Biases
Potential for selection bias in choosing control group.
Limitations
Retrospective design may limit the ability to draw firm conclusions.
Participant Demographics
Women treated in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at The New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
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