Chorioamnionitis and Fetal Heart-Rate Patterns
Author Information
Author(s): Paul J. Wendel, Susan M. Cox, Scott W. Roberts, Jody Dax, Larry C. Gilstrap
Primary Institution: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Hypothesis
Can fetal heart-rate patterns and the interval from diagnosis to delivery in pregnancies complicated by chorioamnionitis predict neonatal outcomes?
Conclusion
The interval from diagnosis to delivery of up to 12 hours has little effect on neonatal outcomes.
Supporting Evidence
- 197 women with acute chorioamnionitis were included in the analysis.
- The overall incidence of chorioamnionitis in the population was 2.3%.
- None of the analyzed variables were significantly associated with neonatal acidemia.
- Seventeen women (9%) developed endometritis, with no relation to the duration of chorioamnionitis.
- 72% of newborns had a Ua pH > 7.20.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether certain heart-rate patterns in babies and how long it takes to deliver them after a diagnosis of infection affect their health. It found that waiting up to 12 hours to deliver doesn't seem to harm the babies.
Methodology
The study reviewed fetal monitor strips and hospital courses of 217 patients with acute chorioamnionitis over a 6-month period, using logistic regression and Fisher exact tests for analysis.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the study being conducted in a single facility serving a specific population.
Limitations
The study was limited to a single hospital and may not be generalizable to other populations.
Participant Demographics
The majority of participants were Hispanic (66%), followed by black (21%) and white (8%); 79% were nulliparas, and most were aged 20-29 years.
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