Lactobacilli and Postoperative Infection Risk After Abortion
Author Information
Author(s): Jens-Jrrgen Platz-Christensen, Carl Pfihlson, Per-Grran Larsson
Primary Institution: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Gothenburg
Hypothesis
The morphology of lactobacilli correlates with the incidence of infection following legal abortion.
Conclusion
The presence of Doderlein's bacteria may increase the risk of postoperative infection after first-trimester abortion.
Supporting Evidence
- The presence of Doderlein's bacteria increased the risk of postoperative infection three times.
- Only 18% of women had the 'normal' lactobacilli considered healthy.
- Postoperative infection rates were significantly higher in women with Doderlein's bacteria.
Takeaway
Some types of bacteria in the vagina can make women more likely to get infections after an abortion, so doctors need to be careful about which bacteria are present.
Methodology
The study involved 769 women with lactobacilli undergoing legal abortions, categorized by lactobacilli morphology, and compared postoperative infection rates.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in the classification of lactobacilli and the diagnosis of postoperative infections.
Limitations
The study excluded women with bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis, which may limit generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of participants was 25.9 years; 29% had previous legal abortions and 61% were nulliparous.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.008
Confidence Interval
1.5-6.3
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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