Meconium-Stained Amniotic Fluid and Chorioamnionitis
Author Information
Author(s): Shelley Chapman, Patrick Duff
Primary Institution: University of Florida College of Medicine
Hypothesis
Is meconium staining of the amniotic fluid a marker for chorioamnionitis?
Conclusion
Meconium-stained amniotic fluid is associated with an increased frequency of chorioamnionitis.
Supporting Evidence
- 10% of women with meconium-stained amniotic fluid developed chorioamnionitis compared to 3% of controls.
- The odds ratio for developing chorioamnionitis with meconium-stained fluid was 3.3.
- Chorioamnionitis is associated with higher rates of cesarean delivery and neonatal infection.
Takeaway
If a pregnant woman has meconium in her amniotic fluid, she might be more likely to get an infection called chorioamnionitis.
Methodology
Retrospective case-control study comparing 100 patients with meconium-stained amniotic fluid to matched controls without it.
Potential Biases
Potential differences in colonization by genital-tract pathogens despite careful matching.
Limitations
The study design was retrospective, and there was no routine culture of the lower genital tract or amniotic fluid.
Participant Demographics
Predominantly low socioeconomic backgrounds; 85% of patients with chorioamnionitis were younger than 25 years and 77% were nulliparous.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.04
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 2.5-10.5
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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