Title: To Estimate the Prevalence of Bacterial Vaginosis in Labour
Authors: Dr Aastha Garg, Dr Sadhna Sharma, Dr Kamaljeet Kaur, Dr Harkiran Kaur Khaira, Dr Harbhajan Kaur
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i8.199
Abstract
Background: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most frequent type of vaginitis in women of reproductive age. BV is an imbalance in the ecology of the normal vaginal flora that is characterized by the depletion of lactobacilli, and the proliferation of anaerobic bacteria. In pregnancy, certain complications such as preterm delivery, premature rupture of the membranes, and amniotic fluid infection, postpartum endometritis are increased because of infection with BV. This study investigated the prevalence of BV among pregnant women in labour to avoid BV associated complications. Treating bacterial vaginosis can reduce the preventable cause of preterm birth as preterm labour is not only a medical and social problem but also an economic burden.
Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of BV in women presenting with preterm and term labour and to analyze its association as the causative factor of PTL.
Methods: A cross sectional study involving 260 patients with preterm and term labour was conducted at AIMSR, Bathinda. BV was determined to be present or absent on the basis of Amsel’s criteria and Nugent criteria. Statistical analysis was based on simple percentages among related variables.
Results: Bacterial vaginosis was more prevalent in patients with preterm labour group (44.4%) as compared to patients in term labour group (18.4%) and the difference was statistically significant
Since the P-value is <0.001.Bacterial vaginosis among preterm labour is about three times higher than among term labour group.
Conclusion: BV is most common preventable cause of preterm labour. Therefore, the testing for BV and its prompt treatment may reduce the risk of PTL. This will also go a long way in the prevention of neonatal complications due to prematurity.
Keywords: Bacterial vaginosis, Preterm labour, Term labour, Amsel’s criteria, Clue cells.
