Title: Bacterial Vaginosis: A Risk Factor for Preterm Labour- A Case – Control Study
Authors: Dr Shazia Iqbal, Dr Soma Bandyopadhyay, Dr Poonam Kumari
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v7i4.104
Abstract
Aim: To estimate the prevalence of Bacterial Vaginosis in preterm labour cases as compared to term labour.
Pre-term birth is the single most important factor of adverse neonatal outcome.
Materials & Methods: In this study, 100 patients admitted in Obs & Gynae. ward of KMCH for period July-January 2018 with true labour pain were taken and segregated into cases & controls after taking their consent:
Group 1(Case)- 50 patients preterm labour at >28 to <36^+6 wks. POG
Group2(Control)- 50 term labour patients at >37wks POG
Speculum examination was done for both & evaluated. Smear from posterior fornix was taken using swabs under wet mount, KOH (whiff test).
Diagnosis is made if 3 out of 4 AMSEL’S Criteria is found true:
Homogenous vaginal discharge
Vaginal pH>4.5
Positive whiff test
Presence of clue cells >20%
Result: Among the 50 cases & 50 controls studied, bacterial vaginosis was present in 15 preterm labour patients (CASE) & 3 term labour patients (Control).
Thus, women with bacterial vaginosis have increased risk of pre-term labour.
Conclusion: Bacterial Vaginosis is a common but poorly understood clinical syndrome wherein for some unknown reason, the vaginal flora shifts & anaerobic species overgrow.
Thus, our study concludes that bacterial vaginosis is one of the most important causes of pre-term labour. Routine screening and treatment of bacterial vaginosis will thus help reduce Preterm labour incidence & further reduce perinatal morbidity and mortality.
