Chorionamnionitis
An infection of the chorion and amnion, the sacs surrounding the fetus in the womb.
Etiology:
- Group B streptotococcus
- bacterial vaginosis
- Ruptured membranes prolonged period of time
Clinical presentation:
clinical signs and symptoms of chorioamnionitis include the following:
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Fever (an intrapartum temperature >100.4ºF or >37.8ºC)
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Significant maternal tachycardia (>120 beats per minute [bpm])The fetus may also have tachycardia (>160-180 bpm).
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Fetal tachycardia (>160-180 bpm)
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Purulent or foul-smelling amniotic fluid or vaginal discharge
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Uterine tenderness
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Maternal leukocytosis (total blood leukocyte count >15,000-18,000 cells/μL)
Prognosis:
Infants born to mothers with chorioamnionitis have unfavorable neurologic outcomes. Cerebral palsy and cognitive impairment without CP have a relationship to the presence of maternal chorioamnionitis. Functional polymorphism in the cytokine interleukin (IL)-6 gene is a risk factor for CP.
Treatment and management:
Treatment of infections such as vaginosis during pregnancy and antibiotic treatment of those with rupture membranes for a prolonged period of time.
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