Chorionamnionitis

An infection of the chorion and amnion, the sacs surrounding the fetus in the womb.

Etiology:

1. Group B streptotococcus
2. bacterial vaginosis
3. Ruptured membranes prolonged period of time

Clinical presentation:

clinical signs and symptoms of chorioamnionitis include the following:

• Fever (an intrapartum temperature >100.4ºF or >37.8ºC)
• Significant maternal tachycardia (>120 beats per minute [bpm])
  The fetus may also have tachycardia (>160-180 bpm).
• Fetal tachycardia (>160-180 bpm)
• Purulent or foul-smelling amniotic fluid or vaginal discharge
• Uterine tenderness
• 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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