December 2018 Vol. 6 No.12

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Review

Chorioamnionitis

Ioannis K. Thanasas, MD, MPH, PhD

Department of Obstetric and Gynecologic, General Hospital of Trikala, Trikala, Greece

E-mail: thanasasg@hotmail.com
Tel.: 00302431029103 00306944766469

Accepted December 17, 2018

Abstract

Chorioamnionitis is a serious complication of the pregnancy. The ascending microbial infection from the vagina to the amniotic cavity, seems to be the main mechanism of causing an intra-amniotic infection. The most common microbes are the E Coli, aerobic and anaerobic streptococcus, anaerobic staphylococcus and the bacteria that are responsible for sexually transmitted diseases. Diagnosis of chorioamnionitis is challenging, as clinical signs and symptoms are not specific. Fever is a dominant clinical feature, followed by maternal and fetal tachycardia, sensitivity to the uterine palpation, odorous vaginal secretion and leukocytosis. Early diagnosis and initiation of treatment with broad spectrum antibiotics are estimated to contribute in preventing significant short – term and long-term consequences, concerning the mother, the fetus and the newborn. This article, based on the systematic citation of contemporary bibliographic references, attempts to briefly review this serious obstetric complication, with particularly regard to the diagnostic and therapeutic approach, the awareness of which can ensure as far as possible the best prognostic outcome for the mother and the fetus – infant as well.

Keywords: Chorioamnionitis, Bacteria, ascending infection, fever, leukocytosis, antibiotics, complications