Faculty Collaboration Database

Bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy and the risk of prematurity: a meta-analysis. J Fam Pract 1999 Nov;48(11):885-92

Date

07/25/2000

Pubmed ID

10907626

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0033222867 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   106 Citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: We conducted this meta-analysis to determine the magnitude of risk conferred by bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy on preterm delivery.

SEARCH STRATEGY: We selected articles from a combination of the results of a MEDLINE search (1966-1996), a manual search of bibliographies, and contact with leading researchers.

SELECTION CRITERIA: We included case control and cohort studies evaluating the risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight, preterm premature rupture of membranes, or preterm labor for pregnant women who had bacterial vaginosis and those who did not. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS. Two investigators independently conducted literature searches, applied inclusion criteria, performed data extraction, and critically appraised included studies. Summary estimates of risk were calculated as odds ratios (ORs) using the fixed and random effects models.

MAIN RESULTS: We included 19 studies in the final analysis. Bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy was associated with a statistically significant increased risk for all outcomes evaluated. In the subanalyses for preterm delivery, bacterial vaginosis remained a significant risk factor. Pooling adjusted ORs yielded a 60% increased risk of preterm delivery given the presence of bacterial vaginosis.

CONCLUSIONS: Bacterial vaginosis is an important risk factor for prematurity and pregnancy morbidity. Further studies will help clarify the benefits of treating bacterial vaginosis and the potential role of screening during pregnancy.

Author List

Flynn CA, Helwig AL, Meurer LN

Author

Linda N. Meurer MD, MPH Professor in the Family Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Anti-Bacterial Agents
Delivery, Obstetric
Female
Humans
Infant, Low Birth Weight
Infant, Newborn
Infant, Premature
Meta-Analysis as Topic
Obstetric Labor, Premature
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Complications, Infectious
Risk Factors
Vaginosis, Bacterial