User:Mr. Ibrahem/Chorioamnionitis

Chorioamnionitis, also known as intra-amniotic inflammation (IAI), is inflammation, generally due to infection, of the fetal membranes, amniotic fluid, or placenta. Symptoms often include fever, abdominal pain, fast heart rate in the mother or baby, or abnormal vaginal discharge. Complications in the newborn may include pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis, preterm birth, and cerebral palsy. Complications in the mother may include postpartum bleeding, endometritis, sepsis, and adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Risk factors include longer duration of labor, prolonged rupture of membranes, few prior pregnancies, presence of group B streptococcus, and frequent vaginal exams after membranes rupture. The underlying mechanism generally involves bacteria moving from the vagina into the uterus. This triggers inflammation which promotes uterine contractions, which may result in premature birth. Diagnosis is suspected based on symptoms with a single temperature greater than 39.0 C or persistently between 38.0 C and 39.0 C.

Treatment is with antibiotics, typically ampicillin and gentamicin are used. Acetaminophen (paracetamol) may be used to reduce body temperature. Corticosteroids may also be used in those at risk of preterm delivery. While delivery should often occur in a timely manner, C-section is not typically required. In those with early rupture of the amniotic sac, antibiotics are often used preventatively.

Chorioamnionitis is present in about 4% of term deliveries, 40 to 70% of preterm deliveries, and 94% of deliveries at less than 24 weeks. It is the cause of 10 to 40% of fevers around the time of delivery.