title: Bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy: an approach for the 1990s.
abstract: It is proposed that clinicians screen all pregnant women at high risk for preterm labor and premature rupture of membranes for bacterial vaginosis, and treat all women when it is diagnosed. This infection is associated with a two to three times increase in preterm labor and delivery, premature rupture of the membranes, and endometritis. Although cause and effect have not been conclusively documented, these associations must be considered in the practice of obstetrics at the present. The paucity of vaginal Lactobacillus spp is pivotal in allowing overgrowth of many other organisms of the vagina. Screening is suggested because 50 percent of bacterial vaginosis is asymptomatic. The diagnosis, which is rapidly made and inexpensive, remains defined by clue cells seen on wet prep, high vaginal pH, and amine odor of the vaginal discharge. Optimal treatment of pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis is via oral or intravaginal metronidazole or clindamycin.
authors.affiliation: University of North Carolina, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chapel Hill, USA.
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: McCoy
authors.forename: V L
authors.initials: VL
authors.lastname: Katz
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Kuller
authors.forename: A P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Killam
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Livengood
mesh_terms: D002981:Clindamycin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000517:prevention & control; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000517:prevention & control; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D014627:Vaginitis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D016585:Vaginosis, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D008795:Metronidazole; D002981:Clindamycin