Ureaplasma/Mycoplasma-infected amniotic fluid: pregnancy outcome in treated and nontreated patients.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if treatment of a positive amniotic fluid culture for mycoplasmal colonization obtained at genetic amniocentesis is associated with improved pregnancy outcome.


METHODS
A retrospective analysis of 2718 genetic amniocentesis specimens cultured for Ureaplasma/Mycoplasma was undertaken. Specimens were obtained between March 1993 and January 1997. The Irvine culture kit was used to culture all specimens. Data collected included indication for amniocentesis, gestational age at amniocentesis, karyotype, gestational age at delivery, pregnancy outcome, and any antimicrobial treatment.


RESULTS
During this time period 44 patients were found to be culture-positive for Ureaplasma/Mycoplasma. Thirty-five were treated with oral erythromycin. Mid-trimester loss was 11.4% and 44.4% (p = 0.04) in the treated and untreated groups, respectively. Preterm delivery was similar in the two groups, 19.4% and 20% (p = NS).


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment of an amniotic mycoplasmal colonization with erythromycin was associated with fewer mid-trimester losses after genetic amniocentesis. Preterm delivery rates between the two groups were similar, which may indicate recolonization.
Berg
T G
TG
Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha 68198-3255, USA.
Philpot
K L
KL
Welsh
M S
MS
Sanger
W G
WG
Smith
C V
CV
D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous / Q000382:microbiology; D000649:Amniocentesis; D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000382:microbiology*; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D004917:Erythromycin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009175:Mycoplasma Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019535:Mycoplasma hominis / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000382:microbiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D016869:Ureaplasma Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016990:Ureaplasma urealyticum / Q000302:isolation & purification*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004917:Erythromycin