Genitourinary infections and their association with preterm labor.
Genitourinary tract infections are one cause of preterm delivery. Prematurity is one of the leading causes of perinatal mortality in the United States. Uterine contractions may be induced by cytokines and prostaglandins, which are released by microorganisms. Asymptomatic bacteriuria, gonococcal cervicitis and bacterial vaginosis are strongly associated with preterm delivery. The role of Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis and Ureaplasma urealyticum is less clear. By adopting a rational approach to the diagnosis and treatment of genitourinary infections, family physicians can substantially decrease a patient's risk of preterm delivery.
Cram
Lorie F
LF
Department of Family Practice, CHRISTUS St. Joseph Hospital, Houston, Texas 77002 USA.
Zapata
Maria-isabel
MI
Toy
Eugene C
EC
Baker
Benton
B
D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000382:microbiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D016585:Vaginosis, Bacterial / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents