Management of genital chlamydial infections at termination of pregnancy services in England and Wales: where are we now?
OBJECTIVE
To determine the range of policies and practices related to the management of genital chlamydial infection employed at termination of pregnancy services in England and Wales.


METHODS
Cross-sectional descriptive study.


METHODS
England and Wales.


METHODS
Termination of pregnancy providers.


METHODS
Survey questionnaire administered to termination of pregnancy providers.


METHODS
Policies and practices for the management of genital chlamydial infection in women seeking termination of pregnancy with comparison to the national guidelines of the chief medical officer (CMO) and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG).


RESULTS
One hundred and thirty-eight (48%) practices responded to the survey, with representation across England and Wales. Policies for screening and/or treatment of chlamydial infection existed for 70% of providers. We found three practice patterns for the management of genital chlamydial infection among termination of pregnancy attenders: 70% of providers tested their own attenders prior to termination and treated if necessary; about 25% of providers administered prophylaxis without testing; and a small number of providers (< 5%) neither tested nor treated attenders.


CONCLUSIONS
These patterns may be the result of differences in the CMO and RCOG guidelines. Given the impact of untreated genital chlamydial infection in women attending for termination, consistent recommendations from the CMO and RCOG may encourage uniform practice for the management of chlamydial infection in this vulnerable population.
LaMontagne
D Scott
DS
HIV/STI Department, Health Protection Agency, Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, UK.
Pimenta
Jeanne M
JM
Fenton
Kevin A
KA
Mallinson
Harry
H
Hopwood
Jenny
J
D000028:Abortion, Induced; D000328:Adult; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000628:therapy*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D016134:Organizational Policy; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000628:therapy*; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000379:methods*; D011364:Professional Practice; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014852:Wales