Does histologic chorioamnionitis correspond to clinical chorioamnionitis?
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the degree to which histologic chorioamnionitis, a frequent finding in placentas submitted for histopathologic evaluation, correlates with clinical indicators of infection in the mother.


METHODS
A retrospective review was performed on 52 cases with a histologic diagnosis of acute chorioamnionitis from 2,051 deliveries at University Hospital, Newark, from January 2003 to July 2003. Third-trimester placentas without histologic chorioamnionitis (n = 52) served as controls. Cases and controls were selected sequentially. Maternal medical records were reviewed for indicators of maternal infection.


RESULTS
Histologic chorioamnionitis was significantly associated with the usage of antibiotics (p = 0.0095) and a higher mean white blood cell count (p = 0.018). The presence of 1 or more clinical indicators was significantly associated with the presence of histologic chorioamnionitis (p = 0.019).


CONCLUSIONS
Histologic chorioamnionitis is a reliable indicator of infection whether or not it is clinically apparent.
Heller
Debra S
DS
DepartmentS of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UH/E158, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School, P.O. Box 1709, Newark, NJ 07101, USA. hellerds@umdnj.edu
Rimpel
Lisa Howard
LH
Skurnick
Joan H
JH
D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002821:Chorioamnionitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D010920:Placenta / Q000473:pathology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D011645:Puerperal Infection / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents