title: Predictive factors for preterm delivery under rural conditions in post-tsunami Banda Aceh.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the risk for preterm deliveries <37 week of gestation and associated prevalence of vaginal infection in a rural setting after the tsunami in Banda Aceh, Indonesia.
  
  
  METHODS
  Wet mount microscopy, vaginal pH and vaginal swabs for microbiological culture were collected in pregnant women during the 2nd trimester from February to June of 2005 in four temporary outpatient clinics and the patients were followed up until delivery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One hundred and fifty-nine pregnant patients were screened. Sixty-two could be followed up until delivery. Thirty-nine (62.9%) delivered at term and 23 (37.1%) delivered prematurely. Significant risk factors for preterm delivery were a history of preterm delivery and group B streptococcus infection. Increased vaginal pH alone had no significant influence on preterm delivery, although there was a trend.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The rate of preterm delivery was high in this cohort. We suggest risk stratification for preterm delivery in rural conditions by performing a vaginal pH and wet mount microscopy. If either is suspect we suggest collecting a vaginal swab for microbiological culture for targeted treatment. Patients with a history of preterm delivery are at increased risk and should be monitored closely.
authors.forename: Fabienne D
authors.initials: FD
authors.lastname: Schwab
authors.forename: Eva K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Zettler
authors.forename: Andala
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Moh
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Schötzau
authors.forename: Uwe
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Gross
authors.forename: Andreas R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Günthert
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007214:Indonesia / Q000453:epidemiology; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000453:epidemiology; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012423:Rural Health; D057192:Tsunamis; D014623:Vaginal Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology