Perinatal Outcome Following Genitourinary Tract Infection in Preterm Labour: A Hospital Based Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Preterm labour (PTB) is one of the major concerns in obstetrics with respect to both or neonates and the mother. Aim: To study the genitourinary tract infections among the cases of preterm labour in a tertiary care hospital; and to estimate the Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration (APGAR) scores and birth weights of preterm babies. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive crosssectional study conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of AJ Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Mangalore, India. All the preterm labours that occurred in the study setting in the calendar year of 2020 were considered as potential study participants. After screening for eligibility criteria, study participants were finalised. Intra-natal and immediate postnatal details (gestational age at delivery, mode of delivery, birth-weight of the baby, APGAR score, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admission) were noted. Investigations like C-Reactive Protein (CRP), urine routine and microscopy, urine culture and sensitivity, high vaginal swab analysis were also noted. Data entry and analysis was done in Microsoft Excel version 2013. Results: There were 130 study participants, out of which 102 were eligible for the study. Most of the preterm deliveries occurred in primigravida between 32 and 37 weeks. Symptoms and signs of genitourinary tract infection was found in many (29% to 99%) mothers delivered preterm. Common organisms found in culture from urine sample and high vaginal swab were Escherichia coli (E.coli) (23.5%) and Candida (43.9%), respectively. Among 102 preterm newborns, 58.8%% were delivered vaginally and 42.2% of the new-borns required NICU care. Proportion of infection among those undergoing preterm labours was higher. Hence, preterm labour and the complications can be avoided by good hygienic practices and medications. Conclusion: Proportion of infection among those undergoing preterm labours was higher. Hence, preterm labour and the complications can be avoided by good hygienic practices and medications