Chorioamnionitis

Question 1

Definition of chorioamnionitis

Answer 1

• Bacterial infection of the foetal membranes (amnion and chorion)
• Typically due to ascending bacterial infection from the lower genital tract (cervix and vagina) in the presence of membrane rupture

Question 2

Aetiology of chorioamnionitis

Question 3

Risk factors for chorioamnionitis

Answer 3

• Premature rupture of membranes (PROM)
• Prolonged labour
• Internal monitoring of labour
• Multiple vaginal exams
• Meconium-stained amniotic fluid
• Sexually transmitted infection

Question 4

Clinical features of chorioamnionitis

Answer 4

• Maternal pyrexia
• Maternal tachycardia
• Uterine tenderness
• Offensive vaginal discharge
• Foetal tachycardia
  *

Question 5

Investigations for chorioamnionitis

Answer 5

• Blood
  
  • ↑ WBC
    *

Question 6

Complications of chorioamnionitis

Question 7

Management of chorioamnionitis

Answer 7

• Antibiotics
• Early delivery (consider at 34 weeks)
  
  • Steroids (if <34 weeks gestation)