Daily Compared With 8-Hour Gentamicin for the Treatment of Intrapartum Chorioamnionitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Clinical chorioamnionitis at term: definition, pathogenesis, microbiology, diagnosis, and treatment

Clinical chorioamnionitis, the most common infection-related diagnosis in labor and delivery units, is an antecedent of puerperal infection and neonatal sepsis. The condition is suspected when intrapartum fever is associated with two other maternal and fetal signs of local or systemic inflammation (eg, maternal tachycardia, uterine tenderness, maternal leukocytosis, malodorous vaginal discharge or amniotic fluid, and fetal tachycardia). Clinical chorioamnionitis is a syndrome caused by intraamniotic infection, sterile intraamniotic inflammation (inflammation without bacteria), or systemic maternal inflammation induced by epidural analgesia. In cases of uncertainty, a definitive diagnosis can be made by analyzing amniotic fluid with methods to detect bacteria (Gram stain, culture, or microbial nucleic acid) and inflammation (white blood cell count, glucose concentration, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, matrix metalloproteinase-8). The most common microorganisms are Ureaplasma species, and polymicrobial infections occur in 70% of cases. The fetal attack rate is low, and the rate of positive neonatal blood cultures ranges between 0.2% and 4%. Intrapartum antibiotic administration is the standard treatment to reduce neonatal sepsis. Treatment with ampicillin and gentamicin have been recommended by professional societies, although other antibiotic regimens, eg, cephalosporins, have been used. Given the importance of Ureaplasma species as a cause of intraamniotic infection, consideration needs to be given to the administration of antimicrobial agents effective against these microorganisms such as azithromycin or clarithromycin. We have used the combination of ceftriaxone, clarithromycin, and metronidazole, which has been shown to eradicate intraamniotic infection with microbiologic studies. Routine testing of neonates born to affected mothers for genital mycoplasmas could improve the detection of neonatal sepsis. Clinical chorioamnionitis is associated with decreased uterine activity, failure to progress in labor, and postpartum hemorrhage; however, clinical chorioamnionitis by itself is not an indication for cesarean delivery. Oxytocin is often administered for labor augmentation, and it is prudent to have uterotonic agents at hand to manage postpartum hemorrhage. Infants born to mothers with clinical chorioamnionitis near term are at risk for early-onset neonatal sepsis and for long-term disability such as cerebral palsy. A frontier is the noninvasive assessment of amniotic fluid to diagnose intraamniotic inflammation with a transcervical amniotic fluid collector and a rapid bedside test for IL-8 for patients with ruptured membranes. This approach promises to improve diagnostic accuracy and to provide a basis for antimicrobial administration.

Neonatal Serum Gentamicin Concentrations and Outcomes Following Maternal Once-Daily Gentamicin Dosing

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated newborn gentamicin serum concentrations after birth and the effects on the newborn after extended interval gentamicin dosing in peripartum mothers.

METHODS

This was a single-center, retrospective chart review of neonates born to mothers that received peripartum once-daily gentamicin dosing of approximately 5 mg/kg within 12 hours of delivery. A gentamicin serum concentration was obtained immediately after birth in the newborn. The primary outcome was initial neonatal gentamicin serum concentration after birth. Several secondary outcomes were evaluated including nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. A subgroup analysis comparing baseline demographics of mother-newborn dyads with birth neonatal serum concentrations of less than 2 mcg/mL versus 2 mcg/mL or greater was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 32 mother-newborn dyads were included. Newborns had a median gestational age of 39.4 weeks and median birth weight of 3.4 kg. The mean initial gentamicin serum concentration was elevated at 3.1 ± 1.9 mcg/mL among all newborns. The median maternal dose based on actual body weight in newborns with gentamicin serum concentrations less than 2 mcg/mL was 3.5 (IQR, 3.3-4.8) mg/kg versus 4.8 (IQR, 4.3-5.2) mg/kg in those that had serum concentrations of 2 mcg/mL or greater (p = 0.025). All newborn gentamicin serum concentrations were less than 2 mcg/mL for maternal doses given less than 1 hour prior to delivery (n = 8). There were no significant differences in nephrotoxicity or ototoxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

Peripartum once daily dosing of gentamicin administered between 1 to 12 hours of birth may lead to clinically significant serum concentrations in newborns.

Intrapartum and Postpartum Management of Intra-amniotic Infection

Importance

Intra-amniotic infection (IAI) is a common condition with potentially devastating maternal and neonatal complications. However, there are incomplete data regarding the most effective antimicrobial treatment regimen for this condition.

Objective

This article aims to review the current evidence and recommendations for intrapartum and postpartum management of IAI.

Evidence Acquisition

Original research articles, review articles, and guidelines on IAI were reviewed.

Results

Numerous known risk factors for IAI exist, some of which are modifiable. Serious neonatal complications can result from exposure to IAI including increased risk of preterm birth and neonatal death. Possible maternal complications include increased risk of cesarean delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, and postpartum endometritis. Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment for IAI for both mothers and neonates, although there is no consensus on which antimicrobial agents are best and the appropriate duration of therapy.

Conclusions and Relevance

Monitoring patients for signs of IAI, proper treatment, and communication of the diagnosis with the pediatric team are essential for preventing maternal and neonatal complications of IAI. More research is needed to determine the proper treatment regimens for both mothers diagnosed with IAI and their neonates.

Determining the optimal antibiotic regimen for chorioamnionitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

To evaluate the effect of antibiotic regimens for chorioamnionitis on maternal and neonatal outcomes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We conducted a systematic review, wherein we searched six bibliographic databases until June 2020 and included randomized clinical trials describing antibiotic regimens for treating chorioamnionitis. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool V2.0. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed and results were presented as risk ratio (RR) and mean differences (MD) with 95% CI.

RESULTS

Fourteen trials at low-to-high risk of bias were included. Three trials (n = 244), comparing different intrapartum antibiotic regimens, showed no difference in outcomes except for lower composite maternal morbidity (endometritis, pneumonia, sepsis, blood transfusion, and ileus) with ampicillin/sulbactam vs ampicillin/gentamicin in one study (0/43 vs 6/49, P = .03). Three trials (n = 295) comparing different doses of intrapartum antibiotics showed no differences in maternal and neonatal outcomes, although one study showed a shorter duration of antibiotic treatment in the experimental arm (4 mg/kg gentamicin q24h + 1200 mg clindamycin q12h) vs conventional arm (1.33 mg/kg gentamicin + 800 mg clindamycin q8h) (48.0 ± 36 hours vs 55.2 ± 48 hours, P = .04). Four trials (n = 484) comparing postpartum antibiotics vs no antibiotics showed no difference in outcomes except for a shorter hospital stay (two studies, MD -7.90 hours, 95% CI -13.52 to -2.27 hours). Three trials (n = 447) comparing single vs multiple doses of postpartum antibiotics showed shorter hospital stay [MD -19.14 hours, 95% CI -29.88 to -8.41 hours), but no differences in treatment failure (RR 1.73, 95% CI 0.69-4.30) or total antibiotic dose (MD -9.24, 95% CI -19.49 to 1.01). One trial (n = 48) comparing intrapartum vs postpartum initiation of treatment found benefits to intrapartum (vs postpartum) initiation of antibiotics, in terms of postpartum maternal hospital stay (MD -24 hours, 95% CI -45.56 to -1.44 hours), neonatal hospital stay (MD -45.6 hours, -93.84 to -11.76 hours), and neonatal pneumonia or sepsis (RR 0.06, 95% CI 0.00-0.95).

CONCLUSIONS

Upon diagnosis of chorioamnionitis, there is limited evidence to recommend the prompt initiation of intrapartum antibiotics, and to consider a single dose of postpartum antibiotics over multiple doses or no treatment. Well-designed trials using standard definitions of chorioamnionitis, outcome measures, and newer antibiotics are required to inform clinical practice with regard to the preferred antibiotic regimen, dose, and duration to optimize maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Management of clinical chorioamnionitis: an evidence-based approach

This review aimed to examine the existing evidence about interventions proposed for the treatment of clinical chorioamnionitis, with the goal of developing an evidence-based contemporary approach for the management of this condition. Most trials that assessed the use of antibiotics in clinical chorioamnionitis included patients with a gestational age of ≥34 weeks and in labor. The first-line antimicrobial regimen for the treatment of clinical chorioamnionitis is ampicillin combined with gentamicin, which should be initiated during the intrapartum period. In the event of a cesarean delivery, patients should receive clindamycin at the time of umbilical cord clamping. The administration of additional antibiotic therapy does not appear to be necessary after vaginal or cesarean delivery. However, if postdelivery antibiotics are prescribed, there is support for the administration of an additional dose. Patients can receive antipyretic agents, mainly acetaminophen, even though there is no clear evidence of their benefits. Current evidence suggests that the administration of antenatal corticosteroids for fetal lung maturation and of magnesium sulfate for fetal neuroprotection to patients with clinical chorioamnionitis between 24 0/7 and 33 6/7 weeks of gestation, and possibly between 23 0/7 and 23 6/7 weeks of gestation, has an overall beneficial effect on the infant. However, delivery should not be delayed to complete the full course of corticosteroids and magnesium sulfate. Once the diagnosis of clinical chorioamnionitis has been established, delivery should be considered, regardless of the gestational age. Vaginal delivery is the safer option and cesarean delivery should be reserved for standard obstetrical indications. The time interval between the diagnosis of clinical chorioamnionitis and delivery is not related to most adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Patients may require a higher dose of oxytocin to achieve adequate uterine activity or greater uterine activity to effect a given change in cervical dilation. The benefit of using continuous electronic fetal heart rate monitoring in these patients is unclear. We identified the following promising interventions for the management of clinical chorioamnionitis: (1) an antibiotic regimen including ceftriaxone, clarithromycin, and metronidazole that provides coverage against the most commonly identified microorganisms in patients with clinical chorioamnionitis; (2) vaginal cleansing with antiseptic solutions before cesarean delivery with the aim of decreasing the risk of endometritis and, possibly, postoperative wound infection; and (3) antenatal administration of N-acetylcysteine, an antioxidant and antiinflammatory agent, to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality. Well-powered randomized controlled trials are needed to assess these interventions in patients with clinical chorioamnionitis.

Histologic chorioamnionitis and risk of neurodevelopmental impairment at age 10 years among extremely preterm infants born before 28 weeks of gestation

BACKGROUND

Extremely preterm infants whose placenta had histologic evidence of chorioamnionitis have early brain dysfunction, but little is known about neurologic development at 10 years of age.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the association between histologic chorioamnionitis and neurodevelopmental impairment at 10 years among children born <28 weeks' gestation (extremely preterm).

STUDY DESIGN

The multicenter Extremely Low Gestational Age Newborns study enrolled extremely preterm newborns from 2002 to 2004 at 14 hospitals in the United States. Chorioamnionitis was defined by histologic stage (early, moderate, and advanced) and grade (mild/moderate and severe) of chorionic plate and umbilical cord inflammation. The children were examined for cerebral palsy at 2 years and for autism spectrum disorder, cognitive impairment (intelligence quotient >2 standard deviations below the mean), and epilepsy at the age of 10 years by blinded evaluators using validated measures. Multivariable logistic regression with generalized estimating equations was used.

RESULTS

Among 805 placentas, 43% (347/805) had histologic chorioamnionitis by moderate or advanced maternal stage, 36% (286/805) by severe maternal grade, 18% (132/737) by moderate or advanced fetal stage, and 1% (10/737) by severe fetal grade. The frequencies of impairments were 11% (88/767) for cerebral palsy, 7% (56/773) for autism spectrum disorder, 15% (120/788) for cognitive impairment, and 7% (52/763) for epilepsy. After adjustment for maternal age, body mass index, race, insurance status, maternal education, tobacco use, infant sex, and multiple gestations, the adjusted odds ratio for the association between histologic chorioamnionitis and cerebral palsy years was increased with advanced maternal stage (adjusted odds ratio, 2.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.6-3.9), severe maternal grade (adjusted odds ratio, 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-3.4), moderate fetal stage (adjusted odds ratio, 2.20; 95% confidence interval, 2.1-2.2), and mild or moderate fetal grade (adjusted odds ratio, 1.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-2.2). Similarly, the adjusted odds ratio for the association between histologic chorioamnionitis and epilepsy was increased with advanced maternal stage (adjusted odds ratio, 1.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-1.6) and severe fetal grade (adjusted odds ratio, 5.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.9-17.8). In addition, the adjusted odds ratio for the association between histologic chorioamnionitis and autism spectrum disorder was increased with mild or moderate fetal grade (adjusted odds ratio, 1.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-2.9). Histologic chorioamnionitis was not associated with cognitive impairment. These findings held after adjustment for gestational age at delivery. In contrast to histologic chorioamnionitis, a clinical diagnosis of chorioamnionitis was not associated with neurodevelopmental impairment.

CONCLUSION

Histologic chorioamnionitis may be associated with some forms of neurodevelopmental impairment at 10 years of life among infants born <28 weeks' gestation.

Association of chorioamnionitis and its duration with neonatal morbidity and mortality

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of chorioamnionitis, and secondarily its duration, on neonatal adverse outcomes for infants born <34 weeks vs. ≥34 weeks.

STUDY DESIGN

A secondary analysis from the observational U.S. Consortium on Safe Labor Study. The exposure was chorioamnionitis, and secondarily, its estimated duration. The composite outcome included pneumonia, seizure, necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis, periventricular/intraventricular/cerebral hemorrhage, mechanical ventilation, and neonatal death. Multivariable logistic regression with generalized estimating equations was used, stratified by gestational age at delivery.

RESULTS

Among 221,274 deliveries, the odds of the neonatal adverse outcome <34 weeks was 2-fold higher among infants exposed to chorioamnionitis vs. those who were not (62.0 vs. 47.7%; AOR: 1.86; 95%CI: 1.25-2.75), and was ~3.5-fold higher ≥34 weeks (9.2 vs. 2.5%; AOR: 3.34; 95% CI: 2.35-4.76). The estimated duration of chorioamnionitis did not change the above associations.

CONCLUSIONS

Chorioamnionitis was associated with an approximately 2- and 3.5-fold increased odds of neonatal adverse outcomes <34 and ≥34 weeks, respectively, regardless of its estimated duration.

Association of chorioamnionitis and its duration with adverse maternal outcomes by mode of delivery: a cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of chorioamnionitis and its duration with adverse maternal outcomes by mode of delivery.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Data from the Consortium on Safe Labor Study in the USA (2002-2008).

POPULATION

Singleton deliveries at ≥23 weeks of gestation (221 274 assessed deliveries, 62 331 by caesarean section).

METHODS

The association of chorioamnionitis, and secondarily the duration of chorioamnionitis estimated from intrapartum antibiotic use, with adverse maternal outcomes was analysed using logistic regression with generalised estimating equations, adjusting for age, parity, race, pregestational diabetes, chronic hypertension, gestational age at delivery, study site and delivery year. Analyses were stratified by vaginal versus caesarean delivery.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The composite adverse maternal outcome included: postpartum transfusion, endometritis, wound/perineal infection/separation, venous thromboembolism, hysterectomy, admission to intensive care unit and/or death.

RESULTS

Chorioamnionitis was associated with higher odds of the composite adverse maternal outcome with caesarean delivery (adjusted odds ratio 2.31; 95% CI 1.97-2.71); and the association persisted regardless of whether a woman had a trial of labour, preterm delivery or maternal group B streptococcus colonisation. The most common adverse outcomes after caesarean section were postpartum transfusion (56.0%) and wound/perineal infection or endometritis (38.6%). Chorioamnionitis was not associated with adverse maternal outcomes after vaginal delivery. The duration of chorioamnionitis as the exposure did not alter the association between chorioamnionitis and adverse maternal outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Chorioamnionitis, but not the estimated duration, was associated with increased odds of adverse maternal outcomes with caesarean delivery. This finding has implications for care programmes to prevent maternal morbidity after a caesarean section complicated by chorioamnionitis.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Chorioamnionitis, but not its duration, increases the risk of adverse maternal outcomes with caesarean delivery.

Daily gentamicin using ideal body weight demonstrates lower risk of postpartum endometritis and increased chance of successful outcome compared with traditional 8-hour dosing for the treatment of intrapartum chorioamnionitis

Background: Clinical chorioamnionitis complicates approximately 1-4% of pregnancies overall. Although universal agreement does not exist regarding the antibiotic regimen of choice, most studies have evaluated intravenous ampicillin dosed at 2 g every 6 hours plus gentamicin dosed every 8 hours. Only three studies have examined daily gentamicin for the treatment of intrapartum chorioamnionitis and thus is insufficiently investigated. Objective: This study seeks to determine whether daily dosing of gentamicin using ideal body weight for the treatment of intrapartum chorioamnionitis is more or equivalently efficacious when compared to traditional 8-hour dosing regimens. Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study and reviewed charts on all women receiving treatment for intrapartum chorioamnionitis, which included intravenous gentamicin daily dosing calculated using 5 mg/kg ideal body weight or receiving traditional every 8 hours dosing of gentamicin at two large academic centers. Our primary outcomes were resolution of infection following delivery without the development of maternal endometritis and/or neonatal sepsis. Baseline characteristics were compared between dosing groups using Welch two-sample t-tests for continuous variables, uncorrected X² test and exact binomial 95% confidence intervals. We calculated the risk ratios of each outcome in the ideal versus traditional dosing groups using modified Poisson regression, both crude and adjusted. Adjusted models were controlled for variables determined to be potential confounders, which included BMI, diabetes mellitus, gestational blood pressure >140/90, group β-Streptococcus status, race, advanced maternal age (>34 y), and parity. Results: The study included 500 patients with 255 patients receiving daily dosing of gentamicin and 245 receiving traditional dosing of gentamicin. Of the patients receiving daily gentamicin compared to traditional dosing, 95.7% (95% CI 94.9-96.6%) achieved the primary outcome versus 92% (95% CI 90.8 - 93.2%), 2.4% (95% CI 1.8-3%) developed endometritis versus 5.6% (4.5-6.7%), 1.6% (95% CI 1.1-2.1%) delivered neonates with sepsis versus 3.3% (CI 2.5-4.1%), and 36.9% required cesarean delivery versus 41.4%. In crude analysis, compared to traditional dosing, IDW daily dosing was associated with a lower risk of postpartum endometritis (RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.16-1.10, p = .032). After adjusting for BMI, diabetes mellitus, gestational blood pressure >140/90, group β-Streptococcus status, race, advanced maternal age (>34 y), and parity, the IDW daily dosing group had a 5% greater chance of successful outcome (RR 1.05, 95% CI 1.00-1.10, p = .046) and a 64% lower risk of endometritis (RR 0.35, 95% CI 0.15-0.83, p = .017). Conclusion: Daily dosing of gentamicin using ideal body weight is associated with a lower risk of postpartum endometritis and high chance of a successful outcome in the treatment of intrapartum chorioamnionitis compared with traditional 8-hour dosing in our ethnically diverse, urban population and thus may be considered a superior option to every 8 hours dosing regimens.

Daily dosing of gentamicin using ideal body weight for the treatment of intrapartum chorioamnionitis: a pilot study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to determine whether daily dosing of gentamicin using ideal body weight in the treatment of chorioamnionitis is effective.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a prospective observational study and followed all women receiving treatment for chorioamnionitis which included gentamicin daily dosing calculated using 5 mg/kg ideal body weight. Patients were excluded if pathological analysis of placenta did not confirm chorioamnionitis. Our primary outcome was resolution of infection following delivery without the development of maternal endometritis and/or neonatal sepsis. Ninety-five percent confidence intervals for proportions were calculated using exact binomial tests. These patients were retrospectively compared to patients who received treatment for chorioamnionitis which included traditional gentamicin every 8 h.

RESULTS

The study included 160 patients. Of the patients receiving daily dosing (n = 80) compared to traditional dosing (n = 80), 96% (95% CI 95.7-97.6%) achieved the primary outcome versus 91% (88.9-93.1%), 2.5% (95% CI 1.2-3.8%) developed endometritis versus 6.3% (4.2-8.4%), 1.3% (95% CI 0.4-2.2%) delivered neonates with sepsis versus 2.5% (1.2-3.8%), and 39% required cesarean delivery (95% CI 46.2-53.8) versus 37% (33.2-40.8%).

CONCLUSION

Daily dosing of gentamicin using ideal body weight is effective in successful treatment of chorioamnionitis without development endometritis and/or neonatal sepsis across different ethnicities.

Antibiotic regimens for management of intra-amniotic infection

BACKGROUND

Chorioamnionitis is a common infection that affects both mother and infant. Infant complications associated with chorioamnionitis include early neonatal sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis. Chorioamnionitis can also result in maternal morbidity such as pelvic infection and septic shock.Clinical chorioamnionitis is estimated to occur in 1% to 2% of term births and in 5% to 10% of preterm births; histologic chorioamnionitis is found in nearly 20% of term births and in 50% of preterm births. Women with chorioamnionitis have a two to three times higher risk for cesarean delivery and a three to four times greater risk for endomyometritis, wound infection, pelvic abscess, bacteremia, and postpartum hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of administering antibiotic regimens for intra-amniotic infection on maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality and on infection-related complications.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (1 October 2014), CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, and the WHO ICTRP (September 2014). We also searched reference lists of retrieved studies and contacted experts in the field.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that included women who experienced intra-amniotic infection. Trials were included if they compared antibiotic treatment with placebo or no treatment (if applicable), treatment with different antibiotic regimens, or timing of antibiotic therapy (intrapartum and/or postpartum). Therefore, this review assesses trials evaluating intrapartum antibiotics, intrapartum and postpartum antibiotic regimens, and postpartum antibiotics. Diagnosis of intra-amniotic infection was based on standard criteria (clinical/test), and no limit was placed on gestational age.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion and trial quality. Two review authors independently extracted data and checked them for accuracy. We assessed the quality of the evidence using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach and included a 'Summary of findings' table.

MAIN RESULTS

Our prespecified primary outcomes were maternal and neonatal mortality, maternal and neonatal severe infection, and duration of maternal and neonatal hospital stay.We included 11 studies (involving 1296 women) and assessed them as having low to moderate risk of bias - mainly because allocation concealment methods were not adequately reported, most studies were open, and outcome reporting was incomplete. The quality of the evidence was low to very low for most outcomes, as per the GRADE approach. The following antibiotics were assessed in the included trials: ampicillin, ampicillin/sulbactam, gentamicin, clindamycin, and cefotetan. During labor: meta-analysis of two studies found no clear differences in rates of neonatal sepsis (163 neonates; risk ratio (RR) 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40 to 2.86; I² = 9%; low quality of evidence), treatment failure (endometritis) (163 participants; RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.27 to 2.70; I² = 0%; low quality of evidence), and postpartum hemorrhage (RR 1.39, 95% CI 0.76 to 2.56; I² = 0%; low quality of evidence) when two different dosages/regimens of gentamicin were assessed. No clear differences between groups were found for any reported maternal or neonatal outcomes. The review did not identify data for a comparison of antibiotics versus no treatment/placebo. Postpartum: meta-analysis of two studies that evaluated use of antibiotics versus placebo after vaginal delivery showed no significant differences between groups in rates of treatment failure or postpartum endometritis. No significant differences were found in rates of neonatal death and postpartum endometritis when use of antibiotics was compared with no treatment. Four trials assessing two different dosages/regimens of gentamicin or dual-agent therapy versus triple-agent therapy, or comparing antibiotics, found no significant differences in most reported neonatal or maternal outcomes; the duration of hospital stay showed a difference in favor of the group of women who received short-duration antibiotics (one study, 292 women; mean difference (MD) -0.90 days, 95% CI -1.64 to -0.16; moderate quality of evidence). Intrapartum versus postpartum: one small study (45 women) evaluating use of ampicillin/gentamicin during intrapartum versus immediate postpartum treatment found significant differences favoring the intrapartum group in the mean number of days of maternal postpartum hospital stay (one trial, 45 women; MD -1.00 days, 95% CI -1.94 to - 0.06; very low quality of evidence) and the mean number of neonatal hospital stay days (one trial, 45 neonates; MD -1.90 days, 95% CI -3.91 to -0.49; very low quality of evidence). Although no significant differences were found in the rate of maternal bacteremia or early neonatal sepsis, for the outcome of neonatal pneumonia or sepsis we observed a significant difference favoring intrapartum treatment (one trial, 45 neonates; RR 0.06, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.95; very low quality of evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This review included 11 studies (having low to moderate risk of bias). The quality of the evidence was low to very low for most outcomes, as per the GRADE approach. Only one outcome (duration of hospital stay) was considered to provide moderate quality of evidence when antibiotics (short duration) were compared with antibiotics (long duration) during postpartum management of intra-amniotic infection. Our main reasons for downgrading the quality of evidence were limitations in study design or execution (risk of bias), imprecision, and inconsistency of results.Currently, limited evidence is available to reveal the most appropriate antimicrobial regimen for the treatment of patients with intra-amniotic infection; whether antibiotics should be continued during the postpartum period; and which antibiotic regimen or what treatment duration should be used. Also, no evidence was found on adverse effects of the intervention (not reported in any of the included studies). One small RCT showed that use of antibiotics during the intrapartum period is superior to their use during the postpartum period in reducing the number of days of maternal and neonatal hospital stay.

Changes in maternal blood inflammatory markers as a predictor of chorioamnionitis: a prospective multicenter study

PROBLEM

To evaluate the inflammatory pattern in maternal circulation from women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) considering the occurrence of histologically confirmed chorioamnionitis (HCA).

METHOD OF STUDY

A prospective study was conducted in 121 women with PPROM between 24 and 34 + 0 weeks of gestation. Association between white blood cells (WBC) count, plasma CRP, IL-6, MCP-1 and IP-10 levels, and HCA was assessed.

RESULTS

The rate of HCA was 44.7% (54/121). During the 5 days preceding delivery, median CRP, WBC, and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in the HCA than in no-HCA group (P < 0.001). Variations in IL-6, IP-10 levels, during the 24-72 hr before delivery, were predictors of the occurrence of HCA, but the diagnostic accuracy was low [Receiver Operating Characterictic (ROC) curve, area under the curve (AUC) = 0.56].

CONCLUSION

An increase in IL-6, CRP, IP-10 maternal plasma levels was confirmed in PPROM women with HCA. Longitudinal follow-up of these markers did not add valuable information regarding HCA.

Preterm birth and its long-term effects: methylation to mechanisms

The epigenetic patterns established during development may influence gene expression over a lifetime and increase susceptibility to chronic disease. Being born preterm (<37 weeks of gestation) is associated with increased risk mortality and morbidity from birth until adulthood. This brief review explores the potential role of DNA methylation in preterm birth (PTB) and its possible long-term consequences and provides an overview of the physiological processes central to PTB and recent DNA methylation studies of PTB.

Update on new medicinal applications of gentamicin: evidence-based review

Gentamicin (GM) was discovered in 1963 and was introduced into parenteral usage in 1971. Since then, GM has been widely used in medicinal applications. The Food and Drug Administration of the United States approved the routine prescription of GM to treat the following infectious disorders: infection due to Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens, Citrobacter spp., Enterobacteriaceae spp., Pseudomonas spp.; Staphylococcus infectious disease; bacterial meningitis; bacterial sepsis of newborns; bacterial septicemia; infection of the eye, bone, skin and/or subcutaneous tissue; infective endocarditis; peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis due to Pseudomonas and other gram-negative organisms; peritonitis due to gastrointestinal tract infections; respiratory tract infections; and urinary tract infectious disease. GM is an old antibiotic and is used widely beyond its FDA-labeled indications as follows: actinomycotic infection; Staphylococcus saprophyticus bacteremia with pyelonephritis; appendicitis; cystic fibrosis; diverticulitis; adjunct regimen for febrile neutropenia; female genital infection; uterine infection; postnatal infection; necrotizing enterocolitis in fetus or newborn; osteomyelitis; pelvic inflammatory disease; plague; gonorrhea; tularemia; prophylaxis of post-cholecystectomy infection, transrectal prostate biopsy, and post-tympanostomy-related infection; malignant otitis externa; and intratympanically or transtympanically for Ménière's disease. GM is also used in combination regimens, such as with beta-lactam antibiotics to treat mixed infection and with bacteriophage to treat Staphylococcus aureus infections. It is also added to medical materials, such as GM-loaded cement spacers for osteomyelitis and prosthetic joint-associated infections. Overall, there are many medicinal applications for GM. To reduce the development of GM-resistant bacteria and to maintain its effectiveness, GM should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected as being caused by susceptible bacteria. In the future, we believe that GM will be used more widely in combination therapy and applied to medical materials for clinical applications. A definitive, appropriately powered study of this antibiotic and its clinical applications is now required, especially in terms of its effectiveness, safety, and cost.

Evidence for the clinical management of chorioamnionitis

Acute chorioamnionitis or intra-amniotic infection is defined by maternal fever in association with at least one additional clinical criterion including maternal or fetal tachycardia, maternal leukocytosis, uterine tenderness, or foul amniotic fluid odor. In clinically uncertain cases, the diagnosis can be augmented by routine laboratory studies (e.g. white blood cell count and differential count and acute phase reactants) and assays done on amniotic fluid. In general, the clinical management of chorioamnionitis is based on observational or cohort studies; only a few randomized controlled trials have been done. Prompt administration of antibiotics and delivery decrease maternal and neonatal morbidity. The most commonly used antibiotic regimen is ampicillin and gentamicin. Recent evidence supports daily rather than three-times-daily dosing of gentamicin for greater efficacy and decreased fetal toxicity. There is no evidence demonstrating harm with the administration of corticosteroids (to promote fetal lung maturity) in women with acute chorioamnionitis. Cesarean delivery should be reserved for standard obstetric indications.

New developments in aminoglycoside therapy and ototoxicity

After almost seven decades in clinical use, aminoglycoside antibiotics still remain indispensible drugs for acute infections and specific indications such as tuberculosis or the containment of pseudomonas bacteria in patients with cystic fibrosis. The review will describe the pathology and pathophysiology of aminoglycoside-induced auditory and vestibular toxicity in humans and experimental animals and explore contemporary views of the mechanisms of cell death. It will also outline the current state of protective therapy and recent advances in the development of aminoglycoside derivatives with low toxicity profiles for antimicrobial treatment and for stop-codon suppression in the attenuation of genetic disorders.