Atika Sher, Syed Kashif Abbas, Shiyam Sunder Tikmani, Falak Abro, Muhammad Jameel Ashraf.
Effect of Chorioamnionitis on Neonatal Outcome: a Hospital-Based Study.
Ann Abbasi Shaheed Hosp Karachi Med Dent Coll Jan ;24(3):265-70.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of chorioamnionitis on neonatal outcome. Methods: This cross-section descriptive study was conducted in the neonatal intensive care unit(NICU) of the Department of Pediatrics, Liaquat National Hospital Karachi from June 1st, 2016 to December 31st, 2016. Neonates (infants < 28 days of age) with maternal risk factors indicative of chorioamnionitis (maternal febrile illness in last trimester, high WBC count in maternal blood, lower abdominal pain or tenderness, and foul-smelling discharge) were included in the study. The neo-nates with an inborn error of metabolism and congenital anomalies were excluded from this study. The neonates were further categorized by gestational age as a term (gestational age >37 weeks) and preterm (gestational age <37 weeks). The neonatal outcome is classified into binary categories; dead or alive. Data were recorded by the data collectors in the predesigned proforma. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 22.Results: During the study period, 1200 women delivered a singleton baby, out of which 400 were ad-mitted at NICU. Of 400 infants, a total of 68 neonates of mothers with the indication of chorioamnionitis were enrolled in the study. The mean age of enrolled neonates was 2.55 +- 1.22days. Out of 68 neonate babies, 33 (48.5%) were males and 35 (51.5%) were females. Only 43(63%) were delivered, pre-term babies. The morbidities identified were respiratory distress syndrome(33.8%), sepsis (27.9%), intraventricular hemorrhage (10.3%), persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborns (11.8%) and necrotizing enterocolitis (7.4%). A total of 16 (23.5%) neonates died. Out of 16newborns who died, 32.6% were preterm and 8% were born at term. It was noted that weight, body mass index, fronto-occipital circumference, and gestational age were significant contributors to the mortality. Conclusion: In conclusion, chorioamnionitis is an important contributor to neonatal mortality and morbidity. The neonates of a mother with indications of chorioamnionitis are at an increased risk of respiratory distress syndrome.

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