Chorioamnionitis

Question 1

What is chorioamnionitis?

Answer 1

a bacterial infection that affects the membranes surrounding the fetus (the amniotic sac) and the amniotic fluid within the uterus.

Question 2

What causes chorioamnionitis?

Answer 2

often caused by bacteria ascending from the vagina into the uterus, with the most common organisms being Group B streptococcus, E. coli, and anaerobic bacteria.

Question 3

What are the signs and symptoms of chorioamnionitis?

Answer 3

Fever
Abdominal pain
Offensive vaginal discharge
Evidence of preterm rupture of membranes
Maternal and foetal tachycardia
Pyrexia
Uterine tenderness

Question 4

What are the 3 main differentials for chorioamnionitis?

Answer 4

Urinary tract infection: presents with dysuria, frequency, urgency, suprapubic pain, and possibly pyrexia.

Appendicitis: presents with right lower quadrant pain, nausea, vomiting, and possibly fever.

Placental abruption: presents with vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, and rigid uterus.

Question 5

How is chorioamnionitis diagnosed?

Answer 5

commonly established by clinical signs and symptoms. However, laboratory investigations including blood tests and cultures, can be used to confirm the diagnosis and identify the causative organism.

Question 6

How is chorioamnionitis managed?

Answer 6

is an indication for hospital admission and delivery. Management includes:

1. Intravenous broad spectrum antibiotic therapy as part of the sepsis six protocol.
2. Monitoring of both mother and foetus for complications.
3. In some cases, early delivery may be necessary to prevent further complications.