Infections in pregnancy

Question 1

What are the TORCH infections?

Answer 1

Toxoplasmosis
Other  (varicella, parvovirus B19, mumps, syphilis, HIV)
Rubella
Cytomegalovirus
Herpes simplex

Question 2

Should pregnant women receive the influenza vaccine?

Answer 2

Influenza vaccination is safe for use during pregnancy and it is recommended for all pregnant women. In addition to protective maternal effects during pregnancy, the risk of influenza in the first six months of life is decreased by approximately two-thirds in infants whose mothers were vaccinated during pregnancy

Question 3

Why should asymptomatic bacturia be treated in pregnancy?

Answer 3

Should be treated because untreated 30% of women will develop pyelonephritis

Question 4

What are the risks to the fetus of untreated UTI in pregnancy?

Answer 4

miscarriage, premature labour, low birth weight, and perinatal mortality

Question 5

What is the most common pathogen in UTIs in pregnancy?

Answer 5

Eighty per cent of UTIs are due to Escherichia coli ; other pathogens include group B streptococcus (GBS) and gram-negative bacteria

Question 6

What antibiotic course should be used in a febrile pregnant women with UTI?

Answer 6

IV cephalosporin
PO antibiotics after afebrile for 24 hours
Total course of antibiotics 10-14 days
Repeat urine MC&S in 7 days

Question 7

How should you treat recurrent UTIs in pregnant woman?

Answer 7

Prophylactic nitrofuratoin or cephalexin for the rest of pregnancy