Spontaneous preterm labour has a significant association wth UTIs, finds study

Preterm labor, defined by the WHO as the onset of labor between 20 and 37 weeks of gestation, is a major contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality, with spontaneous preterm birth accounting for two-thirds of these cases. Genitourinary tract infections, particularly urinary tract infections (UTIs), are a significant risk factor for preterm labor, with studies suggesting that 40% of spontaneous preterm births are associated with genital tract infections.

This study aims to determine the association between spontaneous preterm labor and genitourinary tract infections in a sample of antenatal women and evaluate its impact on maternal and neonatal outcomes. Methods This cross-sectional study included 144 antenatal women with spontaneous preterm labor, threatened preterm labor, or preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), presenting between 28 and 37 weeks of gestation at Sri Ramachandra Medical College. Midstream urine samples and vaginal swabs were collected for culture and sensitivity testing. Additional parameters, such as maternal age, body mass index (BMI), parity, socioeconomic status (SES), and history of preterm births, were recorded. Blood tests were performed to measure total counts and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Maternal and neonatal outcomes, including birth weight and neonatal sepsis, were analyzed.