Routine screening of abnormal vaginal flora during pregnancy reduces the odds of preterm birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT: Prematurity is the leading cause of perinatal mortality and the morbidity among children under the age of 5. The prevalence of preterm birth is between 5 and 18% worldwide. Approximately 30% of preterm deliveries occur as a consequence of fetal or maternal infections. Bacterial vaginosis can increase the risk of ascending infections. However, there is no recommendation or protocol for screening of abnormal vaginal flora. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effectiveness of routine screening of abnormal vaginal flora during pregnancy care. We conducted our systematic search in the following databases: MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Studies reporting on pregnant women with no symptoms of bacterial vaginosis were included in our analysis if they provide

SUBMITTER: Hoffmann E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10457371 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature