The New Indian Journal of OBGYN. 12(1):78-82

Burden of aerobic organisms among women presenting with preterm labor (PTL) or preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) in a tertiary care hospital in Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Lakshmi A, Shakuntala PN, Rudresh SM, Renuka Ramaiah

ABSTRACT

Objective: To determine the proportion of aerobic organisms among patients presenting during pre term labour (PTL) or preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Methods: A cross -sectional study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of ESIC MC and PGIMSR, Bangalore from July 2017 to June 2022 on 130 pregnant women with preterm labor or PPROM ≤37 completed weeks of gestation. The sample was collected by inserting a sterile swab stick into the posterior and lateral fornix and cultured to determine the bacterial flora. Results: In our study, 49 patients (37.69%) were aged between 21-25 years and 44 (33.8%) between 26-30 years. 100 patients (77%) delivered between 34-37 weeks gestation and 30 patients (23%) < 34 weeks. A positive culture report was obtained in 35 patients (26.9%) – symptomatic Escherichia coli infection in 20(15%). 67 patients (51.5%) delivered vaginally, and 62 (47.7%) underwent LSCS. 54 patients (41.53%) had no comorbidities and among the rest, reduced liquor in 27(20.8%), hypertensive disorders in pregnancy in 28 (21.5%), and fetal growth restriction in 15(11.5%). Conclusion: Knowing the burden of aerobic infection in this group can provide an opportunity to deliver specific treatment and hence prevent morbidity in the mother and neonate.