Bacterial vaginosis – a risk factor for preterm labour: a case-control study

Aim: To estimate the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in preterm labour patients when compared to term labour patients. Materials and Method: It was a hospital based prospective case-control study conducted over a period of two years. Study population was selected as per our study criteria. Speculum examination was done for both control and cases and evaluated for any abnormal vaginal discharge and vaginal pH. Smear from posterior fornix was taken using sterile cotton swabs for wet mount and KOH test (Whiff test). Diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis was made if three of the four signs of Amsel criteria were found. The data were analysed using SPSS software 20 and results were derived. Results: Among the patients bacterial vaginosis was present in 24 of the preterm labour (26.7%) patients and 5 of the term labour (5.6%) patients (Table 1). It was statistically significant (p < 0.001) by Chi-square test. Considering the relative risk(RR), women with bacterial vaginosis has increased risk of preterm labour when compared to patients without bacterial vaginosis(Odds ratio -6.182;RR-4.800). Conclusion: Our study concluded that bacterial vaginosis is one of the most important causes of preterm labour. Routine screening and treatment of bacterial vaginosis for women at high risk for preterm labour will help in reduction of preterm birth related perinatal morbidity and mortality. Keywords: Bacterial vaginosis, Amsel criteria, Preterm labour, Preterm birth, Perinatal morbidity