Utility of Routine Testing for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea in the Setting of Preterm Delivery or Premature Preterm Rupture of Membranes.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to explore the rates of positive and negative Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae test results in patients screened for these infections and later experienced preterm delivery or preterm premature rupture of membranes. The team conducted a retrospective chart review of patients admitted for preterm premature rupture of membranes or who experienced preterm delivery between April 1, 2009, and April 30, 2015. Patients lacking chlamydia and gonorrhea screening before admission were excluded from the study. Four hundred and six patients met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of chlamydia infection at initial prenatal screening before admission was 13.3%. Among those for whom the prenatal chlamydia test was negative, 1.7% of patients had a positive subsequent chlamydia test on admission screening. Among those for whom the prenatal chlamydia test was positive, 18.5% had a positive subsequent chlamydia test on admission screening. Positive prenatal test (P=.002) and age 25 years or less (P<.001) were associated with positive admission screening for chlamydia, though only a positive prenatal test remained significant in a logistic regression model (odds ratio, 8.56; 95% CI, 2.67-27.49; P=.003). The prevalence of gonorrhea was low at 0.2% of patients positive for gonorrhea at prenatal testing and 0.5% of patients positive for gonorrhea at admission testing. Our results suggest that individualization based on patient characteristics may be utilized to decrease re-testing. More research is needed to identify possible additional risk factors for new infection or re-infection and the most optimal timing for re-screening during the prenatal period.