The Effect of Treating Bacterial Vaginosis on Preterm Labor

[摘要] Objective:Multiple studies suggest that bacterial vaginosis (BV) causes preterm labor; yet its routine treatmentremains controversial. In order to help to elucidate this controversy, we performed a thorough review of studieswith levels of evidence ranging from I to II–II.Methods:We searched for all of the studies from the years 1994 to 2001 via Medline’s database, includingMD Consult and Ovid Mednet.Results:Several trials discovered a decrease in the incidence of preterm labor when BV was treated, but mostof those trials were performed on women with a history of preterm labor. However, the majority of trialsreviewed advise against treatment of a general low-risk obstetric population, as there was no significant decreasein preterm labor.Conclusions:Therefore, based on the above studies and the current guidelines of the Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention (CDC), treating pregnant women in high-risk populations who are diagnosed with BVprovides the clinician with an opportunity to possibly prevent preterm labor in this population. In nulliparouswomen without a history of preterm birth, treatment is recommended if other risk factors are present (e.g.gonorrhea or chlamydia). However, in the general low-risk populations, routine screening is not indicated.

[学科分类] 妇产科学