Pregnancy outcome after early detection of bacterial vaginosis

OBJECTIVE: To assess if detecting bacterial vaginosis either in early pregnancy or at midtrimester may predict adverse pregnancy outcome in women at risk for preterm delivery. STUDY DESIGN: 242 pregnant women with a previous preterm delivery were evaluated for bacterial vaginosis either in the first trimester (prior to 10+0 weeks) or in the second one (24-26 weeks). Adverse outcome was intended as miscarriage (< or =25 weeks), or premature delivery (< or =36+6). RESULTS: The risk of adverse pregnancy outcome was significantly increased in women diagnosed at first trimester with bacterial vaginosis (OR: 4.56; 95% CI: 2.54-8.93); the same finding at midtrimester did not increase significantly the risk of preterm delivery. CONCLUSIONS: Early screening for bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women who experienced a preterm delivery may help in predicting the risk of adverse outcome.