Aim: To estimate the prevalence of Bacterial Vaginosis in preterm labour cases as compared to term labour. 

Pre-term birth is the single most important factor of adverse neonatal outcome.

Materials & Methods: In this study, 100 patients admitted in Obs & Gynae. ward of KMCH for period July-January 2018 with true labour pain were taken and segregated into cases & controls after taking their consent:

Group 1(Case)- 50 patients preterm labour at >28 to <36^+6 wks. POG

Group2(Control)- 50 term labour patients at >37wks POG

Speculum examination was done for both & evaluated. Smear from posterior fornix was taken using swabs under wet mount, KOH (whiff test).

Diagnosis is made if 3 out of 4 AMSEL’S Criteria is found true:

         Homogenous vaginal discharge

         Vaginal pH>4.5

         Positive whiff test

         Presence of clue cells >20%

Result: Among the 50 cases & 50 controls studied, bacterial vaginosis was present in 15 preterm labour patients (CASE) & 3 term labour patients (Control). 

Thus, women with bacterial vaginosis have increased risk of pre-term labour.

Conclusion: Bacterial Vaginosis is a common but poorly understood clinical syndrome wherein for some unknown reason, the vaginal flora shifts & anaerobic species overgrow.

Thus, our study concludes that bacterial vaginosis is one of the most important causes of pre-term labour. Routine screening and treatment of bacterial vaginosis will thus help reduce Preterm labour incidence & further reduce perinatal morbidity and mortality.

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Dr Shazia Iqbal

PGT 2nd year, Dept. of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, KMCH