Elevated vaginal pH in the absence of current vaginal infection, still a challenging obstetrical problem. (April 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hantoushzadeh, Sedigheh; Sheikh, Mahdi; Javadian, Pouya; Shariat, Mamak; Amini, Elaheh; Abdollahi, Alireza; Kashanian, Maryam
• Is Part Of: Journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine. Volume 27:Number 6(2014:Jun.)
• Page Start: 582
• Page End: 587
• Publication Date: 2014-04
• Subjects: Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Perinatology -- Periodicals; Infants (Newborn) -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neonatology -- Periodicals; 618.2
• DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2013.823394
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1476-7058

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Objective:</italic> To assess the association of vaginal pH ≥ 5 in the absence of vaginal infection with systemic inflammation and adverse pregnancy outcome.</p> <p> <italic>Methods:</italic> Four-hundred sixty pregnant women completed the study, upon enrollment Vaginal pH was measured for all women, maternal and umbilical sera were obtained for determining C-reactive protein (CRP) and uric acid levels. Umbilical blood was tested for gas parameters, 1 and 5 min Apgar scores, the need for neonatal resuscitation and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission were recorded.</p> <p> <italic>Results:</italic> Elevated vaginal pH was significantly associated with preterm birth (odds ratio (OR), 2.23; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04–4.76), emergency cesarean section (OR 2.57; 95% CI 1.32–5), neonatal resuscitation in the delivery room (OR 2.85; 95% CI 1.1–7.38), elevated cord base deficit (OR 8.01; 95% CI 1.61–39.81), low cord bicarbonate (OR 4.16, 95% CI 1.33–12.92) and NICU admission (OR 2.02; 95% CI 1.12–3.66). Increased vaginal pH was also significantly associated with maternal leukocytosis, hyperuricemia and elevated CRP levels in maternal and umbilical sera.</p> <p> <italic>Conclusions:</italic> Elevated vaginal pH in the absence of current vaginal infection still constitutes a risk for adverse pregnancy outcome which is mediated by systemic inflammatory response.</p> </abstract>