The role of infection in preterm labour

BJOG. 2003 Apr:110 Suppl 20:52-4. doi: 10.1016/s1470-0328(03)00025-9.

Abstract

Although there are many maternal characteristics associated with preterm birth, the aetiology in most cases is poorly understood. Our research demonstrates that multiple risk factors, such as maternal age and especially infection, are associated with preterm birth. Bacterial vaginosis and intrauterine infection are now believed to be an important risk factor for preterm delivery.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cost of Illness
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-6 / physiology
  • Obstetric Labor, Premature / economics
  • Obstetric Labor, Premature / microbiology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious* / economics
  • Prenatal Care / economics
  • Prenatal Care / organization & administration
  • Receptors, Interleukin-6 / physiology
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Interleukin-6
  • Receptors, Interleukin-6