Chorioamnionitis and Funisitis Increase the Risk of Preterm Labor and Early Onset Neonatal Sepsis

Background Preterm labor is one of the main problem in obstetrics, especially in the perinatology aspect related to the morbidity and mortality of neonates. The inflammation of placenta and amniotic membrane is of the risk factor for preterm labor, premature rupture of membrane and infection of neonates. Neonatal sepsis can be caused by the intra-amniotic infection or chorioamnionitis. Objective To investigate the correlation of chorioamnionitis and funisitis as the risk factor of preterm labor and early onset neonatal sepsis. Method This study was designed using analytic observational prospective cohort study with internal control. Study was conducted in the Delivery Ward of Obstetric Emergency Room Sanglah General Hospital in May until November 2012. Result The mean result of neonates body weight and length for the preterm group were significantly different compared to the aterm group (p0.05). The relative risk (RR) of the amniotic membrane inflammation towards preterm labor was 4 (RR=3.86, 95 % CI=1.61-929, p=0.001) compared to the normal amniotic membrane, while the RR towards neonatal sepsis was 9 (RR=9.27, 95 % CI=1.29-66.93, p=0.007). The RR of the umbilical cord inflammation towards preterm labor was 3 (RR=3.18, 95 % CI=1.13-8.98, p=0.008), while the RR towards neonatal sepsis was 5 (RR=5.20, 95 % CI=0.72-37.76, p=0.084). Conclusion Pathological chorioamnionitis and funisitis increased the risk of preterm labor and early onset neonatal sepsis.