chorioamnionitis
Pronunciation: kawr-ee-oh-am-nee-uh-NAHY-tis
Intraamniotic infection involving inflammation of the fetal membranes, typically presenting with fever, uterine tenderness, and foul-smelling discharge.
Full Definition
Chorioamnionitis is an ascending bacterial infection of the amniotic cavity and fetal membranes, most commonly caused by polymicrobial flora including group B Streptococcus, E. coli, and anaerobic bacteria. Clinical presentation includes maternal fever, uterine fundal tenderness, malodorous vaginal discharge, maternal and fetal tachycardia, and elevated white blood cell count. The condition complicates 1-5% of term pregnancies and up to 25% of preterm deliveries. Chorioamnionitis significantly increases risks of maternal sepsis, postpartum endometritis, neonatal sepsis, pneumonia, and long-term neurodevelopmental complications. Prompt antibiotic therapy and expedited delivery are standard management approaches.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish between clinical and histologic chorioamnionitis in documentation.
In Context
- "Clinical signs of chorioamnionitis prompted immediate antibiotic administration and preparation for delivery." — Labor and delivery progress note
- "Histopathologic examination of the placenta confirmed acute chorioamnionitis with neutrophilic infiltration." — Pathology report