Professional
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
chorioamnionitis
Pronunciation: kor-ee-oh-am-nee-oh-NY-tis
Bacterial infection of the foetal membranes and amniotic fluid during pregnancy or labor.
Full Definition
Chorioamnionitis is an acute inflammation of the chorion and amnion, the membranes surrounding the foetus, typically caused by ascending bacterial infection from the genital tract. Clinical features include maternal fever, uterine tenderness, foetal tachycardia, and purulent vaginal discharge. The condition poses risks to both mother and baby, including preterm labor, neonatal sepsis, and cerebral palsy, requiring prompt antibiotic treatment and often expedited delivery.
Usage
Usage note: Sometimes shortened to 'chorioamnio' in informal clinical discussion.
In Context
- "Signs of chorioamnionitis prompted immediate antibiotic therapy and delivery planning." — Labor ward assessment
- "The neonate required NICU admission due to maternal chorioamnionitis and risk of sepsis." — Neonatal care report
Also known as
intra-amniotic infection
clinical chorioamnionitis
Don't confuse with
endometritis
urinary tract infection