The Effect of Treatment of Bacterial Vaginosis on Pregnancy Outcome

Prematurity is one of the most common causes of neonatal mortality in many countries. Recent studies show that bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy can lead to some complication such as premature rupture of membrane and preterm labor. The aim of this study was evaluation of bacterial vaginosis and its prophylactic effect on premature rupture of membrane and preterm labor. 500 singlton pregnant women who were referred to Hafez Prenatal Clinic affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences from October 2006 till October 2007 took part in a double blind clinical trial. Gram stain was prepared from their vaginal discharge and those with positive results were divided into two groups. One group received vaginal metronidazole and the other received placebo for 5 days. Reassessment by Gram stain was done two weeks after termination of treatment and also in weeks 32 and 37 of pregnancy. Premature rupture of membrane and preterm labor rate were assessed in both groups. Data were analyzed by SPSS 15 and using Fisher’s exact test and chi-square test. Bacterial vaginosis occurred in 22.4% of pregnant women. Gram stain of vaginal smear changed to negative in 52 women (91.2%) in treatment group. Premature rupture of membrane was less frequent among metronidazole group (p=0.007).Vaginal metronidazole is effective in treatment of bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy and can reduce premature rupture of membrane in these patients. Screening and treatment of bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy is highly suggested.