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

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 becomes as the risk factor for preterm labor, premature rupture of membrane and infection of neonates. This study was designed to investigate the correlation of chorioamnionitis and funisitis as the risk factor of preterm labor and early onset neonatal sepsis. 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. The mean result of neonates’ body weight and length for the preterm group were significantly different compared to the aterm group (p<0.05). The body temperature and the hemoglobin level were not different significantly (p>0.05). 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). Incidence of inflammation within decidua, chorion or amnion increase the risk of preterm labor. This study shows that the pathological chorioamnionitis and funisitis increased the risk of preterm labor and early onset neonatal sepsis. Keywords: Chorioamnionitis, Funisitis, Preterm birth, Early onset neonatal sepsis.