How is chorioamnionitis diagnosed?

How is chorioamnionitis diagnosed?

• A. Maternal fever plus at least two of: maternal tachycardia, fetal tachycardia, uterine tenderness, foul smelling amniotic fluid, leukocytosis
• B. Maternal fever alone
• C. Fetal tachycardia alone
• D. Uterine tenderness alone

Answer: (A)

Diagnosing chorioamnionitis is a clinical process that hinges on finding intra-amniotic infection through the combination of fever and additional objective signs. The standard criteria are maternal fever (38°C or higher) plus at least two of the following: maternal tachycardia, fetal tachycardia, uterine tenderness, foul-smelling amniotic fluid, or leukocytosis. Fever by itself can occur for other reasons in labor, so pairing it with multiple signs of inflammation increases diagnostic accuracy. When this combination is present, it strongly indicates intra-amniotic infection and prompts urgent antibiotic therapy and delivery planning to protect both mother and baby.

Diagnosing chorioamnionitis is a clinical process that hinges on finding intra-amniotic infection through the combination of fever and additional objective signs. The standard criteria are maternal fever (38°C or higher) plus at least two of the following: maternal tachycardia, fetal tachycardia, uterine tenderness, foul-smelling amniotic fluid, or leukocytosis. Fever by itself can occur for other reasons in labor, so pairing it with multiple signs of inflammation increases diagnostic accuracy. When this combination is present, it strongly indicates intra-amniotic infection and prompts urgent antibiotic therapy and delivery planning to protect both mother and baby.