Intra-amniotic infection (IAI) (or chorioamnionitis) complicates up to 10% of all
pregnancies and up to 2% of labors at term. There is a significant risk of complications
for the mother and the neonate following IAI, including sepsis and pneumonia.
Key messages
􀃎 Intraamniotic infection (IAI) is associated with significant risk of both maternal
and perinatal morbidity and mortality.
􀃎 There is insufficient evidence from trials to indicate which antibiotic is best
and whether or not it should be given intrapartum or postpartum.
􀃎 While this review was not conclusive it seems appropriate to start antibiotics
to women with clinical IAI because the consequences of not doing so are potentially
dangerous.
􀃎 There is a need for more studies in low-income countries to evaluate optimal
antibiotic regimens.