Chorioamnionitis

Chorioamnionitis

Chorioamnionitis (pronunciation: kor-ee-oh-am-nee-oh-ni-tis) is a medical condition that involves inflammation of the amniotic sac (the fluid-filled membrane that surrounds and protects a developing fetus in the uterus) due to a bacterial infection.

Etymology

The term "Chorioamnionitis" is derived from the Greek words "chorion" (outer fetal membrane), "amnion" (inner fetal membrane), and "-itis" (inflammation).

Definition

Chorioamnionitis, also known as intra-amniotic infection (IAI), is an infection that affects the membranes surrounding the fetus (the chorion and amnion) and the amniotic fluid. It is most commonly caused by bacteria ascending from the vagina into the uterus and is associated with prolonged labor.

Symptoms

Symptoms of chorioamnionitis can include fever, abdominal pain, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, and rapid heartbeat in the mother. In the fetus, it can cause rapid heartbeat, a decreased amount of amniotic fluid, and, in severe cases, infection or death.

Treatment

Treatment for chorioamnionitis typically involves antibiotics to clear the infection. In some cases, early delivery of the baby may be necessary.

Related Terms

• Amniotic fluid
• Amniotic sac
• Intra-amniotic infection
• Bacterial infection
• Prolonged labor

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Chorioamnionitis
• Wikipedia's article - Chorioamnionitis

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