Infection and prematurity: evidence-based approaches.

Overview

The real cost savings arising from effectively preventing or treating preterm birth ascribable to prevalent reproductive tract infections are demonstrated in the lives of children saved from premature death and personal, biologic and economic impairment. Three meta-analyses demonstrate neonatal and maternal benefits from adjunctive antibiotic treatment of mothers suffering preterm premature rupture of membranes. The effects of adjunctive antibiotic treatment of women with preterm labor are inconsistent, but single-agent regimens using erythromycin and clindamycin are effective and provide coverage for group B streptococcus. Providers and payers now have evidence-based, clinically proven and cost-saving opportunities to prevent important numbers of preterm births, as well as preventing individual children suffering from being 'born too soon'.