The Effect of Clinical Chorioamnionitis on Cesarean Delivery in the United States.

Objective: To examine the association of clinical chorioamnionitis on cesarean delivery in a national sample of hospital discharges.

Data Source: Hospital discharge data from the 1998-2010 Nationwide Inpatient Sample.

Study Design: We performed a cross-sectional study and general linear modeling was used to determine the association of clinical chorioamnionitis on risk of cesarean delivery.

Characteristics of Patients with Smear-Negative Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB) in a Region with High TB and HIV Prevalence.

Introduction: Smear-negative pulmonary TB (SNPT) represents 30-60% of all pulmonary TB cases. The mortality of these patients can reach 25% in populations with high prevalence of HIV infection, and 10-20% of TB transmission at the population level are attributable to SNPT cases.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate epidemiological, clinical, and radiological characteristics of patients with SNPT and to compare these with patients who were diagnosed as having smear-positive pulmonary TB (SPPT).

Discussion: 'Abnormal anal cytology in HIV-infected women' by Baranoski et al.

In the roundtable that follows, clinicians discuss a study published in this issue of the Journal in light of its methodology, relevance to practice, and implications for future research. Article discussed: Baranoski AS, Tandon R, Weinberg J, et al. Risk factors for abnormal anal cytology over time in HIV-infected women.

Comparison between spontaneous sedimentation method and Paratest® for the diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infections.

Correct diagnosis of parasitic infections is essential for the treatment of individuals avoiding indiscriminate use of anthelmintics which increases drug resistance. In a comparative study between the spontaneous sedimentation technique and Paratest(®), 140 stool samples were analyzed for the detection of parasites. The prevalence was 12.

Comparison of costs of surgical site infection and endometritis after cesarean delivery using claims and medical record data.

We used administrative and clinical data from a case-control study to calculate the costs of surgical site infection and endometritis after cesarean delivery. Attributable costs determined by multivariate generalized least-squares regression models with the 2 data sets were similar, suggesting that administrative data can be used to calculate infection costs.

Attributable costs of surgical site infection and endometritis after low transverse cesarean delivery.

Background: Accurate data on costs attributable to hospital-acquired infections are needed to determine their economic impact and the cost-benefit of potential preventive strategies.

Objective: To determine the attributable costs of surgical site infection (SSI) and endometritis (EMM) after cesarean section by means of 2 different methods.

Design: Retrospective cohort.

Risk factors for endometritis after low transverse cesarean delivery.

Objective: To determine independent risk factors for endometritis after low transverse cesarean delivery.

Study Design: We performed a retrospective case-control study during the period from July 1999 through June 2001 in a large tertiary care academic hospital. Endometritis was defined as fever beginning more than 24 hours or continuing for at least 24 hours after delivery plus fundal tenderness in the absence of other causes for fever.

Risk factors for surgical site infection after low transverse cesarean section.

Background: Independent risk factors for surgical site infection (SSI) after cesarean section have not been well documented, despite the large number of cesarean sections performed and the relatively common occurrence of SSI.

Objective: To determine independent risk factors for SSI after low transverse cesarean section.

Design: Retrospective case-control study.

Comparative radiological features of disseminated disease due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis vs non-tuberculosis mycobacteria among AIDS patients in Brazil.

Background: Disseminated mycobacterial disease is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with HIV-infection. Nonspecific clinical presentation makes the diagnosis difficult and sometimes neglected.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study to compare the presentation of disseminated Mycobacterial tuberculosis (MTB) and non-tuberculous Mycobacterial (NTM) disease in HIV-positive patients from 1996 to 2006 in Brazil.

Prevalence and predictors of sexually transmitted infection among newly incarcerated females.

Objectives: To examine demographic and behavioral characteristics in incarcerated women to determine which characteristics are associated with prevalent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Study Design: A cross-sectional analysis of data of 205 women entering jail in Rhode Island was performed as part of a study evaluating a family planning program. Women were recruited near time of commitment, and inclusion was limited to women at risk for an unplanned pregnancy.