[Management of Infection in Threatened Preterm Birth - A Survey of German Perinatal Centers].

Introduction: In spite of insufficient evidence, we assume a high willingness to diagnose and treat vaginal infections in threatened preterm births in Germany.

Methods: Online survey on the management of infection in threatened preterm birth in all 212 German perinatal centers.

Results: The response rate was 31.6% (n=67). 78.8% disclaim an empirical antibiotic treatment in threatened preterm birth below 34 weeks of gestation. Half of the remaining 14 centers always start an antibiotic treatment in cases with signs or symptoms of threatened preterm birth. 94% perform vaginal swabs for culture. 37.3% use a microscopic assessment by vaginal Nugent score or Amsel score. An abnormal vaginal microbiota is mostly treated (bacterial vaginosis 79.1%, n=53, Candida spp. 77.6%, n=52, Ureaplasma spp. 49.3%, n=33). After treatment, 70.1% agree with repeating the culture diagnosis. There is common consensus for antibiotic treatment in cases with preterm premature rupture of membranes. 72.6% favor a monotherapy with a β-lactam antibiotic. Statements on duration of therapy were inconsistent, whereby 58% of centers treat for more than 7 days.

Conclusion: In German perinatal centers, we observed a great willingness to diagnose and treat infections in threatened preterm birth. However, the management of infection is heterogeneous and partly contradicts the present guidelines.