The antimicrobial treatment of subacute endometritis: a proof of concept study

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2004 Feb;190(2):305-13. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2003.09.024.

Abstract

Objective: Our purpose was to evaluate the antimicrobial therapy effect on clinical and laboratory findings among women at risk for endometritis.

Study design: A prospective antimicrobial treatment trial of 153 women was performed to characterize subacute endometritis and to determine the treatment effect on endometritis resolution.

Results: After antimicrobial treatment, significant reductions occurred in abnormal bleeding (60% vs 29%), mucopurulent cervicitis (20% vs 6%), uterine tenderness (20% vs 6%), and histologic endometritis (38% vs 4%), all P<.001. In women with prior pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), endometritis was present in 43% with and 28% without current Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae. In women without prior PID, endometritis was present in 23% with and 12% without current C trachomatis or N gonorrhoeae (P=.002 for trend).

Conclusions: In women without a clinical diagnosis of PID, antimicrobial therapy decreased abnormal clinical findings and histologic endometritis. Prior PID is additive with current cervical infection as a risk for endometritis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Biopsy
  • Chlamydia Infections / complications
  • Chlamydia trachomatis
  • Drug Therapy, Combination / therapeutic use
  • Endometritis / drug therapy*
  • Endometritis / microbiology*
  • Endometritis / pathology
  • Endometrium / pathology
  • Female
  • Gonorrhea / complications
  • Humans
  • Neisseria gonorrhoeae
  • Prospective Studies

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents