Effect of bacterial vaginosis on preterm birth: A meta-analysis

Abstract Purpose Bacterial vaginosis is a common genital tract disorder. It can lead to preterm birth but its contribution and extent is equivocal. Bacterial vaginosis is a treatable cause of preterm birth if diagnosed and treated correctly. The study desired to confirm the relationship between bacterial vaginosis and preterm. Methods It was a meta-analysis. Articles published from 2008 to 2018 were included. The studies conducted to measure the strength of association between Bacterial Vaginosis and Preterm Birth by any statistical test were included. Studies with only conceptual aspects and qualitative data were excluded from the meta-analysis. Four search engines were identified, PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane, and LILAC. Forest plots were plotted separately for Odds Ratio (OR) and Relative Risk. Results After extensive search 11 studies giving 14 relevant results with 20,894 participants were included. This meta-analysis proves that Bacterial Vaginosis is strongly associated with preterm birth. The risk of preterm delivery is >2-folds in women with bacterial vaginosis (OR, 2.79; 95% CI, 2.29 to 3.41). The combined or pooled risk ratio (RR) of pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis having a preterm birth or preterm delivery is 1.52 (RR, 95% C.I.=1.33 to 1.74). Conclusion Our study shows a strong association between Bacterial vaginosis and preterm birth. The study concludes that investigation for bacterial vaginosis and management accordingly should be a part of the routine examination of a pregnant woman. The health system must initiate this strategy at the earliest to reduce prevalence of preterm births and thereby neonatal mortality.