A particularly severe infection of the membranes and amniotic fluid surrounding the baby, chorioamnionitis is sometimes used as a defense in cerebral palsy birth injury lawsuits.
Some doctors and hospitals will blame the baby’s injury on the infection, though it only occurs in 2% of United States births, and argue that lack of oxygen was not the cause. Frequently, the defense is used in light of pathologic findings of chorioamnionitis (for example, pathology of the placenta) even though there are no clinical symptoms.
Reach out to the Ohio chorioamnionitis infection lawyers at The Becker Law Firm to learn more. We can be reached online or by phone at 216-621-3000; free consultations are available.
What Causes Chorioamnionitis?
Chorioamnionitis occurs when membranes rupture during labor. The bacteria from the lower genital tract are then able to ascend and begin to start infecting the outer layer of the amniotic sac. Certain procedures such as cerclage and amniocentesis can increase the likelihood of chorioamnionitis to occur.
However, the four most likely causes of chorioamnionitis are:
- When there has been a rupture of membranes for more than 8 hours
- When the mother has a GBS, or Group B Streptococcus, infection
- When there are numerous or too many vaginal exams being conducted during the course of labor
- When there is internal monitoring of the baby
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Chorioamnionitis
Symptoms of chorioamnionitis include:
- Maternal fever
- Elevated maternal white blood count
- Fetal tachycardia (fast heart rate)
- Uterine tenderness
Diagnosis can be difficult, even in the face of these symptoms (See Diagnosis and Management of Clinical Chorioamnionitis, Alan T. N. Tita, M.D., Ph.D.). Many of these symptoms have other causes that must be excluded. For example, maternal fever may be caused by patients who receive prostaglandins to induce labor or patients who have epidurals. Likewise, the white blood count naturally increases in pregnancy and even further with labor. It can be associated with preterm and prolonged rupture of membranes (PROM).
If there is any doubt as to the diagnosis, an amniocentesis (removal of some amniotic fluid) can be performed and the fluid can be cultured. Not all hospitals perform those tests, however.
Complications Associated with Chorioamnionitis
Chorioamnionitis can cause injury to the mother and the baby. It is associated with fetal sepsis, premature birth, stillbirth, lung disease, and cerebral palsy.
Treatment of Chorioamnionitis
If the symptoms exist without any other likely cause, physicians should immediately begin treatment. The obstetrician’s course of action will depend on how far along the pregnancy is and whether the baby requires more time in the womb.
There are only two treatments for chorioamnionitis. Intravenous antibiotics should be used. If the pregnancy is far enough along, the baby should be delivered by induction and vaginal delivery, or by cesarean section if the baby appears to be in any danger.
If your pregnancy was complicated by infection or if your child has cerebral palsy or other developmental delays, contact our Ohio chorioamnionitis attorneys at 216-621-3000 for a free consultation.
