A Validated Calculator to Estimate Risk of Chorioamnionitis in Laboring and Induced Patients at Term.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE Chorioamnionitis is associated with neonatal morbidity and infection-related mortality, but our ability to predict intrapartum infection is limited. We sought to derive and validate a prediction model for chorioamnionitis among patients presenting to labor and delivery at term. STUDY DESIGN This was a planned secondary analysis of a large cohort study from 2014 through 2018 at an academic tertiary care center. To derive a prediction model for chorioamnionitis, we limited our analysis to full-term (≥37 weeks) patients with a singleton gestation undergoing labor induction and presenting in labor. Both nulliparous and multiparous patients were included. Patients with a planned cesarean delivery, fever on admission, or missing data were excluded. The model was derived using multivariable logistic regression. Refinement of the prediction model with internal calibration was performed. External validation was performed utilizing a publicly available database (Consortium on Safe Labor) and applying the same inclusion and exclusion criteria. The discriminative power of each model was assessed using a bootstrap, bias-corrected area under the curve. RESULTS The chorioamnionitis rates in the derivation and external validation groups were: 5% (1,005/19,966) and 5.8% (n = 3,005/52,171), respectively. In multivariable modeling, maternal age, nulliparity, gestational age, smoking status, group B streptococcus colonization, hours ruptured, number of cervical exams, length of labor, epidural use, internal monitoring, and meconium were significantly associated with infection. A calculator was created and externally validated with an area under the curve of 0.82 (95% confidence interval, 0.81-0.82). External validity was further confirmed with a calibration intercept of 0.81. CONCLUSION This is the first infection calculator created and validated for the prediction of developing chorioamnionitis in patients undergoing induction of labor at term. This calculator can be used to augment patient counseling and guide intrapartum infection surveillance in laboring patients.