Prevention of preterm delivery and low birth weight associated with asymptomatic bacteriuria.

Since the first report of an association between asymptomatic bacteriuria and low birth weight (less than 2,500 g) in 1962, greater than 30 other studies on the same subject have been published. Some of these confirmed this association while others disputed it. Now, however, by using meta-analysis (a technique considered valid by many but not all statisticians) one may conclude with increased certainty that true associations between asymptomatic bacteriuria and preterm delivery (less than 37 weeks of gestation) and asymptomatic bacteriuria and low birth weight do exist. Because asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy remains prevalent and preventable, a review of this important subject is relevant at this time.