Infection and premature labor.

The possibility that infection can cause premature labor is appealing. If true, antibiotics treat the cause, in contrast to tocolytic agents, which treat symptoms. There is strong evidence that infection is a factor in premature labor. Historical data from the preantibiotic era in patients with pyelonephritis and pneumonia support this. Vaginal bacterial colonization studies and amniotic fluid studies indicate that a portion of women with preterm labor have an identifiable microbiologic profile. Preliminary reports on antibiotic intervention in asymptomatic women and women in premature labor are encouraging. This may be the dawn of a new era in the diagnosis and treatment of preterm labor.