Meconium-stained amniotic fluid and the risk of postcesarean surgical site infection

Objective: To investigate the association between meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) and postcesarean surgical site infections. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network (MFMU) Cesarean Registry. Women with a singleton pregnancy attempting labor or induction of labor, who ultimately had a cesarean delivery, were included in the study. Pregnancies complicated by MSAF (n = 4262) and those who did not have MSAF (n = 13,850) were compared. The primary outcome was the incidence of SSI. Results: A total of 18,112 patients were included in the study. 4262 (38%) had meconium-stained amniotic fluid. After accounting for potential confounders in a multivariable logistic regression, meconium-stained amniotic fluid was associated with an increased risk of postoperative surgical site infection (odds ratio 1.16, 95% CI 1.03-1.30). Conclusions: Meconium-stained amniotic fluid may be associated with an increased risk of postoperative surgical site infection.

Automated summary

A secondary analysis of a large registry study found that meconium-stained amniotic fluid may be associated with an increased risk of postcesarean surgical site infections, even after adjusting for potential confounders.