KUMJ | VOL. 21 | NO. 1 | ISSUE 81 | JANUARY - MARCH, 2023
Pyrexia in Pregnancy and its Maternal and Fetal Outcome
Shrestha A, Bhattarai S, Madhup SK
Abstract: Background
Contemporary obstetrics has witnessed improved maternal and fetal outcomes,
owing to several advances. Any source of maternal hyperthermia that results in
significant core temperature increase (> 38°C), could potentially affect the fetus. Fetus
being an integral part of the feto-maternal unit and pregnancy involving numerous
physiological changes and adaptations, pyrexia during the pregnancy affects both the
mother and her fetus adversely.
Objective
To find the etiology and prevalence of fever in pregnancy and to know the effect of
fever on maternal and fetal outcome.
Method
Pregnant ladies with fever > 38°C, presenting to Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Department of Dhulikhel Hospital were enrolled in the study. A detailed clinical
history, thorough general and physical examinations were done. All risk factors were
asked and recorded including all baseline investigations and cases were followed up
till delivery. Maternal and fetal outcomes were recorded. Data were recorded in Excel
and calculated using SPSS 26.
Result
Eighty patients presented with complaints of fever were included in this study. The
mean age of the patient was 25.49± 4.50 years. Out of 80 patients, 46 (57.50%)
presented with fever in the third trimester. The most common etiology of fever
being urinary tract infection in 21 (26%) cases followed by respiratory tract infection
in 20 (25.1%) cases. Twenty two newborns had low birth weight among which 12
(15%) neonates had IUGR. About 14 (17.5%) neonates were admitted in NICU due
to various complications and perinatal mortality was in 9 (11.25%) cases. The most
common antepartum complication was preterm labor in 16 (20%) cases.
Conclusion
Fever in pregnancy is still a challenge to obstetrician and the society at large due
its problems related to its prevention, diagnosis, management and its feto-maternal
outcome. Hence, an evaluation of the effect and outcomes of fever in pregnancy,
provides definite knowledge of clinical epidemiology, and facilitates optimum
prioritization of efforts and resources.
Keyword : Fever, Feto-maternal outcome, Pregnancy, Preterm labour
