Screening for Bacterial Vaginosis in Pregnancy to Prevent Preterm Delivery: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement

  1. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force*
  1. From the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, Maryland.

    Abstract

    Description: Update of the 2001 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation on screening for bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy.

    Methods: The USPSTF weighed the benefits and harms of screening for bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy by identifying new evidence addressing previously identified gaps from the 2001 USPSTF recommendation. Published literature on this topic was identified by using MEDLINE, Cochrane Library databases, the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, reference lists, and consultation with experts and was systematically reviewed. When data allowed, a series of meta-analyses (using new and 2001 report data) was done to estimate the pooled effect of treatment on preterm delivery (<37 weeks, <34 weeks, or <32 weeks) and on low birthweight and preterm, premature rupture of membranes.

    Recommendation: Do not screen for bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women at low risk for preterm delivery. (D recommendation)

    Current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women at high risk for preterm delivery. (I statement)

    Article and Author Information

    • Disclaimer: Recommendations made by the USPSTF are independent of the U.S. government. They should not be construed as an official position of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

    • Financial Support: The USPSTF is an independent, voluntary body. The U.S. Congress mandates that the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality support the operations of the USPSTF.

    • Requests for Single Reprints: Reprints are available from the USPSTF Web site (http://www.preventiveservices.ahrq.gov).

    • ↵* For a list of members of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, see the Appendix.

    Responses to this article

    • Were inclusion criteria for the USPSTF review on BV treatment during pregnancy consistently applied?
      • Emilia H. Koumans and
      • Kimberly Workowski, MD, Austin Uguwumadu, MD
      Ann Intern Med published online October 26, 2009

    Summary for Patients

    • Summaries for Patients:Screening Pregnant Women for Bacterial Vaginosis: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendations Ann Intern Med February 5, 2008 148:I-30
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    This Article

    1. Ann Intern Med February 5, 2008 vol. 148 no. 3 214-219
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