Comparison of The Accuracy of Bacteria Urinalysis and Vaginal Swab (Culture) as The Screening Test to Predict Preterm Birth

Abstract

Preterm birth refers to the birth of a baby before the developing organs are mature enough to allow normal postnatal survival. Thus, premature infants are at greater risk for short and long term complications, including disabilities and impediments in growth and mental development. This research is conducted as part of the prevention efforts in the terms of early screening for preterm births. This research is aimed at comparing the accuracy between bacteriuria analysis and vaginal swab (culture) to predict a preterm birth outcome. This research is a prospective observational study with high similarity with diagnostic test in the exception that this study uses the occurrence of preterm birth itself as the so-called gold standard. Mothers who visit Puskesmas (Community Health Centre) and District Hospital for antenatal care or delivery Yogyakarta, Indonesia are recruited and taken urine and vaginal swab sample.Bacteria urinalysis has sensitivity 36.1%, specificity 33.8%, positive predictive value (PPV) 22.4% and negative predictive value (NPV) 50%. Vaginal swab culture in predicting for preterm birth has sensitivity of 47.2%, specificity of 80.8%, positive predictive value 56.6% and negative predictive value of 74.3%.Urinalysis has not been proven to be useful in predicting preterm birth. In the other hand, vaginal swab culture can be useful in ruling out preterm birth occurrences especially in high-risk pregnant women.