Reduced Incidence of Preterm Delivery with Metronidazole and Erythromycin in Women with Bacterial Vaginosis

Preterm delivery is the primary cause of perinatal mortality in the United States. To date, no effective means of preventing spontaneous preterm delivery has been identified. At least in some cases, however, microbial colonization of the fetal membranes or the amniotic fluid, or alterations in the vaginal flora such as are seen in patients with bacterial vaginosis, have been associated with spontaneous labor and preterm delivery. 1 – 10 We undertook a prospective, double-blind trial to address three questions. First, does antimicrobial therapy reduce the incidence of preterm delivery in women at risk for preterm delivery? Second, does antimicrobial therapy reduce the . . .