Epidemiology and risk factors for healthcare-associated maternal peripartum infections in Ukraine: results a multicenter study

To estimate the frequency of different types of healthcare-associated maternal peripartum infections and their risk factors among women in Ukraine.

Multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted in nine regional perinatal centers of Ukraine between January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2023. The criteria for specific healthcare-associated maternal peripartum infections (endometritis, episiotomy infection, and maternal sepsis) site were adapted from the CDC/NHSN case definitions. Surveillance was performed during the hospitalization period and up to 30 days after hospital discharge.

A total of 3600 deliveries by the vaginal route were performed during the study period, 600 (16.7%) maternal peripartum infections were observed. Of all maternal peripartum infection cases, 79.7% were detected after hospital discharge. The most common maternal peripartum infections include endometritis (54.8%), episiotomy infections (34.4%), and maternal sepsis (10.8%). According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the body mass index >25, placenta previa, premature rupture of membrane, prolonged rupture of membranes, manual removal of the placenta, multiple vaginal examinations, bacterial vaginosis, aerobic vaginitis, gestational diabetes mellitus, and anemia during pregnancy were independent risk factors for maternal peripartum infections.

Results this study suggest a high prevalence of healthcare-associated maternal peripartum infections in Ukraine. Several factors have been associated with increased risk of maternal peripartum infections, including pre-existing maternal conditions, placenta previa, prolonged rupture of membranes, and spontaneous or provider-initiated conditions during labour and childbirth.