Cesarean section is not protective against adverse neurological outcome in survivors of preterm delivery due to overt chorioamnionitis

Objective: To determine whether the mode of delivery has a protective value on the immediate adverse neonatal neurological outcome of infants born from pregnancies complicated by preterm chorioamnionitis. Methods: A comparison of the immediate and long-term neurological outcome of preterm neonates (24-34 weeks' gestation) of pregnancies complicated by chorioamnionitis, was made between those born by Cesarean section and by vaginal delivery. Results: Of the 73 newborns, 54 (74%) survived the neonatal period; two (2.7%) had incomplete records, leaving 71 for analysis. Thirty (42.2%) were delivered by Cesarean section and 41 (57.7%) vaginally. The obstetric and neonatal characteristics were comparable. Twenty-four (80%) survived in the Cesarean group and 30 (73.2%) in the vaginal delivery group (NS). There was no significant difference in the immediate adverse neonatal neurological outcome between Cesarean and vaginal deliveries. Conclusions: The mode of delivery did not significantly affect the immediate neurological status of preterm infants exposed to antenatal intrauterine infection.